Coral Gables Riviera

CORAL GABLES RIVIERA

AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 16TH YEAR NO. 24 CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, AUGUST 1, 1941 PRICE FIVE CENTS

Village of 'Little People' Will Warn Gables Folk Should Foe Attack by Air

Just like the Irish on the "auld sod" depended on the "little folk" to help them out in times of trouble, Coral Gables will depend on a community of wee people to warn them in case enemy aircraft should ever approach this city. The Irish firmly believe that the Emerald Isle is populated with hundreds of gnomes and fairies who assist all those who believe in them, but who remain invisible to all except the very old and the very young. Coral Gables' benefactors are of a much more tangible nature. The little people who will keep a 24-hour vigil in case of emergency, are a community of midgets who are building a minature village in the Everglades, west of Coral Gables. They were sworn in as air raid watchers this week by members of Post 98, American Legion, who are establishing watching posts in cooperation with the United States army. A patrol corps on a map of Dade county led Legionnaires to the village. In establishing the posts, the army had checker-boarded Dade county into sectors and placed a pencil mark in each square. The Legion members, under the direction of Al B. Lambert, were instructed to establish the posts at the highest point to the pencil mark that a telephone was located. The veterans were quite puzzled at first, when they approached their sector and found four tiny houses clustered near an ordinary sized one. They were more amazed when they were greeted by the band of little people. When the situation was explained to them, the midgets eagerly volunteered their services as watchers, explaining that Adolph Hitler was their "double enemy." Firstly, he is attacking their home country, Russia, from whence they fled during the revolution; and, secondly, he is a menace to the United States, their adopted nation. All of the midgets are naturalized. Michael Sokolsky, the oldest of the troupe and also the smallest, is 68 and approximately 36 inches tall. He explained that the midgets are "White Russians" and were forced to flee for their lives when the Communists overthrew the Czarist regime. They have traveled with circuses and carnivals, but have deemed that they were getting too "old." Consequently, they have started construction on their village, with everything built to midget scale. For example, kitchen sinks will take the place of bathtubs in the tiny bathrooms. One of the midgets is married to a normal-sized man, Joseph H. Sanderlin, and they will live in the large house. To earn a livelihood, they hope eventually to open a souvenir stand near the village. The midgets were officially sworn in Sunday by a delegation from the Gables Legion Post, which included Commander W. Edward Winegar, Brig.-Gen. Joseph A. C. Horn, U. S. Army, Retired; Major James E. Hawking and Bert Shoemaker.

-Riviera Staff Photo Michael Sokolsky, 68, left, and John Velikanoff, right, get a few pointers as air raid watchers from Al B. Lambert, Legion Defense Chairman. The midgets were sworn in Sunday as official watchers for Coral Gables.

Building Activity Hits New High

Plans For New Church Completed

Architect's plans for a new church structure were let out for bids this week by the University Baptist Church. Designed by Robert Fitch Smith, the new building will be located at Riviera Drive and Segovia Street. The church will be of colonial design with a 100-foot spire. The ground floor will contain an auditorium, 66x54 feet, vestibule, choir room, two classrooms, study, office and lavatories. The second floor will have five additional classrooms and a balcony. The new church will be located on lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of block 116, Country Club Section 6.

Vacationing

City Manager A. B. Curry is spending two weeks in the North on a vacation motor trip. Curry will visit relatives in Pennsylvania before returning to Coral Gables.

6-Mo. Record Is Highest Since Boom

Coral Gables yesterday chalked up the highest building total during any six-month period since the fabulous boom days of 1924 and 1925, Inspector L. W. Robinson, Jr., reported. Figures for the six months of 1941 totaled $881,238, as compared with $874,716 for the same period in 1940, Robinson said. The July total was $165,-434, in comparison with $163,-735 for the same month last year. Permits for new residential construction were issued to: H. George Fink, 624 Avenue Sevilla, $5,000; K. L. Meller, 4100 Granada Boulevard, $15,000; Babcock Lamont Co., 648 Avenue Sevilla, $6,000; Louis A. Prine, 1215 San Miguel, $5,500. Miss Claudia Crowe, 3416 Alhambra Circle, $12,400; R. E. Stafford, 3285 Riviera Drive, $7,000; Thomas H. Moore, 1422 Tangier Street, $5,000. A. T. Mitchell, 733 Avenue Santander, $6,700; Dr. C. M. Cole, 928 Avenue Algaringo, $7,000; Joseph Socolef, 1256 Avenue San Miguel, $5,000; Mr. and Mrs. James B. Moore, 312 Avenue Sarto, $5,400. Woolful Construction Company, three homes at 718, 151 and 714 Avenue Malaga, $7,000 each; George Feltham, 919 Avenue Tendilla, $8,000.

