Coral Gables Riviera

Friday, March 28, 1941, page 7 (of 12)

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CORAL GABLES RIVIERA

ENJOY CORAL GABLES' SPRINGTIME | STAY THRU MAY | AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | 16TH YEAR NO. 7 CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, APRIL 4, 1941 PRICE FIVE CENTS

Straws In The Political Wind

by JIM MOORE Although we have no additional "official" announcements for you this week, several developments have taken place on the political scene that provide interesting copy. Firstly, it has become definitely established that Wallace A. Bell will seek reelection to his commission post. Although Mr. Bell has made no formal announcement, you can safely wager your next month's salary that his name will appear on the ballot. Mr. Bell has a reason for withholding his announcement at this time. When it does come, it will appear as a part of a ticket, now being lined up by the Taxpayer's Association. Just who his co-runners will be is still a matter of conjecture, but the announcement should be forthcoming soon. Following the publication of last week's column we had a call from Milton B. Garris, relative to our item saying that he was a "possibility". Milt says that, after thinking the whole thing over, he has decided that he can best serve Coral Gables as a private citizen and will not seek election. The former commissioner is at present working on two projects that will mean big things for Coral Gables when they are completed. A youthful note enters the campaign with the word that Ben Turner, young attorney, had been approached by some of the situation leaders to consider entering the race. While Ben has not completely made up his mind, he is giving the matter serious thought. We asked Robert Seymour, last election's businessman candidate, whether or not he was going to get back in the swim again, and while we did not get a "yes", neither did we receive a negative answer. Mr. Seymour cryptically stated, "I'm thinking about it and will let you know later." Registered voters received cards from the city clerk this week, checking on their eligibility. The cards should be filled out immediately, with any changes of address noted, and mailed as soon as possible. When these are in, the clerk will begin the bi-annual purging of the rolls, removing the names of persons who have moved away or who have died. When this is completed, the complete list of those purged will be published in the April 18 issue of The Riviera. The registration books open April 24, and now is the time to check up on yourself and see if you are qualified to vote. If you have voted in any previous city election, you are not required to re-register unless your name has been purged. You can check on this at the city clerk's office any time between April 24 and May 8, and if there is any doubt in your mind about your eligibility, we strongly urge you to do so. Above all, don't confuse registering for the presidential election or any of the county elections with registering for the Coral Gables election. If you are registered for a city election you signed the book at the city hall and at no other place. This is important, because at the last election quite a few persons were deprived of their vote because they thought they were registered and were not. And now a note to you new residents of Coral Gables concerning your qualifications. According to city charter, any person who has lived in the state for at least one year and in Coral Gables for six months prior to June 10, 1941, is eligible to vote. You do not have to own property, nor do you have to pay a poll tax. If you come up to these qualifications, by all means register when the books open. You are citizens of this community now, and it is your privilege and duty to take part in civic affairs. On the program for the Junior Woman's Club Cabaret tomorrow night you will find listed the name of "George Spelvin". Mr. Spelvin is a tradition in the theatre just as John Smith is familiar to hotel registers all over the country. When the time comes for a program to go to press and an actor has not been selected to fill one of the rolls, the name of George Spelvin is always substituted. We think it might be a good idea to get George into politics. It would be a nice comfortable feeling on election day, as we are torn between voting for one of two candidates to know that we can eliminate all that anguish by pulling the lever for good old George.

Scouts All Out For Hospital

Coral Gables boy scouts will not be in school today. Their schoolmates may envy them the day of freedom, but they're not taking a day off for fun. They are "all out" for the Crippled Children's Hospital today and tomorrow, along with all scouts of eight South Florida counties. Their contribution to the 'hospital is their two days of work, when they will distribute on the streets 100,000 envelopes, each containing a sheet of 100 Easter seals and a blank check with an addressed return envelope.

Pratt New Manager

Lu Pratt, operator of the first liquor store in Coral Gables in 1933, is the new manager of the Breeding liquor store at Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Coral Way. Pratt, who has been in business in or around the Gables for years, is a well-known figure to Gableites.

