Coral Gables Riviera

WHY TRAVEL MILES TO SHOP? IT'S EASIER TO SHOP IN CORAL GABLES

CORAL GABLES RIVIERA

AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 16TH YEAR NO. 4 CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, MARCH 14, 1941 PRICE FIVE CENTS

YOUR CUSTOMERS READ THE RIVIERA

OUR TOWN

by Jim Moore One of the nice things about writing a column is that every now and then we bat out one, the responses to which practically write a column themselves. Although its an old dodge with columnists to dip into the mail bag, to save themselves the effort of writing a column, in this instance that is not the case. We are quite impressed with the amount of thought that has gone into the replies to our column on the University tennis court situation. We are grateful to the writers of the following letter for their opinions. We believe you readers will find them worthwhile reading. James B. Moore, Editor Coral Gables Riviera Dear Sir: After reading the published objections, and looking over the territory carefully, I am personally quite firmly convinced the proposed University tennis grounds will be a distinct improvement to the neighborhood, and an asset to the town. I can't help recalling that the builders who have improved Harlano street consistently advertised (and still do) the proximity of the location to the University, as a selling argument; then and now, they advertised truthfully, for with the expansion of the University plant, this property will enhance in value. Everyone knows the University buildings is just the beginning. These tennis courts are just one of the steps ahead it must and will have to round out institutional facilities. But it has been and is a struggle for the University to keep pace with the demands upon it. Necessarily, private donations are sorely needed, and when they come they fill some long felt want of the University. So, I offer three cheers for that "rash" young man Gardner Mulloy, who saw what was needed, and proceeded to raise the money for the purpose, even without consulting with the City Commission! Out of the $9184, he perosnally raised $6500., it is said! Here is a challenge to our civic pride - has any person or group in Coral Gables matched that effort ince 1926? It make us ashamed of ourselves - and ought to put us on our toes fighting for this project, not trying to lamb a goal kick man on our own team! I wish the town could trade in about a hundred flat tires like myself for two or three spark plugs like Mulloy! Let's get this straight: Coral Gables is a University town; its future as a highly desirable redidential city, free from objections which exist elsewhere, is tied up with the growth of the University. And the University is going to expand and expand, and that in its present neighborhood. And every one who has bought property near the University for many years past has been, put on notice of that situation. It's here to stay and to grow and grow! We should all be willing to pull together for the town and the University - to fight for it, to give to it. If there is anyone who owes the town nothing - I can't figure that out, myelf - at least he owes the world something; and the two things the university provides - education, character building - are the world's greatest need today. As we live in a University town, we must expect about us some of the recreational activities of lively youth - and let's thank the Lord that we do, for it will help us from getting too crabby and crotchety and selfish as we grow older. Some of the objectors, who take a calm view, have appre- (Continued to Page Seven)

Ponce Cagers in Action . . .

-Photo by H. N. Rath IT'S A BASKET FOR PONCE. Latham Collins has just made a winning basket. Jumping up for the rebound that never came are Ed Grafton, Bill Starmann, and Bud Thue. Tae Cavaliers closed their season by splitting a pair of games with Key West last week. West Palm Beach defeated Ponce in the first round of the District tournament.

