Coral Gables Historical Archive
Coral Gables Riviera
Friday, March 27, 1942, page 1 (of 8)
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George E. Merrick Mourned; Rites On Saturday
Gables Stores to Close In Deference To Founder; Burial At Woodlawn Park CITY COMMISSION, PLANNING BOARD, FAIRCHILD, GROUP HONORARY PALLBEARERS Surrounded by friends and co-workers who saw him build Coral Gables from a dream to a reality, George Edgar Merrick will be laid to rest at 2:30 P. M. tomorrow afternoon at the Plymouth Congregational Church. Mr. Merrick died yesterday morning in Miami following a short illness. He was 56. Fred Field Goodsell, former reader, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Miami will conduct the services. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Park Cemetery. Mayor Joe Whitley and the city commissioners of Coral Gables, members of the Dade County Planning Board and directors of the Fairchild Tropical Gardens will as as honorary pallbearers. Active pallbearers will be S. H. Hettrick, S. R. Valliere, H. W. Smith, W. E. Rupt, C. W. Wright and R. P. Green. Upon learning of Merrick's death yesterday, Mayor Whitley issued the following proclamation: "WHEREAS, George E. Merrick, in whose mind and heart Coral Gables was conceived, and through whose genius it was brought into being has departed from among us, and we who are left to carry on and protect the ideals he established should pay fitting tribute to his memory, "NOW, therefore, I, Joe Whitley, Mayor of the City of Coral Gables do call upon the people of Coral Gables to observe the afternoon of Saturday, March 28, 1942, and particularly the hour between three and four o'clock, as a period of calm honor and sorrow for our departed founder." Andrew Houston, chairman of the Merchants' Bureau, announced that all stores would close from 3 to 4 P. M. on Saturday in deference to the city's founder. As soon as word of Mr. Merrick's death was heard, citizens began calling the Riviera office, requesting details of funeral plans. Many suggested that immediate plans be made for a momument to be erected in Merrick Park, the first tangible City Hall. Some talk was heard of making the park Mr. Merrick's final resting place, and the body may be moved there later when the monument is completed. Merrick is survived by his wife, Mrs. Eunice Peacock Merrick, two brothers, Charles F. Merrick, assistant postmaster of South Miami and Richard Merrick, an artist and instructor at the University of Miami, and three sisters, Mrs. Ethel Bishop and Mrs. John V. Bond, of Miami, and Mrs. Quintus Lobeck, of Greenwich, N. Y. Combs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
CORAL GABLES RIVIERA
AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 17TH YEAR NO. 11 CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, MARCH 27, 1942 PRICE FIVE CENTS
Suspects Arrested In New York Hope to Recover $20,000 Loot From Graef Home
The $20,000 robbery of the James H. Graef residence, 920 Tendilla Avenue, on March 4, was believed solved today with the arrest of three men and a woman in New York. Gables police were notified that Richard Lumbard, William Keller, Harry Mitchell and Marie Binney had been arrested in connection with a $3,000 gem robbery in New York and that questioning had implicated them in the Graef burglary. Furs and silver and household valuables estimated to be worth approximately $20,000 were taken from the Graef residence. According to Chief Inspector Louis F. Costuma of the New York Police Department, the quartet was apprehended following the theft of jewels from a Gloria Meade of that city. Detective Sergeant L. M. Bishop of the local police expressed hope yesterday that the loot would be recovered.
