Coral Gables Riviera

PAGE 4 THE CORAL GABLES RIVIERA FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1942

Gables A 'Dream Come True' To Founder George Merrick

A dreamer went to his eternal rest yesterday with the rare privilege accorded to but few men—that of living to see his dream come true. For the Coral Gables of today, the city of beautiful homes, churches, schools and tropical foliage — the city of winding parkways and graceful plazas — first lived for many years in the mind and heart of George E. Merrick. When the Rev. Solomon G. Merrick gave up his Congregational pastorate in 1898 and came to Florida, he brought his son with him. He acquired a 160-acre tract on the southern tip of the then almost trackless Florida peninsula. Solomon Merrick had an idea, too. He envisaged a thriving garden spot, lush with tropical fruits and vegetables, where retired ministers of the Congregational church could spend their declining years. But from the time he arrived here, a germ of a much greater idea was born within the breast of his son, George. George E. Merrick spent his boyhood days in a home surrounded by an unbroken wilderness of palmetto and pine and dreamed of the day when it would become a modern cultivated community of homes. As he grew to manhood, he raised vegetables and tomatoes, but kept his cherished dream in his heart. Had Farm Here These tomatoes and vegetables were raised on the land which is now the Country Club of Coral Gables golf course. The Merricks had a tomato packing house just east of where the clubhouse now stands. His old home, home, at the corner of South Greenway Drive and Castile Avenue, is a part of the house standing there now—this house having been added to the old homestead. One of the original quarter-section stakes also still stands on this corner, although a strangling fig is doing its best to engulf the old landmark. The Merrick barn had to be demolished when Castile Avenue was cut through. Mr. Merrick's first idea was for the Gables to be a suburban Spanish village, but with the Florida boom came the dream of an independent city. On November 27, 1921, the first lot of the development that was to be Coral Gables was sold. The first street was cut through in March, 1922, and in July of the same year the first store was built. Then came a period of expansion and growth, so fabulous that those who actually witnessed it are still rubbing their eyes. Merrick spared no pains in gathering around him men who were experts in their line—men who understood his ideals and could help see them through to completion. Harmony a Keynote Denman Fink was head architect, with absolute power to forbid any structure that did not harmonize with the plan of beauty. It was Fink, the artist, who created many of the beautiful plazas and structures that make Coral Gables outstanding. The Venetian Pool is also his work of art. The late Phineas Paist was supervising architect and Frank Button was the first landscape architect. The first houses and buildings were made of coral rock, and Merrick Manor, on Coral Way, with its gables of this native material, gave the city its name. No community in history was launched with greater fanfare and sales promotion. From all over the country Mr. Merrick gathered a sales force of star salesmen. They came in droves and were immediately put to work. It is estimated that they sold $150,000,000 worth of real estate before the bubble burst. Huge busses toured the country, bringing prospective buyers. The trip was free if a lot was purchased. If no sale was made, a small sum was charged. William Jennings Bryan made speeches lauding the opportunities here. Jan Garber and Paul Whiteman provided music for dancers at the Country Club. Gondolas and gondoliers were brought from Venice to enhance the beauty of the canals. Grand opera was given in a tent. Rex Beach was paid $5,000 to write a book entitled "The Miracle of Coral Gables." $100,000,000 Spent Under Mr. Merrick's personal supervision, $100,000,000 was spent on the development. Sales offices were opened in the principal cities of the country. When the city was incorporated on April 29, 1925, Mr. Merrick was named as one of the first commissioners. E. E. Dammers, who sold lots from the back of a wagon, was the first mayor. Don Peabody, Telfair Knight and F. Wingfield Webster completed the first commission. On the following day, Merrick rode the first street car down Ponce de Leon Boulevard amid great festivities. The Biltmore was opened in January, 1926, with a gala Venetian festival, featuring the imported gondolas. The climax of the realization of Mr. Merrick's dreams came on the day when the cornerstone of the University of Miami was laid. Speaking at that time, he said that this was the culmination of his greatest dream, the starting of a great university at the gateway to South America. Then on September 18, 1926, Coral Gables was struck the first of two devastating blows that would have spelled finish for many communities. The great hurricane of '26 came roaring in from the sea, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The Bubble Bursts Coral Gables and George Merrick came up smiling and started rebuilding and repairing. Then came the second "blow"—the burst of the Florida bubble. Millionaires became paupers overnight as paper profits, stacked sky high, came hurtling down on the heads of the developers. Merrick was penniless. The man whose life was insured for $1,000,000 and who had turned down $80,000,000 in cash for his holdings in the Gables was left without two thin dimes to rub together in his pocket. With Mrs. Merrick, they retired to the Florida Keys, where from 1927 they subsisted by operating a small refreshment stand and fishing camp. But never once was George Merrick defeated. He had suffered blows that have caused weaker men to commit suicide. He had arisen to undreamed of heights and wealth only to be tossed into the blackest depths. But his interest in Coral Gables never lagged. His courage remained unflinching and his self-respect unsullied. In 1934 he was back in the real estate business on the comeback trail. Again his business grew, until George Merrick offices were in evidence all over the area. Made Postmaster Last year, another honor was added to his name when he was named Miami's Postmaster, a position which he held until his passing. The mortal remains of George Merrick will soon be laid to rest. But his spirit will always be with the city he founded and loved. For George Merrick is as much a part of Coral Gables as the waving palms and winding parkways. Undoubtedly, in the near future, a monument will be erected to Mr. Merrick in the beautiful little park that bears his name across from City Hall. But his real monument is the city itself. And as all hallowed ground is kept inviolate from the shoddy, the ugly and the undignified, George Merrick goes to rest knowing that the ideals he set forth for his city will be safeguarded in the years to come.

