Coral Gables Riviera

CORAL GABLES RIVIERA

AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 16TH YEAR NO. 17 CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, JUNE 13, 1941 PRICE FIVE CENTS

REMEMBER FATHER'S DAY SUNDAY

ATTEND NEW COMMISSION'S INDUCTION NOON TODAY

City Planning to Purchase Water System Election Victors Take Office at Noon Today Freeholders Special Vote Is Required

A proposal to sell the Consumers Water system to the city for $800,000 of 30-year serial bonds, bearing three per cent per annum interest, was accepted Wednesday by the City Commission in a meetin gwit hofficials of the Florida Power and Light Company. The meeting was attended by the present commission, (except Shaw), A. B. Curry, City Manager, and Commissioners-elect Andrew Healy and Thomas Mayes. Also present were MacGregor Smith, president of the Florida Power and Light Company, Natt W. Wagner, New York bond broker, W. C. Preston, utility company attorney, City Manager A. B. Curry, City Attorney Morton B. Adams and George N. Shaw, director of finance. The maturities of the bonds are so scheduled that they may be paid from the net income of the system, at present rates and on present experience, leaving additional income arising from growth free for the necessities of expanding the system, or for the use of the city for other municipal purposes. The bonds are to be paid solely from the income of the water system and the bond contract expressly denies any right or necessity on the part of the city to levy taxes for the payment of the principal or interest. Both the purchase of the system, and the issuance of the bonds, must be ratified by a special freeholder election called for Tuesday, July 15, 1941. Registration of free holders will commence on Monday, June 16th, and will continue, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, to and including Tuesday, July 1st. The city, for some time, has been studying the possibility of purchasing the water distribution system, and secured the services of Dr. Thomas H. Reed, an authority on municipal affairs and finance, to investigate and report on the financial possibilities and advisability of the proposal. Dr. Reed's report, based upon the present and past experience of the Consumer's Water Company, included a recommendation that the city purchase the system if the cost of retiring and paying interest upon the necessary bonds could be arranged so as not to greatly exceed $40,000 a year. The proposed bonds have been so arranged as to maturities that the payments required at the beginning of the term will approximate $41,000 and will gradually increase during the 30-year term to $43,000. The system proposed to be purchased includes all of the water distribution lines of the Consumers Water Company in Coral Gables and in the County, north and west of Coral Gables, together with the miscellaneous equipment and assets of the company. The city will also receive $25,000 in cash to provide working capital so that operation of the system can proceed without affecting the city's ordinary funds. There are at present approximately 3,500 customers of the system, and the number has been increasing rapidly. If the city acquires the system, it will continue to purchase water from the city of Miami, as has been done in the past. There is the possibility that in the future the city may be able to secure its own water source and treatment plant. When and if that occurs, Finance Director Shaw points out, it will be possible either to reduce water rates or to use the then much greater profits from (Please Turn to Page Four)

OUR TOWN by Jim Moore

Last night at the Country Club of Coral Gables, the city commissioners were the guests of A. B. Curry and George N. Shaw for a final get-together dinner before today's installation. As it turned out, the dinner was a tribute to Mayor Paul D. McGarry, who finishes his years of service as a public official today when he turns his gavel over to Joe Whitley. Paul received a beautiful engraved silver tray as a token of affection from the city employes and a silver cocktail shaker from "the official family", the commission, Shaw and Curry. It would take a lot of words and years of engraving to fully describe the feeling of the citizens of Coral Gables toward the retiring mayor. Mayor McGarry finishes a term filled with accomplishemnts, the benefits from which will be felt for many years. As the official representative of this city at hundreds of public gatherings, Paul McGarry has done much to spread the good name of Coral Gables and to engender a feeling of friendship for this community in all with whom he came in contact. He leaves office with the heartfelt congratulations and appreciation of his fellow citizens ringing in his ears. We know that he will continue to serve Coral Gables as a private citizen with equal fervor. Also leaving the commission is another untiring worker for the betterment of our community. We refer to Col. P. J. O'Shaughnessy, who at present is recuperating from an illness in the mountains of North Carolina. The feelings of the city employes about the colonel were expressed with a silver cigarette case, appropriately engraved, which is being sent to him today. Col. O'Shaughnessy was unceasing in his efforts to better his community. Even after illness forced him to take leave of absence from the commission, he was a frequent visitor to the city hall, keeping himself informed and offering sage counsel. We can think of no better tag line for the colonel's retirement than to quote from the Bible, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". The new commission will have no time to sit back and get used to its surroundings. It comes into office with a table piled high with work. The budget estimate has been completed and copies have been given the commissioners. This alone, will keep them burning the mid-night oil for many nights to come. The suit to consolidate the city's debts is nearing a climax in federal court. On it hangs the ultimate completion of the refunding program. In approximately a month, the commission must conduct a special freeholder's election on the proposed purchase of the water system, another important step in the city's history. These are but a few of the problems that await the new city fathers. Fortunately, these problems are in good hands. The two new men are well-qualified to take their places beside the veterans. Together with the able assistance of A. B. Curry and George N. Shaw, we feel confident that the work will be carried out (Please turn to Page Four)

Pictured above is the lovely Avalon Boege who will reign as Queen of the Royal Poinciannas tomorrow night during the Jubilee Ball, climaxing the week's festivities, at the Country Club of Coral Gables.