Jaycees Set Meeting Dates, Map Program
At a meeting of the executive committee of the Junior Chamber of Commerce at the Coral Gables Country Club last Wednesday night, it was decided that in future the Jaycees will meet at the Country Club on the second and fourth Wednesdays in each month. It was also decided that the dinners will begin promptly at 7:30 o'clock, and the meetings will be adjourned promptly at 9 o'clock. Judge O. B. Sutton was named chairman of the attendance committee and Charles S. Leyden was appointed chairman of the program committee. This was one of the most important meetings held by the executive committee in several months. Plans were made for immediate participation by the organization in projects affecting the community, and these plans will be laid before the entire membership at the next meeting. Dr. S. Hill Gordon, president of the Jaycees, presided over the meeting of the executive committee, and Charles De Camps, secretary of the organization, served as secretary. Treasurer Joe Shaw was also present, but owing to the number of items on hand for discussion, his report was deferred until a later time. Members of the executive committee present were: Wendell Sumner, Lyle Roberts, Franklin F. Brooks, Judge O. B. Sutton, Joe Shaw, Robert Crow, Dr. S. Hill Gordon, Dr. Worth Schomberg, William Propasso, Louis H. Smith, Jr., Dr. William M. Howdon, Charles S. Leyden, Charles De Camps and Alexander Hiss.
Movie Star's Car Looted In Gables
Mary Carlisle, the motion picture actress, reported to Gables police that her car had been looted while parked outside of a local grocery store. Miss Carlisle, who is staying at 637 Palmarito Court, said that the thieves had gotten away with $176 worth of clothing and costume jewelry.
Merchants To Discuss Festival War Problems Also To Be Topic of Meeting Today
Plans for the celebration of the city's seventeenth birthday will be discussed at a special called meeting of the Merchants' Bureau at 12:15 today at the Country Club of Coral Gables. According to Andrew Houston, chairman, a plan for the presenting of a "Defense Style Show" in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club will be presented. The show would be one of the highlights of the birthday celebration in April, which would also embody the annual Festival of Values. Discussion of what the local merchants can do to further the war effort is also scheduled for discussion, Houston stated. Houston strongly urged every merchant in the Gables to attend the meeting. "It will be of interest to all," he stated, "and every man and woman in business in the Gables is not only invited, but urged to attend." Houston stressed that the membership in the Chamber of Commerce is not a prerequisite to membership in the Bureau, and that every business person is automatically considered a member with no dues to pay. "In addition to making plans for our annual birthday celebration, there is a lot of vital problems in connection with the war to be discussed," Houston said. "This will be the first opportunity for the local business people to get together and discuss war problems."
Bowling League To Be Organized
Formation of a bowling league in Coral Gables has been announced by Edward Flynn, operator of the Gables Bowling Garden. Flynn said yesterday that the league was being formed in response to numerous requests from organizations and business places. Any organized group in the community will be eligible to enter the league, and teams are now being signed up at the Garden. On Wednesday afternoon the University of Miami Hurricanes were guests of the Garden for an afternoon of bowling and refreshments. Serving as hosts were Mr. and Mrs. Flynn and Dr. Paul Harris of Pittsburgh, who invented the "Tru-site" alley surfaces that makes bowling out of doors on wooden alleys possible. Dr. Harris is a former teammate of Coach Jack Harding at the University of Pittsburgh.
Community Chest Benefits Gables, Says Brunstetter NECESSITY OF REACHING GOAL IS STRESSED BY CAMPAIGNER
Nearly all of the 22 agencies of the Dade County Chest are continually active in Coral Gables, and for the interest of Gables' residents, Roscoe Brunstetter, member of the board of directors of the chest, said on the eve of the end of the chest's $270,500 campaign, which closes today. "Because we have no slums, no 'other side of the tracks,' we residents of Coral Gables are prone to think that the Community Chest is for the benefit of other sections, but not for our own city. This viewpoint is reflected in convernations and also in the number and size of contributions to the chest made by Gableites. "The unfortunate part about the whole thing is that this is not true. The chest and its agencies aid Coral Gables just as much as they help any other portion of Dade County, and this assistance is by no means limited to relief for Negro servants and for colored and laborers who work in Coral Gables and live in Miami. It is true these people receive much help, but so do bona fide Gables residents. "For instance, suppose we consider the case of Boy and Girl Scouts. Surely they must fit the youth of Coral Gables. And yet, if it were not for the help received from the Community Chest these great character building organizations would have to slash their programs. Other direct help to Gableites from chest agencies includes $50 monthly during the school year for our dental clinic, the providing of free milk and free lunches in schools for children who need this assistance, the facilities and programs of the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A., the Travelers Aid, the Children's Service Bureau, the Family Service Bureau. In fact, all the chest agencies play a vital part in the daily life of our city. "Let's give and support the chest as residents of Coral Gables should."