Merrick on First Commission

George E. Merrick not only founded Coral Gables, but served as a member of its first commission. He is shown here with Telfair Knight, F. Wingfield Webster, Jack Baldwin and Edward E. Dammers, the first Mayor.

Seeks to Pool Manufacturing Resources Here

TALLAHASSEE (PNS) — While we seldom think of Florida as a manufacturing state, it was pointed out last week by Joseph W. Frazer, president of Willys-Overland Motors, that this state can do a vital job in helping to fortify America's position as the "Arsenal of Democracy." The extent of our facilities for such production, as revealed in a recent survey, was disclosed to Governor Holland last week. Frazer points out that this state has 506 dealer shops now standing idle for the most part that could quickly and easily be converted for the manufacture of parts for tanks, guns, boats and other needed supplies. The survey shows that if these manufacturing resources could be pooled, an arms factory of approximately 3,500,000 square feet could be harnessed to the war effort. Governor Holland has put the wheels in motion to utilize these plants as quickly and as effectively as possible.

MRS. HOWARD SULLIVAN TO HAVE CHURCH EVENING

Mrs. Howard Sullivan will open her home, 1244 Avenue Anastasia, at 8 P. M., Thursday for a social evening for the friends of the Congregational Church. Mrs. J. L. Cunningham will review "The Nazarene," by Sholem Asch. This is the third in sponsored evenings in homes by members of the congregation.

EASTER COMMUNION TO BE OBSERVED

The Easter Communion will be observed at the Coral Gables Congregational Church on Sunday, March 29, at 11 o'clock. The communion message will be entitled "Life Is Often One Against the World." Mrs. C. T. McCreedy will sing "The Psalms," by Faure, and the choir will sing "O Morn of Beauty" by Sibelius.

Railroad Wins Collision Suit

TAMPA (PNS) — Reporters who from cubhood had eagerly looked forward to the day when they would encounter a sure 'nuff "man bites dog" story, listened to the decision handed down by Judge Barker in Federal Court here last week and then galloped frantically to their typewriters, for it was "NEWS" with a capital "N" in any language, especially the Judicial: For the first time on record here, a railroad, which usually pays for crossing accidents, was awarded a verdict in Federal Court against a truck for damaging one of its locomotives. The General Materials Company of St. Petersburg, owners of the truck which collided with the second section of a Seaboard Air Line Diesel locomotive at Seminole Crossing in Pinellas County two years ago, was ordered by Judge Barker in a directed verdict to pay damages amounting to $2,862.67, actual cost of repairing the locomotive, and that amount was set up in the verdict.