Ten 2-Year-Olds Slated For Tropical Stake Race

Ten youngsters, the pick of the Miami stables, are expected to take a fling at fame and fortune in Saturday's second running of the $2000 added Orange Blossom Stakes. Inaugurated in 1940 and won last season by General Jack, two-year-old colts and geldings will go postward in quest of the winner's share of the purse, expected to net in the neighborhood of $1900. Favored in the early rundwon is the Allen T. Simmons entry which will be drawn from among Bold Question, Eternal Bull, General Jean and Zo Zo. Seldom in the recent history of the Miami turf, has one outfit revealed a quartet of such fleet young runners, and any one of the four may prove to be the ultimate winner. Bold Question is the mainstay of the barn, although the unbeaten Zo Zo may yet prove the best of the lot. General Jean and Eternal Bull have also revealed their own fitness for the Saturday task. Marshall Feld's Ack-Ack, named for the anti-air defense guns which make a peculiar "ack-ack" sound while in operation, also looms a formidable factor in the division of the spoils. He won impressively on a recent afternoon. Mrs. A. B. Karle's K. Rounder is also expected to be a starter, taking the place left vacant by his stablemate, K. Dorko, one which came up with a case of bucked shins. Ben F. Lister is equally high on his juvenile gelding, Whitinsville. This one's maiden start was not too impressive, but his works have been on the lightning side and he is a certain entry. The starting field, according to the present outlook, will be drawn from among Ack-Ack, Harkim, K. Rounder, Methodical, Whitinsville, Tee Midge, Willow Springs and two of the Allen Simmons eligibles. These are the pick of the 31 original nominees, and with a fast track there is every liklihood the track record for the half mile distance, 46 seconds, also a world's record for two year-olds; set last year at Tropical Park by Double Call, will be shattered.

From New York

Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Thomas of New York are spending two weeks as guests at the Antilla Hotel.

British Aid Group Plans Branch Here

In keeping with the "all out" policy of rendering every possible assistance to England, a local branch of "Bundles for Britain" has just received its charter from the Main Office in New York City. Through courtesy of Mr. Arthur Fishman, the Coral Gables branch will open on Monday March 17th at 2205 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, and will be open each week day from 9:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. "Bundles for Britain" is a non-profit corporation which has been recognized by the United States Government as a recognized War Relief Bureau. The local work will include distribution of wool, sewing groups, collection of old clothing and shoes, and the sale of knitting accessories and the sale of patriotic costume jewelry etc. The store will be manned entirely by volunteer workers who reside in the Gables and Cocoanut Grove, and volunteers for knitting are being sought. There is no memebrship charge, nor are there any special requirements necessary to become workers.

Death Takes Mrs. Ferguson

Funeral services were held Saturday at Combs Funeral Home for Mrs. Carstairs Ferguson who died March 6th following a short illness. A winter visitor from New York Mrs. Ferguson was a guest for the past five months at the Casa Loma and for many previous years spent her winters at the old San Sebastian Hotel. She leaves a daughter, Miss Frances Ferguson of Stamford, Conn.; a sister, Miss Maria C. Brooks of New York City; and a brother James Carstairs of Philadelphia.

May Buy Coliseum

While no definite negotiations have taken place as yet, C. E. Rittenhouse, Roller Derby executive, has indicated an interest in purchasing the Coral Gables Coliseum for his company, Chamber of Commerce officials revealed Wednesday. Rittenhouse is interested in the possibilities of using the building as a convention hall, and hopes to get support from his Chicago home office in the venture, the Chamber announcement added.

Police Ball Big Success

With a perfect night for the event, the Annual Ball of the Coral Gables Police Benevolent Association Wednesday night turned out to be one of the biggest and best affairs of its kind ever held in Coral Gables. Oven 1000 persons were on hand to see the show, which, headlined by Harry Richman, Sophie Tucker and Joe Lewis, also drew to Coral Gables such names as Terry Lawler, Henry Dunn (of Cross and Dunn), Leon Fields and Columbus and Carroll. Ovation of the evening was received by Sophie Tucker, last of the "red hot mammas," who brought down the house with her old stand-by, "Some Of These Days." Hem Olson's band played for the show and for the dancing which followed it. Police expressed their satisfaction, saying that the show from the standpoint of high attendence had been a success not only but that it had set a new high for entertainment value.

Bank Addition Now Under Way

Although plans for interior remodeling are still incomplete, work started this week on an expansion move which will bring the Coral Gables First National Bank quarters about twelve feet out to the sidewalk edge on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Bank officials said that the new walls would be erected where the columns now stand on the sidewalk, and that the job should be completed within five weeks. While workmen are enlarging the building, plans are being drawn up for an extensive remodeling program for the interior. The interior work will result in a modernization of the bank offices, but designs are not yet complete.