Students Buy $3,690.25 In Defense Bonds
Students at the Coral Gables Elementary School have purchased $3,690.25 in Defense Bonds and Stamps during the last 12 weeks, according to an announcement made yesterday by Miss Abigail Gilday, principal. Stamp sales totaled $2,240.25. In addition, the boys and girls bought 26 of the $25 bonds, two $50 bonds, two $100 bonds and one $500 bond.
Mrs. Bergh At Meeting
Mrs. Frances Hovey Bergh left this afternoon for Philadelphia to represent the Music School of the University of Miami at the Music Educators National Conference to be held from March 28 to April 2. Mrs. Bergh will explain the position of the university and the work it is doing in the Music in the National Effort Program, which is the main subject that will be discussed at the conference. Among other subjects to be considered are community mass meetings, community concerts, union church services, music in industry and school music activities. In addition to the discussions, there will be numerous clinics and demonstrations, including the presentation of "Free Men," the drama of American democracy, and it is hoped that this production will be repeated locally throughout the nation. Upon her return to Miami, Mrs. Bergh will tender her report to the University Music School, and it is planned to incorporate their recommendations in the classes to be conducted at the twelve-week summer session at the University of Miami.
Morals Charge Nets Jail, Fine
Everett Thornton, employee of a local hotel, was fined $250 and sentenced to 90 days in jail in municipal court on charges of disorderly conduct by impairing the morals of a minor. Thornton was arrested Saturday by Detectives A. M. Bishop and Charles Hecht after parents had complained that he had endeavored to entice little girls to go for rides by promising them ice cream.
Here Again
Again choosing Coral Gables as their winter time vacation spot are Mr. and Mrs. Paul Quick, guests at the Hotel Antilla from Gloversville, N. Y.
Dr. Hopkins Returns
Dr. and Mrs. P. I. Hopkins have returned to their home, 742 Menores Avenue, after spending several weeks in Illinois.
Women In Factory
Approximately 150 women are working in the huge airplane factory of the Intercontinent Aircraft Company in Miami.
Local Men Named by Legion Lambert Elected; Michel Designated By Forty & Eight
More than 300 Legionnaires, registered at the Fifth District Florida American Legion conference, held at Lake Worth last Sunday, elected two members of Coral Gables Post to district offices and recommended another for Florida department office, local Legion officials announced upon return from the veterans' gathering. Al B. Lambert, a past commander of the local post, past Chef de Gare of Voiture Locale No. 492 of the Forty and Eight Society and present captain of the Dade County Guard of Honor, was elected 5th District commander by unanimous vote of the delegates. The 5th District of the Department of Florida American Legion comprises the lower East Coast counties. Dr. Henry G. Michel of Coral Gables Post was elected Grand Cheminot of the Forty and Eight Society of the Legion in the district, and Jack Schoenwald, also of the local post, was unanimously endorsed for the post of Grand Chef de Train, Forty and Eight Society, a state department office, Schoenwald's name will come before the 40 and 8 Department Promenade to be held in Orlando in May. Coral Gables Post, now one of the largest in the state, ranking eighth in membership, was represented by a record delegation at the conference, the largest attending. The delegates were M. F. Cummings, H. G. Michel, Leland Shepard, Sheldon Grebe, and E. Edward Winegar. Alternates were Philip Paine, Jack Schoenwald, James E. Hawkins, L. S. Upchurch and A. W. Brigham. Eighteen other members of the local post attended. Members of Coral Gables post, at their regular meeting next Wednesday evening in the post home, will stage a celebration honoring the victorious candidates, Lambert, Michel and Schoenwald. Coral Gables Post No. 98 was presented with a special certificate of Merit Distinguished Service, awarded to the organization by the national commander of the American Legion, by his representative at the conference for securing a 100 per cent membership renewal by last Armistice Day. The post now also has recorded the largest membership in its history, 370 paid up members. At the Wednesday night meeting nominations will be accepted and closed for post officers for the coming year. The election will be held at the meeting of April 15th, when delegates and alternates to the Florida department convention, to be held this year in Orlando, will also be named. Commander Winegar has announced that members of the Coral Gables Battery Home Company are soon to be given a training course in first aid, incendiary bomb snuffing and gas mask drill. Past Commander Phil Paine has announced a country-wide "Get-Out-the-Vote" drive among Legionnaires and has enlisted the support of newly-elected District Commander Lambert in the move. Paine has urged Legionnaires to exert their best efforts in registering eligible voters for the coming county elections.