Here are the Ponce trackmen who trimmed Andrew Jackson last week in the first two meets with the rival school. Lined up for Coach Gramley's starting gun are Vickets, Gahr, Byrd, Tatum, Calpini and Pierce.

This Week in the War

President Roosevelt proclaimed April 6 as Army Day and asked the nation to observe it by resolving firmly "to spare no effort which may contribute to the speedy creation of the arms and supplies indispensable to our citizens' army." He said, "We are engaged in our greatest war, a war that will leave none of our lives wholly untouched. We shall win this war as we have won every war we have fought." War Secretary Stimson announced the army will train 100,000 men and women for civilian jobs as overhaul and repair mechanics, inspectors at government arsenals, etc. Men must be outside the age requirements for selective service. Applications may be made at any Civil Service Commission local office. The House passed and sent to the Senate a bill to create a volunteer army auxiliary corps of women between 21 and 45. Ground forces Commander McNair reported the army will expand its present nine corps areas to eleven to facilitate handling of 32 new streamlined infantry divisions of 15,300 men each. Commander McNair said a site "west of the Colorado River" has been selected for large-scale troop training in modern desert warfare. The Army Institute was established at Madison, Wis., to provide correspondence study in more than 65 academic courses for enlisted men with at least four months' active service. SELECTIVE SERVICE—Selective Service Director Hershey, tightening II-A deferments, directed SS local boards to put aside considerations of "mere convenience and comfort" in determining the deferment of persons necessary to the "national health, safety or interest." The local boards began distribution of four-page occupational questionnaires to obtain for the U. S. Employment Service and other agencies full information on the vocational background of men who registered February 16. Later the questionnaires will be sent the earlier SS registrants. The President set April 27 as the SS registration day for all men 44 to 64, inclusive. Director Hershey said as the war progresses draft deferments will depend more on whether a man's civil operation is essential to the war effort than on his dependents. RATIONING — The Office of Price Administration announced individual or family consumers will register for sugar rationing May 4, 5, 6 and 7 at public elementary schools. Commercial users will register April 28 and 29 at high schools. All sugar sales in the country will be halted at midnight April 27 for approximately 10 days. One member of a family can register for the entire household. Each person will receive a war ration book of 28 stamps. Oil Co-ordinator Ickes said a card rationing system for gasoline will replace within six weeks the present 20 per cent limitation on deliveries in 17 eastern states, Washington, Oregon and the District of Columbia. The War Production Board said new typewriters produced during the Army, Navy and other government agencies. The OPA will ration machines now held by dealers. PRODUCTION AND CONVERSION — War Production Chairman Nelson, in a radio broadcast, said airplane production has increased more than 50 per cent since Pearl Harbor. "But this is no reason for false complacency. We are nowhere near our goals." Commerce Secretary Jones reported the Defense Plant Corporation had made commitments as of March 7 for construction of more than 700 plants. He said the Government is spending $600,000,000 for construction of synthetic rubber plants. SHIPPING — Navy Secretary Knox said of more than 1,000 ships which have cleared New York for southern ports and have observed Navy orders to travel in specially designated north-south lanes, only five have been sunk. He said the Coast Guard force protecting harbor installations is being increased from 20,000 to 40,000, and a large number of patrol vessels are being added for the entire Atlantic coastline. The Maritime Commission said its liberty ship production program, now on schedule, calls for putting 1,486 new freighters in war service by the end of 1943. AIR—The President asked Congress for more than $8 to expand the Army Air Forces by purchase of 148,000 planes in 1942 and 1943. The Civil Aeronautics Administration said its standardization center in Houston, Texas, soon will graduate a class of pilots every ten days for the Army Ferrying Command. The Office of Education and the CAA announced plans for a nation-wide aviation education program in elementary and high schools. ARMY BROADCASTS FROM FIGHTING POINTS—The War Department said a series of "Army Hour" broadcasts every Sunday beginning April 5, 3:30 to 4:30, EWT, over the NBC network, will link men in the armed services fighting abroad with American firesides in this country. The programs will attempt to promote understanding of military and morale problems. They will mark the first time in U. S. history the army will directly sponsor and supervise a radio program to accomplish a military mission. LABOR — President Roosevelt said by fall labor shortages probably will begin to develop, although at the present time there is sufficient manpower for war industry. The President stated nowhere in the country is anyone prohibited by law from working more than 40 hours a week. WPB Chairman Nelson, addressing CIO leaders in Washington, asked labor to suspend for the duration of the privilege of getting double time pay for work on Sundays and holidays. The President ordered the Office of Defense Transportation to seize the strike-bound Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad and to operate it "for the successful prosecution of the war." The President acted after the railroad management rejected repeated government requests that the strike be submitted to arbitration. Labor Secretary Perkins said of the 15 million workers to be employed in war industries by next January, about one-third will be women. PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS—The WPB ordered manufacturers of domestic laundry equipment to halt production by May 15, and manufacturers of certain vending machines, of juke boxes and other amusement machines by May 1. The board directed retailers of men's and boys' clothing to omit trouser cuffs after March 30. Priority assistance was granted materials needed for repair and maintenance of existing plumbing and heating installations on farms, in residences and office and apartment buildings. The board limited metallic plates for state and local auto licenses to 10 per cent of the weight issued during the year ending July 1. The Senate completed Congressional action on the second war powers bill, which includes provisions for a fine of $10,000 and a year in prison for priorities violations. The WPB said it will begin investigations soon of pig iron distributon in foundries as well as inventory conditions of copper scrap dealers. PRICES—The Labor Department reported its cost of living index on February 15 was 113 per cent of the average for 1935-39 and almost 15 per cent higher than in August, 1939. The OPA set price ceilings on gasoline at service stations in 17 eastern states, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia at levels prevailing March 13. A Chicago Federal Grand Jury indicted 101 cheese dealers, processors and distributors for violation of the Federal Antitrust law.