Royal Poincianna's Jubilee Takes Place Tomorrow Eve

The grand jubilee, climaxing Royal Poincianna Week will take place at 10 p. m. tomorrow at the Country Club of Coral Gables. The club will be decorated in the exotic blooms and as patrons draw near the club they will see one of the largest Poincianna trees in Dade County flood lighted. This tree is in the rear of the golf house at the corner of North Greenway Dr. and Granada Boulevard. Mrs. M. F. Wittichen general chairman of the Royal Poincianna committee for Dade County will be hostess. Miss Avalon Boege and her thirty attendants will be guests of honor. Miss Boege, a Coral Gables girl, was crowned queen of the Royal Poincianna festival Monday night at Bay Front Park as a climax to a pageant in which more than 500 people took part. Honorary hostesses, assisting Mrs. Wittichen tomorrow night will be, Mrs. F. N. Holley, Jr., Mrs. Paul McGarry, Mrs. B. F. Ashe, Mrs. C. J. Susong, Mrs. Evan D. Roser, Mrs. Dana McLendon, Mrs. Charles Fuchs, Jr., Mrs. H H. Trice, Mrs. G. G. Lee, Mrs. Alvie Smith Lindborg. Members of the Woman Fliers of America association, holding their annual dance will be special guests at the party.

Gables Youth Prep School Track Captain

Robert E. Schneider, Jr. of Coral Gables was elected captain of the track team at Moses Brown School, Providence, R. I. at elections held this week at the preparatory institution. Schneider, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Schneider, was also awarded his letipr for track and has played a prominent part in the various meets held during the school year.

Visitor

Miss Jean White of Cadiz, Ken., was the week end guest of Miss Elizabeth Ann Ricketts of 4500 S. W. 14th street.

Do You Recognize This Man?

Do you know this young fellow? You should, because he's a familiar figure around Coral Gables and you're going to be hearing a lot more about him the next couple of years. He's been with Coral Gables since it was a pup and probably knows as much about the city as any person here. Today he is the principal character in a ceremony that is of vital importance to the future of Coral Gables. Need we tell you more? It's an early photograph of your new mayor-Joe W. Whitley. It was discovered and preserved for posterity by Henry Clay Anderson, through whose courtesy we are able to show you what the mayor looked like not so many years ago.

Victors in Tuesday's election, Wallace A. Bell, Mayor Joe W. Whitley, Thomas C. Mayes and Andrew T. Healy will be inducted into office at noon today in city hall.

Whitley to Be Inducted As Mayor

In traditional ceremony, winners in Tuesday's election will be inducted into office today when the commission meets at noon at city hall. Joe W. Whitley will receive the mayor's gavel from retiring Mayor Paul D. McGarry while Thomas C. Mayes and Andrew T. Healy will become members of the commission for the first time. Wallace A. Bell will take the oath that will continue his services of commissioner for four more years. Mayes will also serve a four year term. A complete tabulation of the votes can be found elsewhere on this page. Judge John W. Holland will administer the oath of office before an anticipated large gathering of well-wishers. Rev. Nevin Schaaf will deliver the invocation. Following the induction, it is expected that the commission will adjourn until Tuesday when the business of appointments will be brought up. Appointments Scheduled In all probability A. B. Curry will be reappointed city manager and Shaw city clerk. Ted Semple is slated for the position of city attorney, now held by Morton B. Adams and a large number of applications have been received for the city judgeship, vacated by Mayes when he announced his entrance in the campaign. The commission met Wednesday afternoon, canvassed the election results and declared the election official. In a statement to The Riviera yesterday, Whitley thanked the voters who elected him mayor and stated that the many stings he received during the campaign had been forgotten. "They hit at me hard", Whitley stated, "but the election is all over now and we have important work ahead of us. I bear no malice toward any of the campaigners in my opponents' camps and will work for their interests just as hard as I work for my supporters. To the many who worked so hard for me during the election and to those who gave me their votes, I express my everlasting gratitude." Mayes Grateful Mayes, who was high man in the commission race stated, (Please turn to Page Two)

Death Takes Mrs. Bailey, Jr.

Funeral services were held at 4 p. m. yesterday at the First Methodist Church for Mrs. Virginia Bailey, 22, of 1124 Avenue Milan who died Wednesday at a Miami hospital following a very brief illness. The Rev. Carlock Hawk conducted the services and the commitment services at the grave in Woodlawn Park Cemetery. Active pall bearers were, Charles Vickers, Ben Partridge, Reddie Harris, Harry Long, Joe Sandsone, and Maxwell Orn. Mrs. Bailey, was the former Miss Virginia Herrington the daughter of Lieut. Rufus Herrington. She came here 15 years ago with her parents from Macon, Ga. She was graduated from Miami senior high school and was a member of the Axacia Club. She leaves besides the husband Sam Bailey, Jr., and her father, a sister, Miss Kathryn Herrington.