Health Man To Speak On Defense Elementary School Scene of Talk On Thursday
William Chandler, director of the auxiliary medical service of the health division of the Dade County Defense Council, will address a public meeting of all interested residents at 8 P. M., Thursday, April 2, at the Coral Gables Elementary School. Chandler said the talk would be, in fact, a report to the community on the work of the council and an appeal for co-operation from the people. G. N. Shaw, City Manager, said he hoped that all air raid wardens, fire wardens, members of the auxiliary reserve police and any persons taking an active part in defense work in Coral Gables would attend. The meeting is open to the public without charge. The meetings are being held in the various communities of the county in order to inform the public of the great need for defense organization and for additional co-operation.
Gableites Hear Defense Plan
Coral Gables was well represented Tuesday at the country-wide defense meeting held at the Alcazar Hotel in Miami, when City Commissioner Wallace Bell, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce secretary Allie Lindburg, Dennis V. Renuart and William V. Dee, chairman of the chamber's industrial committee, heard William J. Deegan, Jr., of Deland, explain his now famous "Deland Plan" to put idle plants to work on war contracts. Sent to the Miami area by Governor Spessard L. Holland, Deegan holds the position of assistant co-ordinator in Florida for defense work, and some 200 business men and women of Dade County listened to him explain how he used the prime contractor, or "Mother Hen" system, to get war contracts by pooling of Deland's industrial facilities. Forrest D. Banning, head of the Miami War Production Board, stated that a survey of industrial facilities in this area was now 90 per cent complete, but urged business firms from Cocoa to Key West to rush a survey of their shops, factories and register tools available for war defense work, so that the Miami office may have the complete information. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce has already made a complete survey of housing facilities in this city which may be used if necessary for defense work.
KING ARTHUR CHAPTER TO HAVE BENEFIT
To help swell the war relief funds, the King Arthur Chapter, Daughters of the British Empire, will have a benefit bridge party at 1:30 P. M. Tuesday. The party will be held in the attractive rooms of the Southern Dairies Company, 62 Northeast 27th Street.
FIFTEEN ENTERTAINED AT ANTILLA HOTEL
Members of the Theatre of the Fifteen were entertained at a buffet supper Friday night at the Antilla Hotel. The management was host. The party also complimented seasonal guests at the hotel, who usually attend the Fifteen performances.