G. MULLOY IN REPLY TO CRITICS

By GARDNAR MULLOY I have been asked to answer some letters concerning the proposed University of Miami tennis stadium and courts as get forth in the last issue of the Coral Gables Riviera. The University of Miami has inadequate intramural facilities and therefore thousands of students will suffer as long as these facilities are not improved. A major college needs extra-curricular activities to build spirit and tradition. We have been asked why we didn't build the stadium and intramural field on the property of the original University site - on property the University owns. This would defeat our purpose to have, would be far greater dressing facilities and the courts would be too far away from the main buildings to create and build interest in the present University itself. If someday the University of Miami is moved down there, the present buildings will not be abandoned as they will be used for medical or law schools or otherwise. Thus the tennis courts would always be used (Continued to Page Seven)

KiwaniisShow Ticket Sales Going Good

With advance ticket sales indicating a capacity crowd, Coral Gables Kiwanians continued plans this week for their first annual benefit Water Revue and Style Show at the Miami Biltmore Pools on the evening of March 21. Members of the planning committee have asked the co-operation of Coral Gables stores in getting the program out, and taking part include Daniels, Cary, Sevilla Hat Shop, Frances Beauty Salon, Alma Sanchez, The Bootery, Gladys Winthrop, Valencia Shop, Dianne, Elite Beauty Salon, Minna Lee, La Modern Gift Shop, Coral Gables Dress Shop and the Coral Gables Flower Shop. Carmen Balfour of the Hollywood-French School of the Theatre will announce the show and Viola Belasco will coach the models. The pool show, which attracts thousands to the Sunday performances, will be staged under the direction of Edmonder Orr, master showman and originator of the pool show idea. In addition to aquatic events, other sensational acts are being planned. Those wishing good seats are asked to contact a member of the Kiwanis Club as soon as possible. Tickets can also be obtained at The Riviera office and the Coral Gables Federal Savings and Loan Association.

C. of C. Pushes Potatoes Citrus

Merchants of Dade County participating in the Food Stamp plan being inaugurated March 17, by the United States Department of Agriculture, Florida State Board of Welfare, District 9, and the Dade County Commissioners, have been urged to suggest the purchase of Dade County new Red Bliss potatoes and Dade county citrus fruits by stamp holders in order to aid the local growers, Frank N. Holley, jr., President of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce reported. Of the 21 surplus commodities included in the stamp plan as an aid to growers or producers throughout the United States, the only two affecting Dade countians are Irish potatoes and citrus fruits. However the list of surplus commodities does not specify, "new potatoes", but plain Irish potatoes, originally planned to help move the surplus Maine crop.

Mayor McGarry Lists Names of Gableites Who Will Serve On Committee For Emergency Among New Committeemen

13 NAMED IN NUCLEUS As Mayor Paul D. McGarry announced the names of the men who will form the emergency group for Coral Gables this week, plans were made to hold a meeting of all members of the newly-appointed committee on Wednesday evening, March 19. The organization, which is designed to give Coral Gables a unit of trained specialists in case of defense emergencies or catastrophe, such as a hurricane, is made up of one representative in each of fifteen fields vital to the committee, but due to his Mayor McGarry is chairman of city's welfare in times of stress. absence from the city, A. B. Curry, city manager, who is assistant to the mayor in the emergency group, will preside at the first meeting. The personnel of the committee which will organize the emergency setup include Mayor McGarry, chairman; A. B. Curry, assistant to the chairman; G. N. Shaw, secretary, and chief census officer, and James Moore, managing editor of the Riviera, who is in charge of dissemination of information. W. D. Fuller will represent public utilities, while H. H. Robinson will oversee short-wave radio communication. Aeneas Rountree will represent ex-service men and all emergency personnal, having been officially designated by the commandant of the American Legion post. Mrs. R. E. Fowler will represent the Woman's Auxiliary of the American Legion. Other committee members include Frank Holley, representing housing and ration outlets; Rodney Miller, reconstruction work; Captain L. C. Reeves, police; Captain J. H. Hardin, fire department, and Dr. Jack Cleveland, who will represent the medical profession. A. B Curry announced yesterday that the committee meeting Wednesday night will be the first meeting of the men named to organize the entire setup and that complete plans would be made to enlist volunteers for the various departments. The volunteers who offer their services will see actual training in the fields they choose. Police volunteers will serve several hours a month, riding routine. Fire volunteers will see the very best of training police active training in the same manner. Wednesday's meeting will take place at 7:30 p. m. in the commission room in City Hall.