Whitley Urges Governor To Probe Vice Charges

Coral Gables' request that Governor Spessard L. Holland investigate charges of vice and corruption in Dade County was sent to Tallahassee today by Mayor Joe Whitley. "On behalf of the people of Coral Gables," the Mayor stated, "I should like to join the many others who have urged you to make a special investigation to determine whether charges of vice, corruption and graft in the Miami area are well-founded, and to take steps to remedy evils which may be found to exist. "Since the City's incorporation in 1925, Coral Gables has been kept free from such evils, and the City administration has resisted all attempts by gamblers and other racketeers to gain a foothold in the city. Its people are justly proud of the clean and wholesome record and character of the city and are anxious that its surroundings be kept clean. "I sincerely believe that, if proper steps are taken, our neighboring areas can achieve this same distinction. The people have indicated that they desire your help. I feel certain you will come to their assistance."

Kiwanis Stages Dr. Quiz Program

Members of the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club had their "I. Q.'s" tested Tuesday when James Marshall of Miami staged a Dr. Quiz program at the club's luncheon at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Songs were led by Adolph Seerth of Miami with Miss Eleanor Sheetz as accompanist. Dr. Albert H. Kendall was program chairman for the day and quiz prizes were awarded Jim Moore, Hans Wedemeyer and Dean Russell A. Rasco.

City Party At Pool Is Arranged

Plans for a Coral Gables community party, to be held August 13 at the Venetian Pool, were announced yesterday by Russell Ellington. Although a complete program has not yet been worked out, tentative arrangements call for a buffet supper to be served on the pool terrace from 6:30 to 8:30, followed by a program of aquatic entertainment. One event, already scheduled, will be a canoe tilt between the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs. Karl Schmitz and Judge O. B. Sutton have been selected to represent the Kiwanians, while the Lions' team is yet to be chosen. Precision swimming, diving exhibitions and comedy aquatics will also be arranged. The committee includes Curry, Schmitz, Russ Ellington and Mrs. James B. Moore.

Report Shows Local Police Proficient in Recoveries

The fact that Coral Gables police fall into the "supersleuth" class when it comes to recovering stolen property was revealed in a report yesterday by Chief Lou Reeves, covering the first six months of 1941. The report showed that property valued at $22,426.38 was reported stolen and that of that amount, $20,064.53 worth has already been recovered, leaving $2,361.85 as yet unaccounted for. During the same period in 1940, stolen property amounted to $13,608.40, and recoveries $4,-848.50. Accidents showed an increase for the period, with 227 reported for 1941, against 166 a year ago. Forty-six persons were injured in the accidents as compared with 27 in 1940. Four fatalities were chalked up as a result of an automobile accident in 1941, against one for the previous year. It was pointed out, however, that the four deaths resulted from one accident. A decrease is shown in the number of drunken driving cases, with the score 25 to 34 in favor of 1941. An increase was also shown in jail business, with 436 "guests" being registered during the six-month period in 1941, as compared with 319 during a similar period in 1940.

Club Board Hears City Proposals

Executive board members of the Coral Gables Woman's Club and the Junior Woman's Club heard reports on city proposals concerning the deed to the Community House and Library at a joint session Wednesday morning at the club. Resolutions, passed last week by the commission, were read to the board, in which the city made four proposals for the solution of the controversy. Mrs. Charles J. Susong, president of the Woman's Club, told The Riviera yesterday that no action was taken, nor would any decision be made until further information was received from Washington. Clifton Benson, attorney for the club, has forwarded a brief to WPA officials in the capital, outlining reasons why the club does not feel that it should return the deed of the building to the city, as suggested by the Government.

Debt Case To Reopen On Monday

Hearings on Coral Gables' bankruptcy suit in Federal Court will be resumed on Monday, Finance Director George N. Shaw stated yesterday. The case was recessed a month ago by Special Master F. M. Hudson, and since that time the city has been working on further arguments to be presented during the next week. By taking advantage of the Wilcox bill, Coral Gables is seeking to refund all its bonded debts under the 1937 Refunding Plan. Opposing the petition is a minority group of bondholders, headed by Edward P. Wright of St. Petersburg, which has refused to come in under the 1937 agreement. This group represents approximately $675,000 of the city's $11,231,-000 bonded indebtedness. Coral Gables has refunded approximately 94 per cent of its bonds and Shaw states that approximately 70 per cent of the bondholders have assented to composition of debts under the Wilcox bill. Coral Gables is represented in the case by Morton B. Adams, Daniel Redfearn and Ira Haycock.