Government's War-Time Press Agents Lashed by Columnist Walter Lippmann
By WALTER LIPPMANN If there is anyone who thinks the government's publicity is successful, I have not happened to meet him. Indeed, it is fair to say that, far from earning public confidence, the elaborate and costly publicity offices are managing to get themselves disliked and distrusted. I venture to believe that the rapidly mounting irritation with the public relations experts is due to the fact that they operate on a theory which is inherently invicire and that, as the temper of the people hardens because they face the issues of life and death, they find this insincerity more and more repellent. The profession of publicity experts is a new one. Its forerunners were, I suppose, P. T. Barnum and the theatrical press agents of our age of innocence. But in its modern, serious, respectable, elaborately organized and "scientific" form, the profession of publicity expert has developed in the last thirty-odd years. He "sells" ideas, and unfortunately he has succeeded in selling the idea to public men that they can hire publicity experts to make them and their policies popular. This I call conception of publicity inherently insincere because it assumes that the public associates with public men can and should have specialized in the art of manipulating public opinion. Along with so many other things which flourished in that interval between the two wars when the people were unwilling to fact the first and last things of human existence. This notion is now being burned up in the fires of war. For when free men and women stake their lives, their fortunes and their dearest hopes in their country's cause they will not stomach a fabricated, manipulated, synthetic public mask covering the faces of their leaders. The core of the matter can best be examined by considering the employment of professional (Please Turn to page six)
Gableites Pay Tribute To Merrick City Will Serve As Monument Say Civic Leaders
The City Hall flags were lowered to half-mast Thursday morning while members of the city's official family and prominent citizens mourned the death of George Merrick, the city's founder. Mayor Joe Whitley, who was closely associated with the pioneer back in the days of the Coral Gables corporation, said he could not begin to express what he felt on Merrick's passing. "He was a leader of men, a dreamer, and yet a man with great vision. But for him, there would be no Coral Gables, as we know it. Every citizen of our town mourns his death, for he has created a living monument to himself. There never will be anyone to take his place." Wallace A. Bell, vice-mayor and city commissioner, said: "Coral Gables and the nation have lost a loyal and good citizen, and this beautiful city is an imperishable monument to his memory." Dennis A. Cray, City Commissioner: "George Merrick had an untimely death. It is terribly sad that he couldn't have lived to enjoy his new position and life a little longer, after having suffered. Merrick once had a chance to sell Coral Gables out for millions, but he stuck when the going was tough and went down with it, but later to see his dream materialize as a substantial city." Thomas C. Mayes, City Commissioner: "The Greater Miami area, but Coral Gables in particular, has lost one of its outstanding leaders. In Coral Gables we should strive to keep constantly before us his ideals for the city which he founded. W. Keith Phillips, Commissioner: "The Greater Miami area has seen many great leaders come and go. Of them all George Merrick probably symbolized an era of magnificent development more than any other man. His passing will be felt not only in the city which he founded, but by all those who knew him or have known of his fine work." George Shaw, city manager: "Coral Gables always will miss the man who conceived its ideals and so jealously guarded them all these years. A lasting monument to his memory should be created, even though no other physical memorial is needed as long as Coral Gables exists." Frank N. Holley, Jr., president of the Chamber of Commerce: "The city of Coral Gables has suffered an irreparable loss in the passing of George E. Merrick, its true friend. First job I ever had, George Merrick gave to me, and his hard work, his unselfishness and his wholehearted concern for Coral Gables first and last was an inspiration I shall never forget. (Please Turn to Page Five)
Ensign Galbraith On Active Duty
Ensign John Galbraith, 931 Catalonia Avenue, a member of the Naval Reserve, has been called for active duty. Galbraith, an employee of Embry-Riddle School of Aviation, left last week for Cambridge, where he will enter training at Harvard University for an assistant paymaster's post. His wife, Mrs. Betty Galbraith, is secretary to George Wheeler, vice-president of the Embry-Riddle Company.
Johnson Tells Lions Of Work for Blind
Henry Johnson, Florida state chairman of Welfare for the Blind, was the guest speaker at this week's meeting of the Coral Gables Lions Club at the Coral Gables Country Club. Mr. Johnson, a member of the Tampa Lions Club, described the work which is being done and which is planned to assist blind people in Florida. Oliver Hoover, chairman of the program committee, introduced the speaker. Will B. Reynolds presided.
Fined In Court
L. J. Konradt and Louis Suriani, University of Miami students, were fined $10 each in police court Wednesday for stealing signs. The youths were arrested with street signs, house numbers and two business place signs in their possession.