Coral Gables Riviera-Times

'Keith Should Run for President' Claims Happy Gables First Lady

BY JOYCE EDWARDS Wednesday morning found Mrs. W. Keith Phillips, wife of the new Mayor of Coral Gables, fast in the clutches of the morning-after blues. It was three in the afternoon when Mrs. Phillips was contacted, and she was still feeling tired, a little unhealthy, but despite it all, happy. "Today it feels terrible," she said, "people came over last night to congratulate Keith. There were about 100 or 150 of them altogether. They continued to stream in until about three this morning and I'm dead today." Overlooking her present condition, a little exhausted, and campaign-worn, Mrs. Phillips commented "It really feels grand. I think it's wonderful because of Keith. He's so delighted. He wanted it and he worked 'til he got it." "When it came to the campaign, I helped him stay at home and out of it. I didn't want him to run. Now I tell him he should run for president of the United States, and I'm afraid that with a little encouragement he might try it." When Mrs. David J. Hendrick said "I think my husband will make a wonderful commissioner because he takes his work so seriously and with such sincerity, spending a great deal of time with it," she must have been expressing the views of the voters, since he is our new commissioner for the coming four years. Mrs. Eleanor Healy, wife of a new commissioner, assisted her husband in his campaign by forming committees to get votes. MRS. PHILLIPS

President Calls National Fire Conference

Combating the nation's great fire losses, which reached a near-record $561,487,000 last year, national public officials and fire protection experts are preparing for the forthcoming National Conference on Fire Prevention to be held in Washington this Spring. Major General Philip B. Fleming, administrator of the Federal Works Agency and of the Office of Temporary Controls, has been named by President Harry Truman as general chairman of the conference. President Truman decided to call the conference, a White House announcement said, to bring the ever-present danger from fire home to all our people, and to intensify the work of fire prevention in every town and city in the nation. In a nation-wide broadcast on the "Crimes of Carelessness" program over MBS, Major General Fleming stated a few days ago that "the terrible destruction of life and property by fire could have been almost entirely averted if proper precautions are taken in time." "Destructive fires are due either to carelessness or ignorance of the proper methods of prevention. Those techniques have been tested, but they must be much more intensively applied in every State and local community in the country," he said. "The president is encouraged to hope that the plans and techniques adopted by this conference and applied by national, state and local authorities and the public—in a concerted attack on fire losses, will stem this staggering drain on our human and material resources."

World's Biggest 'Eye'

This is how the new observatory at Mount Palomar, Calif., will look when it's finished this year—enabling man to see more than a thousand million light years into space, twice as far as heretofore. It will open up an unexplored sphere eight times the volume of that already examined. The world's biggest "eye" has been under construction for 19 years, cost $6,250,000.

Reeves Was Lone Cop In Gables' Early Days

Fourth in a Series on Members of the Fire and Police Depts. Coral Gables, with only six paved streets, no police department, barber shops, or winding avenues—that was the picture when Capt. Louis C. Reeves of the Coral Gables Police Department, arrived here December 22, 1922. "I was employed and paid by the Coral Gables Corporation and had my desk in a garage building, which was also the plumbing department. There was at that time, a volunteer fire department and part of my job was to go along with them, blow the siren and pump water. Later when several street lights were installed, I had to see that they were turned on at dark and off at midnight," said Capt. Reeves, reminiscing. When asked about the stores in Coral Gables at that time, Capt. Reeves stated emphatically that there were none. "I had to go to Miami to get even a sandwich or a haircut. The Coral Gables Inn and later the Country Club opened and you could finally get something to eat." The first building on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, he says, was the Central Building and it consisted of one large room, at the end of which was a little balcony. Buses bringing in prospective buyers stopped here and the customers would be approached by high-pressured salesmen. There were two or three dozen of these large buses and they traveled all over the country, giving people who were interested in Coral Gables a free ride here and back to their homes. "One day I remember Constable Troy, of the fire department, and I were talking and I said I'd like to go out and get some oranges. We took the fire truck, blowing the siren very loud as we went down the street. When we passed the local field office, I noticed Mr. George Merrick talking to some people. They stopped and watched us go clanging by in the truck with 'Coral Gables Fire Department' on the sides. When I came back, I saw Mr. Merrick and he said: 'Who gave you the idea of running up that street with the siren blowing and bell ringing?' There wasn't any fire, was there?" "I answered, 'No, sir,' thinking I was about to lost my job. "'Well, I'll tell you,' Mr. Merrick replied, 'I'm going to give you a $10 raise. When that truck went by, you helped me sell some property to those people." "I never did tell him I went out after oranges," said Reeves. When the city was incorporated, a police department was established. Prior to this there had only been six or seven deputy sheriffs. Recalling the days when he knew everybody in Coral Gables, when the Venetian pool was a rock pit, and when the scenery was nothing more than beautiful fruit groves, Capt. Reeves, who now lives at 834 Avenue Sorolla smilingly said, "they were good days—good days."

