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CORAL GABLES RIVIERA AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 16TH YEAR NO. 6 CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, MARCH 28, 1941 PRICE FIVE CENTS

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OUR TOWN

by Jim Moore Rumors that former Mayor Roscoe Brunstetter was going to throw his hat back into the political ring this year were scotched yesterday when Roscoe declared emphatically that he "wasn't interested" in seeking office again. The gossip ovens were hot with the item over the week-end, but Mr. Brunstetter's denial should put a stop to any further stories about his local political aspirations. Since Keith Phillips' announcement last Friday that he would seek the mayoralty post this June, no other potential grist for the political mill has come to light, although the names of scores of prospects are being bantered back and forth. Last election, if you remember, 13 candidates sought posts on the commission, while Paul D. McGarry and Charles W. Keyes were the only two candidates for mayor. None of the aspirants of two years ago have yet indicated whether or not they will try it again. Nor has that hardy perennial Duncan Held, who was not a candidate last time, said anything yet about running. Last election the names of Jack Kehoe, James P. Kohler, Larry Larson, Harry Morgenthaler, Jordan Peck, Keith Phillips, Fred Ralston, Hollis Rinehart, Jr., Robert S. Smour and Joe Whitney were all listed on the ballot. With the exception of Whitney, whose term does not expire and Morgenthaler, who has said definitely that he will not run, the rest can be regarded as "political potentialities", although none of them have shown any political activity yet this year. The election calendar is lined up now, and, for those interested, we are reproducing it here. It might be a good idea to clip it for future reference. POLITICAL CALENDAR MARCH 24— Registration books were opened for persons who do not expect to be in the city during the regular registration period. APRIL 24— Registration books open for regular registration period. MAY 8— Registration books close. MAY 13— Last day for candidates to file petitions. Petitions must be signed by 25 registered voters. MAY 16— Last day for candidates to accept omissions—this must be done in writing. MAY 26— Absentee baloting in person begins in city hall. No absentee voting by mail this year. JUNE 6— Last day to cast absentee ballots. JUNE 10— Election Day. The campaign, which is usually dated from the day the first candidate announces, started only four days earlier this year. In 1939, Phillips, McGarry, Rinehart and Avery (all incumbents) broke the ice by announcing together on March 24. Phillips' announcement this year came on March 21. You can also count on another "Taxpayer's- Association" ticket this year. The group showed a great amount of strength in the last election and succeeded in putting two of its candidates, Whitney and Bell, on the commission. This year they should be stronger than ever and extremely active. While it hasn't (Please turn to Page Four)

Gables Jaycees Open Post Office Oasis

The Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce this week opened a booth in the Postoffice building where Gableites and visitors could stop in for a free glass of orange or grapefruit juice. The orange juice promotion, which went on for a full week, was carried out with the cooperation of Hill, York and Co., Gipson Groves, Cray and Dains, Moore Sundries, Florida Power and Light, F.E.C. Fertilizer, George H. Close, Quail Roost Groves and Silver Palm Fruit Exchange. Jaycee president Wade Street is behind the counter as two fair shoppers test the wares.

'Stay Thru May' Campaign Launched by Power Co.

"Stay Thru May" is the message to Coral Gables visitors which will be carried in an intensive advertising campaign sponsored by merchants and the Florida Power and Light Company here. Announcement of the campaign was made yesterday by William D. Fuller, Florida Power and Light manager. Stressing the importance of informing our transient residents about Florida's spring season, Mr. Fuller commented, "Springtime in Florida is the best season of the year. We old-timers know it, but visitors who have enjoyed a tropic linter often leave without realizing they are missing the best weather, fun and natural beauty of the whole year." This is the fifth consecutive year that the utility company has promoted the Stay Thru May program. Plans this year include state-wide newspaper advertising and radio programs. In addition, windshield stickers bearing the slogan, "Stay Thru May—Enjoy Florida's Springtime", are being distributed throughout the state, as a means of keeping the message constantly before the visitors. The stickers, printed in attractive colors, are available free at all offices of the "Sunshine Service" company. Calculating results of the previous Stay Thru May campaigns, Mr. Fuller stated that all indices, year by year, have shown a marked upswing in business during the spring months. "There's no doubt that our so-called winter season is growing longer each year," he said. "Many visitors have learned from experience that they face uncertain weather in the north at this time, while Florida grows lovelier every day. Another factor building Florida's spring business is the growing popularity of springtime vacations here for thousands of persons who have had to spend the winter in the north." Lower living costs, less crowded conditions, ample living accommodations and sport opportunities equaling the winter programs are some of the advantages, he pointed out, of staying through May. Chambers of commerce, civic clubs and merchants are cooperating with the company in publicizing the invitation.

Exam at U. of M.