Legion Urges More Defense Registration

Registration for civil defense in Coral Gables has not as yet reached expected totals, it was announced by American Legion officials yesterday, and all persons over fifteen years of age who have not listed their qualifications were urged to do so at the Legion home located at Alhambra Circle and Salzedo street where forms are still available. "Our total registration for the city is far under the number of votes cast at Tuesday's election, "Commander W. Edward Wingar stated, "and we are now making additional efforts to enroll the full quota of volunteers for this important emergency work. Every person in our community can be of help in some manner should the need arise and the civil defense organization can best be served if the individual qualifications are listed with officials in charge".

Students May Have Bus

If enough students, attending the summer sessions at Ponce de Leon High school, which began Monday are interested, a regular city bus will make the trip for their convenience. There should be 20 or more riders each day according to City Manager A. B. Curry who said a bus could be available. More than 100 students are registered for the six weeks course at the local high school.

O. B. Sutton Typical Dad

Judge O. B. Sutton has been named "Coral Gables Typical Father" in a contest conducted among the various civic clubs and churches in observance of Father's Day which occurs this Sunday. The various groups nominated candidates and the winner was chosen by the auxiliaries and women's clubs. Others considered included George N. Shaw, Dan C. Squires, Judge D J. Heffernan, Hollis Rinehart, Jr., Ray Westcott, Dr. Glenn Clapp, George B. Hurst, T. E. Norman, Fred Hartnett, R. J. Beaton, E. F. P. Brigham, S. M. Perkins, W. Keith Phillips, T. E. West, P. C. Kendall, Lyle D. Holcomb and Bowman F. Hinckley. Judge Sutton, as an award, will be allowed to make a selection from the display of suitable father's day gifts at Breeding's Drug Store. The present will be made by the store. Judge Sutton came to Coral Gables in 1926 and was married to Ruth Linder in 1934. They have two children, Betty, who is four and Billy who is two years old. They reside at 513 Avenue San Esteban.

Dr. Barnett Leaves Local Pastorate

The Rev. Leslie J. Barnette will preach his farewell sermon Sunday at 11 a. m. at the Congregational Church for he leaves later in the day accompanied by Mrs. Barnette and two children Kay and Leslie, Jr., for Burlington, Wisc., where he has been appointed pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church. Dr. Barnette has been pastor of the Congregational Church here for the past eight years coming from New York City, where he was head of religious educational work in Metropolitan New York. He has made a host of friends during his pastorate here who will regret his departure. He established a unique feature during the winter season of having as soloists, in the church outstanding Metropolitan opera stars. His choir was made up of University of Miami voice and musical students.

HOW THE VOTES WERE CAST IN TUESDAY'S ELECTION

| CANDIDATE | FOR COMMISSION Machine | FOR COMMISSION Absentee | FOR COMMISSION Total | FOR MAYOR Machine | FOR MAYOR Absentee | FOR MAYOR Total | BELL | 950 | 063 | 1013 | 041 | 002 | 043 | CRAY | 721 | 041 | 762 | 010 | 000 | 010 | HEALY | 938 | 065 | 1003 | 076 | 001 | 077 | HOPKINS | 603 | 031 | 634 | 279 | 016 | 295 | KNIBIEHLY | 110 | 004 | 114 | 003 | 000 | 003 | MAYES | 1155 | 080 | 1235 | 055 | 007 | 062 | PARK | 485 | 041 | 526 | 045 | 004 | 050 | PHILLIPS | - | - | - | 575 | 047 | 622 | WHITLEY | - | - | - | 705 | 042 | 747

Firemen Now Hold Weekly Drill Session

Weekly building inspections and drills were inaugurated this week by the Coral Gables Fire Department. The routines are intended to familiarize the department with every public building in Coral Gables, emergency sources of water and routine in event of any emergency. The drills are held every Tuesday morning. The firemen first inspect a building for possible fire hazards, entries nearest plugs, etc. and then take the truck for practice drills. The drills include practice at the pumps, coupling hose and listing sources of water in canals, etc.

Ball Game Proceeds To Hospital Fund

The South Florida Crippled Children's Hospital received a check this week from the Coral Gables police and firemen. The money was raised through the annual diamondball game Saturday night, which the Police won 35 to 33.

Presbyterians Will Resume Sunday School

All classes of the Presbyterian church school will resume work at 9:30 a. m. Sunday, according to Dr. Nevin H. Schaaf, minister. The church school was closed several weeks ago due to the polio scare. Dr. Schaaf will conduct the morning worship at 11 a. m. at the church.