Navy Seeks Radio Men

Guy F. Hull, Navy recruiter, announces that the local Navy recruiting station has a number of vacancies for men trained in radio for enlistment in the Navy as radiomen, second class, to be trained for Radar men. To be eligible applicants must have the following qualifications. Be a high school graduate; hold or have held amateur Class "A" or "B" license for past three years. In the absence of these licenses must have been actively engaged in repair work for three years or have had experience in connection with high frequency design, transmission or reception. Enlistments are made between the ages of 17 and 50. Physical requirements are: Not less than 18 sound teeth, two of which must be opposing molars and have vision of at least 10-20 in each eye without glasses. These men, upon enlistment, will be sent to one of the Navy radio training schools for a course in mathematics and radio theory. Upon successful completion, they will be assigned to Radar installation and maintenance work.

Quality MEATS FRUITS VEGETABLES

FANCY FLORIDA SPINACH 3 Lbs. 10c | GENUINE SPRING LAMB LEGS Per Lb. 27c FANCY SQUASH Per Lb. 10c | HEAVY WESTERN RIB ROAST Per Lb. 33c STRAWBERRIES Per Qt. 25c | RATH'S SLICED BACON Per Lb. 37c HOME-GROWN WATERCRESS Per Bunch 10c | FRESH PORK ROAST 2-Pound Average Per Lb. 29c FOR DELIVERY PHONE 4-0441 DOWLING 111 CORAL WAY

JIMMIE'S

You'll find the right atmosphere here 2 BANDS 2 LES ROBINSON (American) ALBERTA and HIS RUMBA KINGS (Cuban) Three Floor Shows Nightly 9:30 12:30 2:30 FEATURING CHARCOAL BROILED STEAKS CHINESE FOOD - DINNERS Reservations Phone 4-1313 JIMMIE'S 3651 Tamiami Trail

For Easter

Our Easter Selection is finer than usual this year. We invite your inspection. CARDS - CANDIES - TOYS ATTRACTIVELY MADE UP BASKETS COMPLETE PARTY LINE OF FAVORS NAPKINS PLATES & CLOTHS F. N. HOLLEY 5 & 10c STORES HOME OWNED & OPERATED 217 CORAL WAY 2126 PONCE DE LEON BLVD.