A special teacher's examination on the United States Constitution will be held Saturday afternoon, April 5, at 2 o'clock at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

Work Begun on 2 Apartments

Just nosing in before the end of the month, two new apartment houses got under way Thursday, adding some $35,000 to the value of Coral Gables building total for March. An eight-unit apartment house at 711 Almeria Ave., on which ground-clearing work was begun Wednesday. It will cost an estimated $25,000, and was designed by Upton Ewing. Mrs. Martha E. Grundmann saw work begin today on her three unit apartment, which, designed by David T. Ellis, will cost $10,000.

LION'S AUXILIARY HOLDS TELEPHONE BRIDGE PARTY

Members of the Lion's Auxiliary of Coral Gables held successful telephone bridge parties on the 20th and 21st of March in one another's homes according to Mrs. L. C. Shepherd, chairman. Dr. Frederick Glass, mayor of South Miami, won the cash award for the highest score. His score was 7980. Proceeds from the parties will be used towards the auxiliary fund for furnishing a room at the new Crippled Children's Hospital, now under construction.

Net Tourney Begins Here

Gableites will have an opportunity to see the University of Miami's tennis team in action, together with its amateur coach, Gardnar Mulloy, and a large group of the South's best players in the Fifth Annual Championship Tennis Tournament at the Country Club of Coral Gables, starting tomorrow afternoon. The principal trophy of the tourney is the Club's three-year cup, which will go permanently to the player who wins it three times. Gardnar Mulloy has won it twice, and may retire the trophy in this tournament. Tourney events will include men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and possibly mixed doubles. The tournament will continue through April 6.

22 More Draftees Slated to Leave

As the national defense program hits its stride, local draft Board Seven plans to send two more groups to camp within the coming two weeks. The first call will take 8 negroes to training April 3; while another call, for 14 whites, will be filled April 10. Names are not yet official.

DATE SET FOR WOMEN'S GOLF TOURNAMENT PLAY

Date of the first summer Friday tournament for the women players at the Country Club of Coral Gables has been set for April 18, according to Mrs. Betty Arends, chairman of the Women's Golf Committee.

BILTMORE TO CLOSE NEXT WEEK

Milton C. Chapman, managing director of the Miami Biltmore Hotel and Country Club at Coral Gables, announces that the hotel will close for the season on Tuesday, April 1. After that date Mr. Chapman will assume his duties as managing director of the Ocean Forest Hotel at Myrtle Beach, S. C., which opens for the summer season on May 22. Mr. Chapman returns to the Ocean Forest for his second season as managing director, and completes his eighth year at the Miami Biltmore. Victor Mitchell, assistant managing director of the Miami Biltmore, goes to Loon Lake in managing director of the Loon Lake House and cottages there in the northern Adirondacks region, opening the last week in June.

EMERGENCY GROUP WILL MEET HERE

After a nine-day delay, due to the difficulty of getting all its members together at a convenient time, the new emergency group which will organize Coral Gables to combat any natural or defense crisis will meet for the first time in the city commission rooms tonight at 7:45 o'clock. Headed by Mayor Paul D. McGarry, the committee is made up of men who are capable of taking charge of all vital activities in case of emergency, from food supply and reconstrcution work to police and fire activity. The committee includes A. B. Curry, George Shaw, James Moore, W. D. Fuller, H. H. Robinson, Gene Hunter, Mrs. R. E. Fowler, Frank Halley, Rodney Miller, Dr. Jack Cleveland, Capt. C. C. Reeves and Capt. J. H. Hardin.

Christiance Funeral Today

Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 4:00 o'clock in the Philbrick chapel for D. F. Christiance, 66, of 540 Almeria Street, who died at his home Wednesday morning following a long illness. Mr. Christiance, who came to Miami 27 years ago, has been a resident of Coral Gables four years. He engaged in real estate for some time after moving to Miami, and in 1925 became president of the Coconut Grove bank, holding that position until the bank's consolidation in 1930 with the Florida Exchange Bank. He was also a representative of the Southern Fertilizer Co. and the American Agriculture Chemical Co. here. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Daisy Christiance, of Coral Gables.

Indian Baritone Appears at U. of M.

In full regalia is Ish-Ti-Opi, Indian baritone, who will give the last two of a series of three lectures tonight and April 2 in the lounge of the administration building of the University of Miami at Coral Gables. The lectures and recital will be held at 8:30 p. m. The baritone is a noted authority on American Indian music.

