Name/Title
GovernanceEntry/Object ID
2017.21.37Scope and Content
Governance, 1970-1979
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, October 8, 1970. (handwritten)
Mr.Stuart presides, painting of exterior house cost $2,874.60, Edward Martin to remove trees, fire extinguishers need to be purchased, sign to be repainted and during this time house closed except by appointment, annual meeting for October 27, 1970, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 15, 1971 (handwritten).
Mr. Stuart presides, Mr. Martin, contracted to haul away brush did not do so, new and heavier lawn mower needed, possibility of burglar alarm installation.
Upsala Foundation Trustee Meeting Minutes, June 17, 1971. (handwritten).
Brief discussion on burglar alarm system.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, October 21, 1971. (handwritten)
Mr. Stuart presides, application for sales tax exemption being done, new lawn mower works well, burglar system almost complete.
Letter to President Robert S. Stuart, President Upsala Foundation from John W. Loomis, Assistant Attorney General, November 11, 1971 approving tax exempt status.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, January 2, 1972 (1972?), handwritten.
Mr. Stuart presides, tool shed needs repair and agreed to have work done, insurance policy bill to be paid, third floor staircase needs work but decided to paint exterior house now instead, J. Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, March 9,1972. (handwritten).
Mr. Stuart presides. New lock installed, burglar alarm still needs addressing, discussion on restoring third floor stairs and possible fund raising suggestions for project, questions around high cost of heating and inadequate quality, gift of stone from Quill Quarry for driveway received. Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Letter to Miss Deborah C. Ritter, Chairman Costume Museum, June 15, 1972 from Helen Matuskowitz thanking them for their help in information for clothing reproduction work.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, September 28, 1972. (handwritten).
Mr. Stuart presides. New furnace for caretakers quarters in process, part of ceiling in drawing room fell and caused much damage to furniture, repairs started, women's committee has sent $1000 for repainting the room, gift of mirror received from The Leather Bucket. Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Invitation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to dedication of Cliveden as National Trust Museum on 195th anniversary of Battle of Germantown.
Backside with photo of Samuel Chew, James Biddle and Mrs. Biddle at Cliveden House, 6401 Germantown Ave.
Newspaper article from Germantown Courier, October 5, 1972, "Cliveden to be a Museum". Article from The Evening Bulletin, October 11, 1972, "Cliveden: 'a living document' focusing on Chew family giving Cliveden to National Trust for Historic Preservation, photo of CLiveden House inclulded.
Newspaper article (undated) "This Mansion Turns Museum" from Bulletin Society Columnist about dedication with photo of Chew family including Lowry Chew Stephenson, with daughters Anne Chew Barringer, Elizabeth Chew Bennett, and brother David Chew Stephenson.
Meeting Minutes of the Meeting of the "Tours of Historic Germantown " Committee, July 19, 1973. Noted that all photos for brochure must be taken at Germantown Historical Society, role of guides discussed, need for organization to be pro-active because for 20 years had not really been functional, other resolutions concerning other aspects of operation presented and emphasis on accounting reports, social calendar and security issues discussed. Jane S. Smith, secretary pro tem.
Memorandum from Raymond V. Sheperd, Jr. to members of the "Tours of Historic Germantown Committee" about next meeting, September 13, 1973.
Upsala Foundation Trustee's Meeting Minutes, February 21, 1976, Page 2.
Women's Committee would turn over their saving account though money cannot be used without their approval, lawn mowers need service, hole in wall on south side needs repair, Germantown Historical Society will lend furniture from the Baker Collection. Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting MInutes, June 12, 1976.(handwritten, poor readibility)
Professional Services Agreement between The Upsala Foundation and National Heritage Corporation for the preparation of a Programming and Feasibility Study Upsala Mansion, June 22, 1976.
Focuses on assessments of Upsala Mansion and site to develop a plan for restructuring and needed new elements.
Letter from Robert S. Stuart , president of the Upsala Foundation to Friends of Upsala, October 1, 1976 announcing next general meeting and request for contributions.
Letter from Robert S. Stuart, Upsala Foundation announcing notice of special meeting at Upsala, December 10, 1976.
Though reelected as president by vote Women's Committee not happy with his reelection so will be another special election to determine if his position continues.
Handwritten slate from Women's Committee for officers, December 20,1976 with Mrs. Osborne Pfingst, Jr. listed as President.
Treasurer's Report for March 15, 1977.
Form, January 5, 1977 filed to secure non-profit status with Internal Revenue Service.
Upsala Foundation Trustrees Meseting Minutes, January 17, 1977.