Annual Southeastern Tournament Attracts Top Bridge Names Here

Nearly 100 of the nation's top-ranking players opened the first of the four-day session of the annual Southeastern tournament of the American Contract Bridge League at the Miami Biltmore here Thursday. The matches are open to the public. Among those taking part in the tournament are Waldemar von Zedtwitz, chairman of the board of directors of the league and one of the three highest-ranking masters of the world. Donor of the von Zedtwitz gold cup for the masters pair event, he has his name inscribed on every championship trophy in play, having, at ont time or another in the last ten years been a winner of each event. Charles H. Goren, also a life master, is two-time winner of the McKenney trophy as the most valuable player of the year. He recently won the open pair championship of the United States with Mrs. A. M. Sobel of New York as his partner. Charles J. Solomon of Philadelphia, also a life-master, was one of the team-of-four with Mr. Goren which won the match-point team-of-four championship three successive years. Miami's representative in the tournament is blind Patrick Dunne, who uses brailled cards. Acclaimed by many critics as one of the greatest players in the country, he always attracts a large gallery. Maj. Clarence Wyatt of Richmond, Va., president of the Richmond Bridge association, is ranked one of the best Southern players as is Col. Robert J. Gill of Baltimore, national president of the league. William E. McKenney, national executive secretary of the league and is another strong contender. Henry S. Chanin of Atlanta is regarded as the No. 1 ranking player in the South. In 1940 he played in the two national championships, finishing second (Continued to Page Seven)

67 WOMEN AID CHEST

Sixty-six women went into action this week, making the $288,000 campaign of the Dade County Community Chest a door-to-door soicitation in Coral Gables. Under the leadership of Mrs. Malcolm McDonald, these women, divided into six teams, are canvassing the Gables and also South Miami for the chest. They are striving to complete their task this week so that they will be able to tell of its finish at the first report meeting of the campaign, to be held at the Columbus hotel, Miami, Monday noon. Each team is headed by a captain and the number of workers varies from eight to 13. The teams, with the names of their captains and workers, follow: Mrs McGregor Smith, captain; Mrs. T. C. Mayes, Mrs. E. F. P. Brigham, Mrs. S. N. Greene, Mrs. H. E. Simpson, Mrs. J. W. Keek, Mrs. J. M. Ccker, Mrs. Sam McCormick and Mrs. W. R. Blackwood. Mrs. J. Paul Reed, captain; Mrs. S. S. Wheat, Mrs. M. C. Weir, Mrs. Charles H. Pietsch, Mrs. J. W. George, Mrs. Ethel Wilson, Mrs. Ewing P. Shahan, Mrs. L. T. Haye, Mrs. Clark Olney and Mrs. Tom B. Steuenberg. Mrs. P. B. Spofford, captain; Mrs. Roy Wolfe, Mrs. Will MeDavitt, Mrs. E. L. Griffith, Mrs. C. H. Summers, Mrs. C. H. Ward, Mrs. David McDonald, Mrs. C. H. Ward, jr., Mrs. Ther- (Continued on Page Six)

Funeral Held By Legion

Funeral services were conducted by the Coral Gables American Legion post Monday at Graceland Memorial Park for Thomas C. Killgallen, post member of long standing, who died Saturday morning in the Veterans' Hospital after a brief illness. Mr. Killgallen entered the hospital Thursday with a cold, which developed into pneumonia and resulted in his death early Saturday.

"Africa Speaks" at Men's Club Meeting

Highlighted by a talk on "Africa and Native Customs," by J. L. Knight, the Men's Club of the Congregational Church will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock. Knight, who resides in Jacksonville, spent several years in Africa as an engineer in the diamond mines there.