Driver Transferred

George Thomason, who was a bus driver in the Coral Gables transportation system, has been transferred to another city post. Thomason is now a patrolman in the Gables police force.

City Birthday Party Set For April 28th

Among Headliners in Saturday Night's Cabaret Mrs. Dana C. McLendon and Mrs. Wayne Withers go through their routine for "Cubanola," one of the numbers on the program for the eighth annual Junior Woman's Club Cabaret, which will be held tomorrow night at the Country Club of Coral Gables. The Cabaret will be a musical revue in fourteen scenes, with a cast made up of mingled amateurs and professional show folks.

Plan May Save City Funds In Bus Franchise Change

A new element entered the bus franchise discussions between the cities of Coral Gables and Miami this week when a proposal made by Miami's city commissioners offered a chance to remove the old streetcar rails at the east end of Coral Way at no cost to Coral Gables. This was a decided switch from the original plan to have the Gables shoulder the cost of removing the tracks and repaving the street in exchange for the new franchise. A change in the transportation franchise which will allow Coral Gables to use busses instead of streetcars on the Miami run was made by the Miami commission last Friday. Actually, busses had been in operation on this route ever since a hurricane five years ago tore down the power lines for the street cars. At the time the change in the franchise was made, Mayor Paul D. McGarry declared that Coral Gables would take out the old street car tracks and repave the Miami streets where (Please turn to Page 5)

J. G. Havens Dies in Gables

Funeral services were held yesterday for Joseph G. Havens, 79, of 2020 N. Greenway Drive, who died late Monday of a heart attack. Mr. Havens was superintendent of buildings at the University of Miami at Coral Gables, having been with the University since its founding in 1925, when he came here from Allenhurst, N. J. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Katherine Havens, and a daughter, Dorothy Havens, both of Coral Gables; two sons in New Jersey, and six grandchildren.

150 at Cornerstone Ceremonies Of Girl Scout Recreation House

A bright tropical sun pouring through the branches of the live oaks at the edge of the canal on the Biltmore golf course, formed the setting Sunday afternoon for 150 spectators, including proud parents and pretty girls in uniform, assembled to witness the laying of the corner stone of the Coral Gables Girl Scout recreational house. The eleven troops of Coral Gables and their sponsors are to be congratulated on their pioneering job. Names of all those Girl Scouts, council members, all those contributing materials and time, names of the house committee and a copy of the Riviera and daily papers were encased in the corner stone. The Rev. Father Joseph W. Barry gave the opening and closing prayers. The Rev. Leslie J. Barnette gave the dedication prayer. Miss Gertrude Steiner, director of Girl Scouts in Dade County, assisted and Mrs. D. D. Richardson, commissioner of Girl Scouts in Dade County, presided. Most impressive was the "living circle" of girl scouts formed about the new foundation as taps was sung. Even the"Brownies" in their brown uniforms and elfin caps went through a routine. There were flag bearers and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. The building was made possible by the Girl Scout council's gift of $200 and a gift of 550 feet of land by the (Please turn to Page 5)

Firebugs Lead Gables Firemen Hectic Chase

Monday night was a red-letter period for the Gables fire department, with a series of brush fires, apparently set by a group of youngsters, keeping them on the run from 8:40 to 10:20 p. m. Four fires which broke out almost simultaneously near the Coral Gables Elementary School grounds vied for attention with a fifth just west of Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Capt. J. H. Hardin, fire department head, declared that the fires had been deliberately set, and added that the department's investigation had brought a clue to the youthful "firebugs". Four youths in a light car were seen near the first lot which caught fire, and left the scene hurriedly. Hardin added that the fires, while they were brought under control early enough to avoid serious danger to property, had required the efforts of the entire department for almost two hours before danger was past.