Drive for Aluminum Successful

Coral Gables went "over the top" with aluminum contributions this week, as housewives heaped a high pile of discarded pots and pans at the receptacles at the American Legion Home and Sam's Service Station. Mrs. Joe Whitley, chairman of the drive, stated, "I want to thank every person who generously contributed aluminum to aid in the National Defense program. Coral Gables' contribution will aid greatly in the manufacture of planes and munitions." The receptacle will be left at the Legion home and the filling station, and Gablesites can continue to donate aluminum articles. "We would like to have every family in the community represented in the drive," Mrs. Whitley stated. "Even the smallest article, if it is aluminum, will help." Boy Scouts also helped in the drive, collecting aluminum from houses.

Entertainment Of Cadets Is Under Way

Coral Gables mobilized this week to provide "home touches" and entertainment for American and British cadets who are studying navigation at the University of Miami. Mrs. Milton B. Garris, chairman of the citizens committee, reported yesterday that an appeal had been made to all civic clubs to assist in securing invitations for the cadets. "The committee is urging every Coral Gables resident to co-operate," Mrs. Garris stated. "We are not planning to stage a lot of large parties, but are asking local people to invite the cadets to their homes in small groups of two and three. By doing this, all of the cadets will get an intimate touch of home life, which they miss so much at this time." A clearing office for invitations has been established at the University, with Foster Alter in charge. Any Gables family wishing to entertain any number of cadets can transmit the invitation through this office. It is only necessary to dial 4-0801 and ask for Mr. Alter's office. In order to expedite matters as much as possible, Alter has asked that invitations for weekends be in by Wednesdays, if possible. Keep posted by reading The Riviera.

Want to entertain a cadet? Take some tips from Jim Moore's "Our Town" column this week on the editorial page.

To the Mountains

Dr. and Mrs. Louis K. Manley are leaving this week for Hendersonville, N. C. Later they plan to visit Mrs. Manley's mother in South Bend, Ind., and other western points of interest before returning to their home, 2109 Granada Boulevard.

Gables Air Raid Spotters Named by Legion Commander

Preparations for the manning and operation of the two air raid warning stations in the Coral Gables area under the direction of the local American Legion post were announced as complete yesterday by W. Edward Winegar, the post commander. At the direction of the United States Army Air Corps, Legion officials have established the observation posts in certain outlying locations designated by the Army officials charged with the vital national defense preparation. The two local observation posts are a part of the far-flung nation-wide network of about 500,000 civilian air raid warning stations which the Army Air Corps have charged the American Legion organization with operating. National American Legion officials have announced that a vast majority of the 1,079,000 members of the veteran organization have volunteered for this duty. The air warning posts will be operated on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis, the personnel working in two-hour shifts, with two persons on duty at all times. Phone connections to central headquarters with special service provisions are a part of the operation plan. Tests to determine the status of air warning preparations have already been made in several states and the Florida network is expected to be tried out in the near future. Chairman Al B. Lambert of the American National Defense Committee for the Fifth District of Florida and in charge of Coral Gables Post arrangements, has stated that the local post can place its two stations in full operation in ten days, following a survey of plans completed yesterday. The organization of the local posts under Mr. Lambert's charge names Tim J. Browder and Paul A. Hart as chief observers to be in charge of the two warning stations. Serving under them as assistant chief observers are W. Edward Winegar, Phillip E. Paine, August S. Sacks, Charles I. Gobat, Leland C. Shepard and G. A. Shoemaker. Observers are Sheldon C. Grebe, E. C. Tiede, Wm. H. Applegate, Clark A. Peterson, Curtis E. Haley, Andrew N. Houston, Fred H. Stutz, Bror Landahl, Theron W. Ames, Tyler H. Bliss, Louis E. Miller, Lonie A. Marvin, Sidney E. Wheatley, Morris F. Cummings, Leroy H. Fahrnestook, Odon D. Flore, Claude R. Mann, John P. Nolte and Charles P. Ligon. Also Lynn S. Upchurch, David P. Casey, Frank E. Henry, Edwin G. Bishop, Ed J. Larson, James L. Hamlin, Alfred C. Duganne, E. E. McCarty, Dan C. Squires, Charles Osborne, Marvin W. Kemery, Fred Fisher, Roscoe Brunstetter, Herman F. Brown, Gorman Clifton, A. Anderson, Carl Warth, Edward Mayhew, Joe L. Murphy and Joseph Sanderlin. At the next regular meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary, at the post, Chairman Lambert, Commander Winegar and Chief Observers Hart and Browder will call upon the auxiliary membership to volunteer for duty, also as observers at the warning posts. At the next regular meeting of the local Legion Post, which will be held next Wednesday plans will be announced for the organization's annual boat ride, scheduled for Friday, September 5th. Also to be discussed will be the proposed recreational center and BarBQ pit to be located on the Legion Post grounds.