Boxing Series Planned by Gables Jaycees

Heading the committee for a series of amateur boxing matches to be sponsored by the Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce this summer is Ted Wayne, who has been named chairman. He will be assisted by Dick Roberts, Ed Beckman, Bunny Lovett, and Walt Smith. Serving on the ticket committee are Ray Stanford, chairman; Jack Widdersheim and Tom O'Connor. Fred Diestelhorst has been named chairman of ticket collection and will be assisted by Rod Vestal and Bill Swain. Jack Junkin was named to serve as chairman of advertising, along with Bill Cochran, Jim Moore, and Pete White. Chairman of arrangements will be Sy Sobeck. He will be assisted by Art Lehman, Harris Johnson, Chick O'Domski, Lyle Roberts, Larry Lauriente, and Bob Andre. Jim Hamilton will be chairman of the ushers who are Bill Green, Don Dutcher, Ben Turner, Bob Tylee, Lyle Lingle, Dave Hendrick, Frank Tye, and Tom O'Connor.

Biographies Furnish Background On Florida's Legislators

By R. A. GRAY Secretary of State From available biographical sketches, some interesting facts about those men who will serve in the 1947 legislature have been developed. While some of the biographies were incomplete, enough information is given, to furnish a composite picture of the 1947 session of the legislature. They Are Educated Thirty members of the Senate and 57 members of the House have had college training. If this be an index to the entire membership, we should have a high level of intelligence running through the 1947 legislature. Only 55 members indicated that they were native born. So, it seems the legislature will only be about one-half native sons while approximately one-half were born outside the State of Florida. In Their Forties The average age of members of the House of Representatives is 45, while the Senate average of 48 is a little higher. So there should be quite a few younger men but still enough of the older group to give a conservative, mature and experience age level that portends well for the 1947 legislature. Ex-perience in the World Wars has been had by a dozen of the Senate and 27 members of the House. Nineteen of those served in World War I and 20 served in World War II. Lawyers Predominate Thirty-eight members of the House and 21 of the Senate list lawyers by profession and is the largest of the professional groups. Following next in line are merchants, there being nine in the House and two in the Senate. Seven are farmers and six are bankers. Insurance follows a close second with five and a total of five are engaged in the business of timber and lumber. The health of the legislature should be well protected by one doctor and two druggists. Then there is one minister to assist the chaplains in looking after the spiritual welfare. Four livestock dealers, four realtors and four contractors should make a good team. Three auto dealers, three editors and two citrus growers and one member each engaged in manufacturing, hotel operation, also there is one railroad man, one fisherman, one sawmill man, one dairyman, one accountant and one turpentine operator which gives variety to the profession and vocations. While only about one-half of the members indicated their religious or church affiliations, from the information available, they are divided as follows: Methodist 25; Baptist; 19; Presbyterian, 11; Christian, 3; Catholic, 1; Episcopal, 6; Church of Christ, 1; and Seventh Day Adventist, 1. A Number of "Joiners" Among the fraternal orders, 56 are Masons, 50 Elks, 17 Shriners, 12 Knights of Pythias, 8 Odd Fellows and 6 members of the Woodmen of the World, indicating that the 1947 legislature are pretty good "joiners." Civic Clubs Represented While some members, no doubt, failed to indicate their connection with civic clubs, yet the record shows 17 Rotarians, 24 Kiwanians, 8 Lions, 3 Civitans and 2 members of the Exchange Club. Previous Service A very important fact noted by an examination of the biographies, is the large amount of previous legislative experience had by so many of the members of the coming legislature. This should add greatly to the careful and mature thinking that will be applied to proposed legislation. Two members have had ten years in the legislature; one eight terms, two have served seven terms, two six terms, nine have served five terms, eight have served four terms and 28 have had as much as three terms previous experience. Twenty-three served two terms and 29 have had at least one term previous experience. This information shows that more than one-half of the total members will have had previous legislative experience. Some of the members have had experience in government service other than the legislature. One member has had 40 years as an official in other government service. Another member has had 22 years; two have had 12 years, one 11 years, eight three years, four four years, two three years and two two years previous public experience. All of this indicates a rich background of experience in public service and if we are to judge by these statistics, incomplete though they may be, the 1947 legislature will be a fine cross-section of American life and Florida citizenship with far above the average in experience. The people of Florida should look forward to the coming session of the legislature with great confidence.