Beer Named Club Manager

Sylvester Beer, manager of the Miami Biltmore Country Club, has been appointed managing director of the Rehoboth-Indian Beach Club at Rehoboth Beach, Del., J. E. Harris, secretary and treasurer of the Beach Club, announced this week. Beer, who has just completed his second winter season at the Biltmore Country Club, will arrive in Rehoboth May 1 to assume his duties. Prior to coming to Coral Gables, he managed hotels and clubs in Dayton and New York.

To Present Plays

Students of the Hollywood-British School of the Theatre will present a program of short plays and sketches this evening at 8:15 in the Colonade Building.

WINEGAR NEW HEAD OF LEGION

With a record membership present, Coral Gables Post 98, American Legion, on Wednesday night elected officers for the year 1941-42, burned the $1500 mortgage on the post home and announced a further improvement program to the club house located at Alhambra Circle and Salzedo ave. Wm. Edward Winegar, who resides at 647 N. Greenway Drive, was named commander. Sheldon Grebe and Charles Gogot, vice commanders; M. S. Cannelbge, chaplain; David Casey, sergeant at arms; Joseph Byers, historian; Leland Shepard, A. W. Barrett, E. C. 'Hodge and Harry W. Morganthaler as members of the executive committee. Before the mortgage burning ceremony in the patio on the Legion grounds, members of the post voted to erect an addition to the present club house which will house a combined lounge and game room. Construction will start at once. Membership in the post as of Wednesday night established a new record with 265, and passing last years total as of December 31st of 255 which was at the time of the largest record for the Gables post. Ed Winegar, as legionnaires know him, is a former resident coming to Coral Gables in 1937. He served with the Ordnance Corps in France during World War I, is a past commander of Carl Johnson Post, Grand Rapids, was Dept. Vice Commander, Michigan in 1921-2 and is a member of the Forty and Eight Society.

Bell Makes Flying Trip

City Commissioner Wallace A. Bell returned to Coral Gables Wednesday from a flying trip to Tallahassee, where he appeared before the state's Internal Improvement Board in an attempt to speed the city's plan to widen the mouth of the Coral Gables waterway. The city contemplates the acquisition of several pieces of submerged property near the canal's mouth to facilitate dredging operations, and is trying to clear up all property difficulties so that work may be started soon.

Big Net Card Slated Sunday

Sunday afternoon will see a top-notch tennis card at the courts of the Coral Gables Country Club, headlined by an exhibition between two of the nation's best feminine netters, Dorothy Bundy and Pauline Betz, and also featuring the finals in the current Club tennis tourney. Miss Betz, ranked as the country's second woman player, will play Miss Bundy, rated nationally in the third feminine singles bracket. The finals of men's singles in the tournament will be played at 1:30, starting the afternoon; and the men's doubles finals will wind up the day's play at 4 o'clock.

Ellis Transferred

Lieut. N. B. Ellis of Coral Gables, who was called from the naval reserve to active duty in October, has been transferred from the Miami area to duty aboard the U. S. cruiser Wichita. Ellis, who was supervisor of communications at Eastern Air Lines before he was called to duty, left here Wednesday.

DEATH TAKES R. E. LOWRY

Last respects were paid Wednesday afternoon to Robert Edward Lowry, 49, of 3155 S. W. 25th Terrace, well-known electrical contractor and owner of the Lowry Electric Co. at 2103 Ponce de Leon Blvd., who died at his home Tuesday after a long illness. Mr. Lowry, who came here 19 years ago from Dallas, Ga., had been in the electrical contracting business ever since his arrival. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Ethel J. Lowry, and a son, James R. Lowry, both of Miami; a daughter, Mrs. Ethel Lee Chesser, of Birmingham, Ala., and a sister, Mrs. Delia West, of Atlanta, and five grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 3 p. m. Wednesday in the McDuffy-Peacock home chapel, with Rev. R. E. Drymon of Fort Pierce officiating.