President Mrs. Osborne Pfingst chairs, Mr. Norman Askins of National Heritage Corporation addressed trustees and indicated what study of architectural and structural aspects of Upsala would include, Upsala now incorporated, smoke alarm and fire insurance discussed, possibility of obtaining dining room table, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Letter from Law Offices of Balka, Levy & Weiman , January 18, 1977 to Eleanor Pfingst noting revised proposed By-Laws for the Upsala Foundation.
Letter from Law Offices of Balka, Levy & Weiman, Louis Levy to Eleanor Pfingst, February 1, 1977 concerning by-laws of Upsala Foundation.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, February 21, 1977.
New sign being prepared, annual card party planned, feasibility study by National Heritage Corp. in process, heating and electrical systems will be checked, smoke alarm estimates presented, Committee for By-Laws set up with chirman Mr. Bridger, members Mr. Sheperd, Mr. Welsh, Mr. Bramble and Mr. Levy.
Upsala Foundation Trustrees Meeting Minutes, March 21, 1977.
Estimates received for burglar alarms, Feasibility study to start in April, wall paper in dining room needs repair by expert, group of historic houses planning two hundredth anniversary of Battle of Germantown, Women's Committee planning cocktail party, Harrison School will visit Upsala, Mr. Stuart must come for his furniture and return keys to house, Germantown Courier gave Upsala nice write up, March 17, 1977, discussion on changes in by-laws.
Letter from Louis E. Levy, (Ettinger, Silverman, Balka, Bash& Levy), March 22, 1977 to Eleanor Pfingst, Jr. about by-laws and specifically changing # 40.
Upsala Board Meeting MInutes, April 25, 1977.
Anonymous donor gives $1000 for restoration, gutters a priority with floors and 2nd floor landing next, telephone a possibility, Jean Barber, author of "Lafayette" will place book for sale at Upsala and allow 40% to be kept, meeting for 200th anniversary affair October 1st weekend, Charles W. Walsh for Deborah C. Ritter,secretary.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, May 23, 1977.
Battle of Germantown, 200th anniversary program discussed, treasurer's report, County Fair for October 1, need gravel for driveway, will look into grant for box gutter repairs, Women's Committee paid for most of dining room table.
Upsala Foundation Trustrees Meeting Minutes, June 27, 1977.
Joint plans with Cliveden for 200th Battle of Germantown continue, donations of furniture listed, feasibility study on restoration by John Milner Associates to be completed July10, D. A. R. would like to use Upsala for five meetings,search for new treasurer with Mrs. Robert Madden of Sports and Specialty agreeing to take position, by-laws discussed, Edwin C. Bramble, secretary.
Letter, June 27, 1977 from Louis E.lll Levy to Eleanor Osborne Pfingst about by-laws clarification.
Treasurer's Report, July 27, 1977 by Diana D. Madden .
Letter (handwritten) from Mrs. Osborne Pfingst, Jr. to "Debbie" about by-laws and need to have everyone present for vote of approval, DAR could not use Upsala because of rest room issue, and plan for 200th anniversary celebration continue.
Letter, August 30, 1977, form Louis E. Levy to Mrs. Osbourne Pfingst, Jr. with comments on by-laws issues.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Trustees Meeting Minutes, September 12, 1977.
Treasurer's report from Mrs. Robert Madden, Feasibility study cost estimates completed and listed, gutter estimates received as were painting estimates, Cliveden and Upsala Country Fair discussed, new by-laws handed out, St. Martins Coal Company suggests budget fuel plan, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Copy of By-Laws of the Upsala Foundation, Inc., September 12, 1977.
The Upsala Foundation, Inc. annual meeting October 11, 1977 slate for the Board of Trustees.
Upsala Foundation Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, November 7, 1977.
Mrs. Madden gives treasurer's report, Mrs. Pfingst and Miss Ritter select furniture from Baker Collection at Germantown Historical Society, heating, plumbing and electric issues discussed. Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Inc Board Meeting Minutes, December 5, 1977.
Treasurer's report, John Milner restoration architect encourages writing grant to Pa. Historical and Museum Commission,Women's Committee established nominating committee for election of their officers, donations noted, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Ballot for Officers and Trustees of The Upsala Foundation, Inc. for 1978.
Upsala Foundation Board Meeting Minutes, January 30, 1978.
Treasurer's Report, Mrs. Pfingst and Mr.John Milner applied for emergency stabilization grant from state, Germantown Historical Society lawyer sent agreement to Upsala about furniture they loaned, concern over high heating oil bills, Fire Department placed lien on Upsala for not having fire extinguishers filled, Women's Committee annual card party for May 24, Germantown Day will be on May 30 and Swedish ambassador will attend, list of trustees included, secretary, Deborah C. Ritter.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, March 1, 1978.