Real Estate Survey Indicates Leveling Off Is Occurring

Local real estate boards and real estate brokers report that residences are selling at the same or slightly lower prices than last summer, according to a nationwide sampling just completed by the research department of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Beane through 80 offices of the firm. This does not mean that a continuing down trend may be in evidence, the firm points out, but it may indicate that a leveling off is occurring. About 50 per cent of the reports indicated that prices of business properties in general are about the same as last summer and about 40 per cent reported increases of from 10 per cent to 40 per cent—principally in the 10 per cent range, the firm said. Retail stores appeared to be in greatest demand. Over 70 per cent of the returns reported farm lands around the same price as last summer, and the remainder indicated a decrease. Seasonal factors may be involved here to some extent the firm said. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Beane stated, "Sales volume is a barometer of demand, but it may also be indicative of a limited supply. With respect to residential, farm and business properties, monthly volume of total dollar sales appears to have remained about the same as last summer, though some areas reported decreases of 10 per cent to 80 per cent. About 40 per cent of the returns agreed that prices of residential properties are the same as last summer and that dollar sales volume is down. The same percentage indicated that both prices and dollar sales have decreased. However, where prices were reported higher than last summer, there was noticeable resistance to the higher prices for residential properties, but opinion was about equally divided as between resistance and lack of resistance where business properties were concerned. Sand Hill Cranes, once almost extinct, have been seen in flocks numbering more than 100 at Myakka River State Park near Sarasota.

The Florida Crippled Children's Commission reports that 1,161 crippled youngsters need medical care and treatment. Your contribution to the South Florida Children's Hospital is one way to eliminate a shocking condition.

Announcing New WATCH, CLOCK AND JEWELRY Repairing Service

Parts available for any average make of watch. Prompt, accurate service guaranteed. CORAL CLOCK SHOP 211 ALCAZAR

SEE THE NEW SENSATIONAL ROPER TOWN AND COUNTRY RANGE THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT!!!

QUALITY PRODUCTS ONLY • TWO OVENS • THREE BROILERS • EIGHT BURNERS • CRISPER BIN • GRIDDLE • TOASTER REASONABLE DELIVERIES GAS-OIL PRODUCTS INC. OF FLORIDA 2603 PONCE DE LEON BLVD. PHONE 4-0821 BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

Combs FUNERAL HOMES

1539 N. E. 2nd Avenue Phone 8-2101 W. H. COMBS J. J. COMBS P. H. COMBS

P. M. STUBBS Registered Land Surveyor PROPERTY CORNERS ESTABLISHED

216 Palermo Phone 4-5360

EXPERT CABINET MAKING

Immediate delivery on all types of Cabinets, Fixtures and Production work. TUCKER and LAYON Cabinet and Woodwork Shop 3100 N. W. 27th AVENUE Phone 3-4115

MACK'S NEWS STAND

BUS TERMINAL CORAL GABLES Complete and Friendly Service OWNED AND OPERATED BY CORAL GABLES RESIDENTS FOR CORAL GABLES PEOPLE RICHARD McNENY — PAT McNENY

CROUCH BROS. PAINTING

Tel. 4-3116 Res. 4-7202

RADIO ELECTRONIC ENG.