BOWL OUTDOORS On Wooden Alleys

Weekly Cash Awards For High Score LADIES & MEN SPECIAL LEAGUE RATES Gables Bowling Gardens 210 GIHALDA AVENUE

Fine Printing

ANNOUNCEMENTS BOOKLETS BUSINESS CARDS BUSINESS STATIONERY CIRCULARS ENGRAVING FOLDERS MONTHLY PUBLICATIONS PAMPHLETS PERIODICALS PERSONAL STATIONERY VISITING CARDS WEEKLY PUBLICATIONS Miami Riviera Publishing Company 306 Coral Way Phone 4-1634 Coral Gables

CORAL GABLES GROCERY

ASK FOR YOUR CHANGE IN DEFENSE STAMPS CORAL GABLES GROCERY Quality, Selection Low Price Food & Dept. Store 2012 PONCE DE LEON BLVD. "In the Heart of Coral Gables" Cash and Carry Only — Quantity Rights Reserved OPEN EVENINGS UNTIL 8:30 FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Morning Bracer COFFEE . . . . lb. 21c Kellogg's Rice Krispies pkg. 10c Rose-Dale PEACHES, lge. can 19c SCOTTOWELS 3 rolls 25c Waldorf TOILET TISSUE 3 rolls 13c SCOTT SOFTWEVE 3 rolls 25c Borden's—Limit with Order MILK . . . 3 cans 23c Habitant PEA SOUP No. 2 1/2 Can 15c Gelatin Desserts JEL-TREET 3 pkgs. 14c Champion TOMATO PASTE can 5c OXYDOL . lge. pkg. 21c Octagon SOAP . . 3 gt. bars 12c Lifebuoy SOAP . . . . 4 bars 20c McGrath's Baltimore TOMATOES 2 No. 2 Cans 23c McGrath's Cut Green String Beans 2 No. 2 Cans 23c Spring Brook Country Roll BUTTER . . . . lb. 35c Church's Unsweetened GRAPE JUICE . qt. 27c Balantine—Case $2.00 plus deposit. BEER . . . 3 btls. 27c Pound Tin 25c SPRY . . . 3-lb. tin 69c Valey Prime Min. PEAS 2 med. cans 19c Valley Prime Golden Bantam CORN 2 med. cans 19c CIGARETTES, ctn. $1.19 with any purchase in 5c & 10c and Sundry Dept. Beach TOWELS . 59c and 1.00 For Shower, Rain, Beach, Adjustable Shower Caps each 35c Auto Wax Free with Johnson's Cleaner, Polisher pt. 59c Won't Rub Off, Freenhes White SHOE SOAP . . . . 23c We Handle Only the Finest Meats Money Can Buy Cut to Your Order by Expert Butchers TOP QUALITY BEEF Sirloin or Club, Cut and on Display STEAKS . . . . lb. 39c Boned and Rolled Rump or RIB ROAST . . lb. 45c Tender Young BEEF LIVER . . lb. 33c Fresh Cottage Cheese lb. 15c Armour's Star LAMB LEGS . . . . lb. 29c LOIN CHOPS . . lb. 43c Fancy Brisket CORNED BEEF . lb. 35c Fresh-Killed Roasting CHICKENS . . lb. 38c CUT-UP FRYERS Buy the Pieces You Like the Best Every Day in the Week. Fresh Local Killed Breasts . . . . lb. 75c Legs & Thighs, lb. 69c Wilsco Sliced Bacon . lb. 29c Rath's Blackhawk Butt Ends HAM . . . . . . lb. 39c Fancy Cauliflower . head 10c Celery Hearts 3 for 15c Florida SPINACH . . 2 lbs. 5c California CARROTS . 2 bchs. 15c Juice ORANGES EA. 1c Juice LEMONS EA. 1c Fancy Texas YAMS . . . . 5 lbs. 19c Fresh English Peas 2 lbs. 19c