Illinois Burial For G. N. Hadley

Gordon N. Hadley, fifty-nine, 801 Avenue Medina, died Monday at his residence following a long illness. Mr. Hadley came to Coral Gables two years ago from Lombard, Ill., following his retirement from the hardware business. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Lombard. He is survived by the widow, Stella; two daughters, Miss Betty and Mrs. Jessie Tummell, and a son, Victor, all of Miami. The body was sent to Lombard Tuesday night for services and burial.

Peoria Hears About Gables

In a series of eight broadcasts, the story of Coral Gables was told to the people of Peoria, Ill., and outlying territory during the month of July. Sponsored by a Peoria bank, the institution, the broadcasts took listeners on an imaginary eight-day trip through this "fairy-city." The 15-page script embraced every subject about the town, including history, attraction and recreational and housing facilities. Material for the broadcasts was derived from city booklets and information furnished by the chamber of commerce.

Lions Club Tests Knowledge of Town

Members of the Coral Gables Lions Club tested their knowledge of Coral Gables Wednesday in a question bee conducted by Dr. S. Bell Jordan. The club was divided into two teams, with points being given for correct answers.

SO. MIAMI TOWNSEND CLUB TO MEET THURSDAY

Marshall C. Wiseheart will address the Townsend Club of South Miami at an evening meeting at 8 p. m. Thursday at Community Hall. J. P. Jackson, chairman of the meeting announces an amateur show with everybody taking part, will be staged, also requests members to be ready with short poems to recite. There will be prizes.

Announces Baby's Birth

Lieut. and Mrs. Ralph Jones are announcing the birth of a son, Tuesday, at St. Francis Hospital. Mrs. Jones, the new 9 1/2-pound baby's mother, is a niece of Mrs. Joe Whitley. Lieut. Jones is stationed at Opa Locka.

Bells to Visit

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bell of 27 Majorca Ave. left today for Monroeville, N. J., and a visit with his parents, then on to New York City and Canada.

The Riviera is your paper. Do you subscribe to it?

U. of Miami Grad Ranks High

Theodore Jackson (right), University of Miami graduate and Sarah Worth of Tampa are congratulated by Walter S. Mack, Jr., president of the Pepsi-Cola Co., as finalist and winner respectively in the 1941 Walter Mack Job Awards for American Youth contest in New York City, where 12 job award winners were chosen from a group of 23 finalists who had won trips to New York on the basis of essays they had written on "Why I Consider American Democracy Worth Saving".

SOUTH FLORIDA CLUB UNIT TO MEET

The Horticulture Circle of the South Florida Garden Club will hold its meeting at 10 a. m. August 6th, at the home of Mrs. Carl Scheffel, Davis Road. Dr. Florence Truax, well-known South Florida authority on horticulture subjects, will speak on "Small Garden Planting."

ESTATE TAXES DOWN

Collection of inheritance (estate) taxes for year ending June 30 was the smallest in several years, only $901,306.77 according to report released from the Comptroller's office. Several million dollars in estate taxes are awaiting adjustment by Federal officials. Pending claims, in some instances, date back as far as three years. One claim was paid July 17, which had been pending since 1935.

Need for Improved Waterway Expressed by Local Roofer

Shippers and receivers of freight in the Greater Miami area from northern points are already feeling the affects of the curtailment of water transportation facilities on account of the national defense emergency, S. E. Giffen, president of the Giffen Roofing Company, Coral Gables, declared in a letter to the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, regarding the proposed widening and deepening of the Intracoastal Waterway from Jacksonville to Miami. Head of one of the largest roofing concerns in Florida, Giffen pointed out that during 1940 the firm received over 260,000 pounds of roofing felt by boat and over 588,000 pounds by rail at an equalized rate of 23 cents per hundredweight, and that the lack of shipping facilities by boat has caused the rail rate to increase to 39c per hundredweight, or a total increase of $1,785.00 for the same amount of material. The firm also received over 900,000 pounds of asphalt in 1940 by boat on a water rate of 15 cents per hundredweight, and that asphalt is now being received by rail on a rate of 35 cents per hundredweight, or an increase of $1,800.00 over the 1940 water rate. Pointing out that on both items the increase in freight rates will be $3,585.00, Giffen urged all receivers and shippers of merchandise to write at once to their chambers of commerce giving facts and figures as to the effect of the curtailment of water shipping facilities, and urging support to widening and deepening the Intracoastal Water Way. He also pointed out that already there is a shortage of freight cars in the Southern States, and if this becomes more drastic, there will be no means of receiving commodities in large quantities in the Florida peninsula.

IS MILADY PERPLEXED?

About what to serve for dinner or about what to wear to the Country Club Saturday night? We don't claim to be able to solve all of your domestic problems, but we do believe we can help. We're referring to our new feature page especially designed for Mrs. and Miss Coral Gables. You'll find it on PAGE TWO

To the North

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mizer and two daughters are leaving this week for a six weeks' stay in Montclair, N. J.