Upsala Foundation now incorporated and has new by-laws, Feasibility study completed by John Milner Associates and structure sound, copper pipe replaced from curb to house, heating system checked by Edward B.O'Reilly & Associates for free and in good working condition, Moffa Electric Company donated wiring check, donations from generous people, annual appeal letter increased membership by over 300%, Eleanor C. Pfingst.
Upsala Foundation Board Meeting Minutes, March 13, 1978.
Treasurer's Report, Mr. Levy working on federal income tax issues, refrigerator not working, need new lawn mower, request for new thermostat so can lower heat temp, bus tour will come to house May 23, most pressing matter is Emergency Grant, critical to get resolved so box gutters can be replaced and prevent further interior water damage, Deborah C. Rittter, secretary.
Treasurer's Reports for March 6 and April 17, 1978.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, April 17, 1978.
October 8 to be date for annual cocktail party, several tours have been to house, Upsala to be featured on Germantown Day, agreed that work on gutters should proceed even though grant not yet received, must backfill and gravel driveway, lengthy discussion on problem with Mr. Sterling and Upsala's back driveway, must address condition of lawn and who will take care, C. Wesley Welsh for D. Ritter.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, May 15, 1978.
Thanks to Mr. Sheperd for doing backfill, trash from lawn removed by Jim Andrea, Mr. Sheperd and Mrs. Madden to be co-chairs of new grounds committee, would be too expensive to insure furniture, four young men- Bill Pfingst, John Knight, Mr. Hubber and Mr. Ryder- to redo kitchen over summer, Mr. Bramble and Mrs. Pfingst to go to Harrisburg to help get grant, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Letter from Louis Levy (attorney at Ettinger, Silverman, Balka, Basch & Levy) to Eleanor Pfingst, June 14, 1978 concerning a "Use" contract in reproducible form for Upsala Foundation, Inc.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, June 19, 1978.
Treasurer's Report, Women's Committee Card Party made profit and proceeds from Cocktail Party will go to new kitchen, following tours scheduled, July 8-Wanderlust Group, October 5-Abington Coteria Club, November 20- Quester Group, briefed on plans for new kitchen, C. Wesley Welsh II acting secretary.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, September 12, 1978.
Treasurer's Report, Cliveden County Fair for October 8 and Upsala will be open, letter sent to Random Garden Club for assistance, October 15 will sponsor talk by Dr. Sheperd , Dean of Fine Arts at Allen's Art Center, November 2 Virginia Curtin will lecture on silver , need to find new tenants, have received first approval on grant money, bid in for gutter and cornice repair, young man hired to cut grass injured himself and taken to Germantown Hospital, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
The Upsala Foundation, Inc. annual appeal letter from Eleanor C. Pfingst.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Annual and Board Meeting Minutes, October 11, 1978 ( 3 copies).
Treasurer's Report, Women's Committee thanked for most successful card party in history and cocktail party which raised enough money to almost completely pay for new kitchen, grant will be approved ($7500), new prospective tenants interviewed, lease prepared, nominees listed and approved for officers, trustees, historical advisor and honorary members.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, November 14, 1978.
Treasurer's Report, grant approved, contractor Mr. Cornell asked to begin work, need for proper equipment for winter and summer maintenance, inventory committee to list all furniture and decorative objects, training for guides should be started, historical marker should be placed in house, schedule of upcoming tours and affairs, lease with new tenants, Zimmers, will be prepared.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, December 12, 1978.
Treasurer's Report. Women's Committee will decorate house for Christmas and plan lecture/luncheon for March, training schedules for tour guides set, roof, gutters and valleys to be repaired, fireplaces not to be used until checked because not used since 1940's, telephone for house discussed, John Milner Associates having party at Upsala in December, Mr. Burnap Post will work on publicity for house, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, January 9, 1979. (2 copies)
Treasure's Report, six month water bill very high so will contact water company, training for guides occurred, new refrigerator purchased, recommended by Philadelphia Cricket Club groundkeeper that Upsala use private contractor because of maintenance issues, only electric heater for kitchen at this time, Steven Kurtz to start roofing work, telephone installation too costly at this time, ideas for fund-raising seen as priority and ideas discussed, newly found damage to floor found on third floor and must be fixed, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Letter from attorney Louis E. Levy (attorney) to William K. Watson, Grant Manager at Office of Historic Preservation, with copy of Declaration of Covenants now recorded in Department of Records in City of Philadelphia in Deed Book DCC No.. 1824, Page 538.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, March 13, 1979.