Gables Legionnaires Plan Party For Mortgage Burning, Election

Nearly 250 of the 1941 membership of Coral Gables Post No. 98, The American Legion, are expected to attend the two-fold mortgage burning and election of officers program next Wednesday evening at the post home, Alhambra Circle and Salzedo Ave., according to Gene Hunter, post Commander. The post will make this a gala occasion as it will be free and clear of all debt, having paid off the last of its $1500 mortgage one year ahead of due date. Post 98 was chartered February 23, 1927 and until 1933 held its meeting in various locations in Coral Gables. In May of that year Coral Gables City Commission allowed the Post to occupy its present quarters, which was the original City Hall. In December 1937, the city commission traded the Post its present site for seven city lots the post owned at Salzedo and Aragon, now the site of the Coral Gables Police and Fire Departments. Work of renovating and adding to the newly acquired quarters was immediately started, providing a meeting hall and card room and was dedicated with A. B. Lambert as Commander in March 1938. Harry Morgenthaler requested the Post to place a three year mortgage on the building in order that a tap room, kitchen and other necessary additions be provided. This the Post undertook and will mark payment in full on next Wednesday evening. Candidates to be voted upon that evening to hold office for the next year are: Commander; J. M. Schoennwald, W. Edward Winegar, Vice-Commander; Charles Gobat, Sheldon Grebe, Lynn Upchurch and R. E. Thiel. Finance Officer: Morris Cummings and Ben Smethurst. Chaplain: Ted Landahl and Joe Murphy. Historian: Joe Byerly and L. A. Marvin. Sergeant at Arms: Herman Brown, Fred Fischer and David Casey. Executive Committee: A. W. Barrett, Roscoe Brunstetter, Andrew Houston, Pat Lignon, Harry W. Morgenthaler, August Saths, Leland C. Shepherd, Carl Warth and E. C. Hodge. The newly completed tap room is now open to the public and has been placed under the management of Charles Swinehart, well known tavern operator and a member of the Post. Complete club and restaurant facilities are available to the membership and the public.

BUILDING NOW NEAR $100,000

March came in like a lamb in Coral Gables building, but it's going out in true lion style, with a total in permits which will top the $100,000 mark by the end of the month. This month's total will top March of 1940 by at least $8,000, Building Inspector L. W. "Jimmie" Robinson revealed Thursday, and will bring the year building total up to the $300,000 mark. The first week in March brought in very few permits, but the building pace then has shot up strongly, with a total of 28 jobs up to March 26. Six of these were valued at over $5,000, with two new residences worth $17,000 or over. Two major remodeling jobs received building permits, as the Granada Shops and the Pa-Poya Co. both moved into new quarters. The Granada Shops received a permit for $1,200 in alterations in their quarters at Alhambra Circle and Le Jeune Road, while the Pa-Poya Co. planned alterations amounting to $3,000 to start remodeling the ice plant at 300 Aragon Ave. for manufacturing purposes. Robinson stated that permits already issued by Wednesday amounted to $82,000, and that plans in his office and alteration permits would bring the total to the $100,000 point even if no permits were issued by the end of the month.

Bandit Robs Beer Salesman

Another beer salesman fell victim to a holdup man Monday night when John Strickland, representative of the American Brewing Co., was robbed by an armed bandit at the corner of Almeria Ave. and San Amaro Drive. Strickland told police that as he was driving slowly toward the intersection, an armed man jumped on his running board, stuck a gun in his ribs, and said "Just keep quiet, buddy, and you won't get hurt." The thief, who was described as weighing about 175 pounds and standing about five, feet, nine inches, took $182 of personal funds and about $200 of company money, Strickland added. Althought Strickland notified police at 7:20 p. m., just after the robbery, no trace of the robber could be found. He was unable to say in what direction the thief's car, a black sedan, left the scene of the holdup.

Peck Joins Caster Firm

George B. Caster, realtor, 2508 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, this week announced that Donald F. Peck had joined his firm as an associate broker. Mr. Peck has been in the real estate business in Coral Gables for the past four years, with L. E. Huguelet and later with the Coral Gables Mortgage and Realty Company. Prior to that he was sales manager and manager of the mortgage loan department for the Keyes Company's main office in Miami. He is president of the Coral Gables Board of Realtors, and a member of the Lions Club.

Girl Scouts Building Cabin on Granada

Coral Gables Girl Scouts are busy with the construction of a new cabin, which will serve as scout headquarters at 3930 Granada Blvd. The cabin, which is being built under the supervision of the Girl Scout organization, was designed by Architect Upton Ewing.

From Chicago

Mrs. Daisy Fitzpatrick of Chicago, who has visited in Coral Gables in previous years, has taken an apartment at the Surf Villas, Surfside, this season.

KINGS DAUGHTERS MEET

The Greater Miami Circle of Kings Daughters will meet at 2 p. m. Wednesday at the home of Mrs. E. C. Latimer, 520 Avenue Majorea. All visiting Kings Daughters and others interested are invited to attend.

Mrs. Charlotte Story is building a new home at 4412 Santa Maria St. under the supervision of William Shanklin, architect. The Batcheller Construction Co. will construct the building, which will cost $17,000.

Wesleyan Glee Club to Appear Here Sunday Night

The Wesleyan Glee Club, composed of students of both Wesleyan College and Wesleyan Conservatory, of Macon, Ga., will appear in concert March 30 at the Coral Gables Methodist Church. This is the first tour of the club under the direction of Ralph Ewing, who was formerly associate director of the famed Westminster Choir of Princeton, N. J.