Plans Will Be Made On Monday

Plans for the celebration of Coral Gables' 16th birthday will be formulated when the committee named by City Manager A. B. Curry meets at 7:30 Monday evening at the City Hall. Following up the custom established last year, the passage of the community's 16th milestone will be marked by an all-day celebration with all civic clubs joining in the festivities. The day will be climaxed by a banquet and ball at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Climaxing the day's celebration will be a luncheon, at noon, honoring 400 members of the National Editorial Association, who will be the city's guests at the Country Club. The Association is composed of editors and publishers of small newspapers from all over the country. Included on the committee are C. L. Carpenter, of the Lion's Club, Mrs. Arthur W. Herrington, of the Woman's Club, and A. B. Curry, city manager. Other members are: Mrs. D. D. Richardson, of the Girl Scouts; Mrs. R. H. Montgomery, Fairchild Tropical Garden; Mrs. J. C. Pereno, P.-T. A. Council; Mrs. J. B. Thomas, Coral Gables Garden Club; C. A. Hansen, civic committee; J. E. Sudduth, Rotary Club; Mrs. J. S. Adams, Dade County Federation of Woman's Clubs; George B. Cheadle, Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce; H. B. Crosby, Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. W. B. Houston, Riviera; and James E. Webber, city clerk. An advertising program, sponsored by Coral Gables merchants, will invite residents to help Coral Gables celebrate its 16th birthday. Merchants will distribute badges to all customers.

Membership of Gables C. of C. Gains in March

Seventy-six new members and renewals were added to the membership roll of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce during the month of March, Alvie S. Lindborg, Secretary reported, making the organization the largest chamber of commerce per capita in the entire south, according to statistics. Owing to the wide extent of its service throughout Dade County, the local organization's membership list includes firms and individuals in communities from Hialeah to Florida City, Miami and Miami Beach. The list of members added in March were: Wilson and Toomer Fertilizer Co., The Bootery, (Please turn to Page 5)

Board to Meet

The long-awaited conference on the proposed palm tree planting program for Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Coral Way will see the light of day early next week, according to City Manager A. B. Curry, who said that the planning board will meet to discuss the proposal within the next few days.

Gables Protests Bay Flats Shacks

Dade County's commissioners this week announced their sympathy with a protest filed Monday by the city of Coral Gables against the building of additional shacks on the flats near Cape Florida. The city's protest to War Department offices in Jacksonville was prompted by several shacks recently erected by two beach clubs when lie within the city limits in the waters of Biscayne Bay.

Here for Vacation

Robert E. Schneider, Jr., a student at Moses Brown School, returned to his home here Friday for the spring vacation. Classes will meet again on April 8th. Robert is a member of the Track Team, and was an entry in both the 10th Annual Moses Brown Handicaps in Swimming and the Open Wrestling Tournament held recently at school.

$3,000 Spring Handicap Scheduled On Tropical Park Card Saturday

Only a few more courses remain on the Tropical Park menu but, like all well planned banquets, the tastier dishes are still ahead. Two final stakes must be decided before getaway day, April 10, the $3000 Coral Gables Spring Handicap at six furlongs, to be run Saturday, April 5, and the $10,000 added Tropical Handicap, richest of all Tropical Park races, the closing day classic. The Tropical 'Cap has attracted 47 of the best horses in southern training, and a majority of these eligibles have been nominated for the Spring Handicap sprint, further enhancing the prestige of this $3000 prize. Among the weekend hopefuls are such speed artists as Pass Out, Sunderdog, Doubt Not, Speed to Spare, Mar Le, Jayfece, Potranco, Liberty Flight, Robert L', Royal Man and Others. Pass Out, one of the stars of the 1940 three-year-old division, has been given a long and careful prep for the Tropical Handicap and may use the Saturday feature as a stepping stone to the richer doin's on April 10. Two of the thoroughbreds most interested in the handicap figures are Big Pebble and Get Off, the Circle M Ranch's one-two combination in the recent Widener Challenge Cup. They have remained in Miami with the getaway stake as their main objective.