Treasurer's Report, Mrs. Baizley reports Women's Committee will have lecture on 18th century Philadelphia by Dr. Tinkcom and annual card party being planned, inventory completed, gutter work almost finished, Mrs. Bowen president of Penn's Town Historical Society gives $500 to Upsala, Miss McKensey, curator of Wyck is getting Germantown houses together and hopes to have trolley-bus tours from May to October, problem with last wedding at Upsala which went on until 330 am, must improve rules and fees, need hot water heater for kitchen, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, April 10,1979.
Opening discussion by Miss Sandy McKenzie, curator of Wyck on trolley tours she is attempting to organize, treasurer's report by Mrs. Madden, bill for repairs by Cornell and Sons of $15, 300 to be paid, will look for another grant, new Upsala brochure being prepared, lawn mower/snow blower purchased, new electric water heater installed.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, May 8, 1979.
Mr. Tourison reports on water bill and notes how it was determined that water meter faulty, Mrs. Madden's treasurer's report, card party in process, will print 5000 copies of new brochure, Mr. Wainwright spoke to Boy Scouts at Valley Forge and Mr. Peter Kaprielyan of scouts said they would like to do outside work at Upsala, painting of retirement room to start with $500 from Penns Town Historical Society, trolley tours will start, Deborah C. Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, June 12, 1979.
Mrs. Madden gives treasurer's report, Women's committee had successful card party, Mr. Post had completed new flyer, details of assisting Zimmers (tenants) with heating bills, looking into heating kitchen, maintenance issues with north down spout and rail of the stairs, Women of Greater Philadelphia to help with printing map for trolley/bus tours of Germantown, Friends of Independence Park will lunch at Upsala May 7. ( A hand-written copy of these minutes also).
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, July 10, 1979.
Mrs. Pfingst reads letter from Mr. Weintraub, State Preservation Officer stating that Upsala will get additional $1,627.98 with existing grant, decided that having Boy Scouts help with maintenance work impractical, getting bids for painting house, The Association of Germantown Houses report that money for printing map for October tours raised, need to ventilate basement area, dates selected for inviting private school students initially for tours and letter will be sent about this. ( A second copy of July 10 Minutes.)
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, August 14, 1979. (2 copies)
Treasurer's report, Mr. Post thanked for his work on Annual Appeal Letter, grant funds in excess of $4000 received with additional $4,271.79 coming, suggested that Heckman, Inc. be given painting contract because they had done it 10 years previously, Mrs. Richard Wilson, Mrs. Nicholas Clemente and Mrs. Henry Schleicher of Friends of Independence Hall are chairpersons of Germantown Tours, decided to go with electric heater for kitchen.
Upsala Foundation Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, September 11, 1979. ( 3 copies)
Will look into professional cleaning of gutters, Mrs. Pfingst signed contract with Heckman Bros. for painting house, Ruthe Seltzer, the columnist, will visit Upsala for luncheon for the Associated Germantown Houses, weddings scheduled for November and December, meeting of Historic Task Force at Cliveden barn, Mrs. Baizley, dhasirman of the Women's Committee reports luncheon/lecture and training session for guides.
Annual Meeting Minutes of the Upsala Foundation, Inc., October 9, 1979.
Treasurer's report, Women's Committee report focusing on fund raising activity and tours, Mrs. Pfingst reported on grants received from Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, noted that past year saw 14 private parties: 2 cocktail parties, 1 dinner dance, 1 office party and 10 weddings, Associated Germantown Houses will promote Germantown with trolley-bus tours, nominations for board listed.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, November 13, 1979. ( 2 copies)
Thanks and praise from Germantown Historical Society for Upsala brochure, treasurer's report, membership drive somewhat ahead of last years, shed to be constructed for new lawn mower, grant monies coming in, meeting with a Mr. Steve Kurtz about cleaning gutters twice/ year, basement and attic need cleaning re fire hazard concerns, Mr. Mackin accepts being named Property Committee chair, chimneys need repair, insurance discussed.
Upsala Foundation, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes, December 11, 1979.
Treasurer's report, Random Gardsen Club had done Christmas decorations, Mr. Tourison plugged chimneys, dead tree removed, dining repaired and painted by Conrad Heckman, storage shed completed, Mr. Kurtz cleaned gutters, inventory of Upsala will be done in January, secretary, Edwin C. Bramble.Collection
UpsalaArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
1970 - 1979Archive Items Details
Date(s) of Creation
1970 - 1979