RADIO SERVICE FM IS HERE Let us convert your pre-war FM Set to the New Bands. Phone for information or pick-up. Quality Service on All Makes of Radios. Marine Transmitters In Stock We Specialize In Installations 3604 West Flagler Street Phone 4-5521

Do you need a GOOD PLUMBER?

Quick Service Rendered On All Emergencies Plumbing work of every description from repair work to large installations GEO. H. CRAWFORD MASTER PLUMBER Phone 48-3264 3396 Coral Way

Screen Door Grills

Buy Them Direct from the Manufacturer. MURRAY'S METAL SERVICE 4019 Aurora Ave. Coral Gables

ARVIN RADIOS • $16.45

BOAST RADIO SERVICE 1804 PONCE DE LEON BLVD. PHONE 4-5212

LONG DISTANCE MOVING IN NICE CLEAN VANS

—Agent Member, Allied Van Lines— PROMPT LOCAL MOVING, CRATING, PACKING PIANO HANDLING STORAGE IN NEW FIREPROOF TYPE BUILDING GALLOWAY TRANSFER & STORAGE 4104-4118 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Phones 4-3575 and 48-2503

Sewing Basket Cleaners Laundry

3627 S. W. 8th St. Phone 4-6267 MRS. CLAUDE KINDER ALTERATION SPECIALISTS CUSTOM-MADE DRESSES

CORAL GABLES WROUGHT IRON CO.

Metal Craftsmen 323 GRECO AVENUE PHONE 48-1421 CORAL GABLES 34, FLORIDA

Painting

INTERIOR — EXTERIOR — WATERPROOFING FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE WORK GUARANTEED TO YOUR SATISFACTION H. Wells Watson PAINTING CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED 1952 S. W. 22nd Terrace Phone 48-5111

FURNITURE THAT SERVES—AT PRICES THAT SAVE WOLPERT FURNITURE CO.

1200 CORAL WAY "AT 5 POINTS" (S.W. 22 St., Corner S.W. 12 Ave.) PHONE 3-4132

EASY TERMS TIRES, TUBES ACCESSORIES SEIBERLING TIRES SEIBERLING DIXIE TIRE CO.

101 S. W. First Street 5327 N. Miami Ave. 3539 N. W. 17th Ave. Phone 2-6133 945 Fifth Street 1840 Alton Road MIAMI MIAMI BEACH

HARDWARE for the HOBBYIST- OR FOR THE PROFESSIONAL!

Yes, did you know that RE-NU-ART Lumber Yards maintain a complete Hardware Store at 226 Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables? Here you'll find everything in tools and hardware whether you be hobbyist or professional. Drop in tomorrow and see for yourself. RE-NU-ART "Everything to Build Anything" LUMBER YARDS, INC. • CORAL GABLES • COCONUT GROVE • MIAMI SHORES • LITTLE RIVER Distributors of Famous Pratt & Lambert Paints and Varnishes

LEARN TO FLY

UNDER THE G.I. BILL OF RIGHTS, MEN AND WOMEN CAN NOW RECEIVE EXPERT INSTRUCTION IN PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL COURSES. ALL NEW 1946 AIRPLANES Block Time — Also Rent by Hour or Week MIAMI AVIATION FLYING SERVICE Southeast Corner of Tamiami Airport Phone 4-3920 LOOK FOR THE FLAG

Announcing ... The Opening of Our New Non-Skid Asphalt Plant

Specializing in Driveways, Roadways, Parking and Industrial Areas. No Job Too Large or Too Small. You Are Under No Obligation In Calling Us For an Estimate. THE BREWER CO. OF FLORIDA, INC. PLANT and OFFICE, N. W. 21st St. (Near LeJeune) Ph. 8-3051