Coral Gables Riviera-Times

CORAL GABLES Riviera Times VOL. 21—NO. 15 | TWO SECTIONS | CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1947 | 12 PAGES | TEN CENTS

Reservation

Did you make yours for the Chamber of Commerce Dinner next Friday? Better do it today.

Congratulations

To Mrs. John D. Carmody and Bill Fuller, Red Cross drive leaders, for topping their quotas.

Shop Talk AROUND THE GABLES

Time: Tuesday afternoon. Place: Merchants on Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Blvd. Interrogator: Audrey Gelb. The Photographer: Jim Oliver. The Question: The merchants of the Miami area are divided over the question of Wednesday half-holidays versus a five-day week. Which do you prefer and why? Miss Lee of Minna Lee on Miracle Mile: "Closing half-day Wednesdays is a wonderful idea. In fact, if the merchants decided to close on Saturday, the same as we would do the same. If all the merchants decide to close on Wednesday it would create no bad feeling if we didn't close too. Then too, if all the merchants in the Miami area close on Wednesday, we, in the Gables should do the same, because many of us have friends in the business and would like to be free the same days as they are. Elmer Hornberger of Fred's Barber Shop on Ponce de Leon Boulevard: "We have been closing Wednesdays in the past and expect to continue. I am in favor of closing all day on Wednesday, instead of just a half day. Business is slower in the summer and it gets so warm. Closing Wednesday breaks up the week. I hope all the other merchants decide to close and also hope they consider closing all day on Wednesday." Mrs. Ann Matthews of the Economy Laundry and Cleaners on Miracle Mile: "Closing half-day on Wednesday over the summer is fine with me. It really makes no difference either way. We aren't very busy over the summer. In fact, it's not a good idea for some merchants to close and other not to. The merchants should band together and make a decision one way or another. It would be a good idea for us all to close. Economy usually closes half-day during the summer anyway." Mrs. E. C. Segert of Segert's Gift Shop on Ponce de Leon Blvd: "If it was up to me I would close all day Wednesday! It breaks the monotony of the summer days, but it would be more enjoyable for everyone to close together. Several merchants have approach me about my feelings on this question, and many of them suggest we close all day on Wednesdays. The only drawback in my business is that I carry office supplies and the professional men run in all during the (Please turn to Page 11)

MRS. PRESTON PINKSTON does her part to "save one life in eight" by donating to the American Cancer Society at the booth in front of the Coral Gables First National Bank. Receiving her donation is MISS CARLOTTA LEWIS while MRS. E. H. SCHELLENBERG smiles approval. —Tipton photo

Annexation Battle Is Carried On 'No Man's Land' Still Divided On Question

With the Coral Gables city commission declaring a hands-off policy on the question of annexation of the "No Man's Land" territory south of the Trail and west of Salsedo Street, opponents and proponents of the idea continued to muster their supporters today in an effort to reach a definite and final decision on the area's future. Opponents of any attempt to annex the area announced yesterday that they had formed a "Dade County Home Owners Association" and were circulating a petition through the area gaining support for their cause. Leading the move for non-annexation are: A. E. Cox, J. D. Girtman and Charles Kinsell. Proponents Active Bracey Richardson, spokesman for the pro-annexation group, reported that his supporters had also organized at a meeting on Wednesday night to gain support for annexation of the southern portion of the area. The city commission, meeting in special session on Tuesday evening, told delegations from both sides of the question that Coral Gables has no interest in the matter, one way or the other, and had merely agreed to listen to proposals originated by residents of the area. The decision followed a stormy mass meeting at city hall on Monday evening when opponents of annexation shouted down the chairman and broke up the meeting with no definite decision being reached.

POLICE AND FIREMEN MAKE NEW DEMANDS FOR WAGE INCREASES Letter Asks 20 Per Cent Pay Raises Living Costs Are Outlined In Appeal

Recently completed, this first unit of the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Avenue Phoenctia at East Ponce de Leon Boulevard, will be dedicated Sunday, Story on Page 2. —Riviera-Times photo Demands for an immediate 20 per cent increase in salaries were presented to City Manager William T. McIlwain yesterday by members of the Coral Gables police and fire departments. In a two-page letter to the city manager, department spokesmen stated that the recent raise of $10.00 per month was not commensurate with "the rising cost of commodities, the basic necessities of life." Truman Quoted Quoting President Truman and Congresswoman Helen Gahagan Douglas, the letter pointed out that the cost of living has risen at least 70 per cent since last July 1. Signed by Lt. F. P. Brasher, Sgt. C. W. Whalen, Jr. and Officers G. W. Tomlinson for the police department and Lt. T. E. Faison, Pvts. P. T. Matheson and F. J. Neff for the fire department, the letter cited the department of public safety as being known as the best department of its kind in the Miami area. They quoted the basic salaries of Miami policemen and firemen as $275 monthly and Beach officers as $330 a month. "The last raise accorded to the Miami policemen and firemen was a 15 per cent increase while our last raise was less than five per cent", the letter said. "Miami is now asking for a 22 per cent increase—we are asking only 20. Their total increase will be 37 per cent, ours will be less than 25 per cent. This should be sufficient proof that we are not making an unreasonable demand or request, for even though the expenses of living in Coral Gables are slightly higher than in Miami, we are asking less than the Miami policemen."

C. OF C. TO ANNOUNCE OFFICERS AT DINNER 600 BALLOTS GO IN MAIL TO MEMBERSHIP DURING WEEK

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will "ring out the old and ring in the new" at its annual dinner May 2 at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Final ballots to elect five new directors who will serve with six hold-over directors to form a board of 11 were mailed to the 600 members this week. The election committee will canvass the votes on April 29. To Name President The re-organized board will meet on May 1 to elect its new president and other officers for the coming year. Retiring directors and new directors will be honored at the membership's annual dinner at 6:45 p.m., Friday, May 2. John Temple Graves, noted public speaker, editorial columnist for the Birmingham Post and other newspapers, author of "The Fighting South" and authority on Southern economy, will address the meeting. Former congressman J. Mark Wilcox will be toast-master. Mayor W. Keith Phillips and immediate past Mayor Thomas C. Mayes will be honored with places at the speaker's table at the dinner. A dance in the club patio will follow the program. President C. R. Tutan will give a five-minute resume of City and Chamber of Commerce progress during the past year.

Acquiring of Golf Course Is Seen As Possibility CITY EXPRESSES WILLINGNESS TO WORK WITH VETERANS GROUP

Intimation that the Veterans' Administration might welcome city acquisition of the Biltmore golf course, should the VA take over Pratt Hospital on June 30, brought a pledge of willingness to cooperate from the city commission this week. Mayor W. Keith Phillips was instructed to offer the veterans' Administration and the county commissioners of Dade County the aid of the city in working out any transaction that would prove beneficial. Information Unofficial Phillips said that he had heard unofficial comment that the VA would probably not be interested in acquiring the golf course property even and if it took over the hospital. The commission also heard an offer from the Embry-Riddle Company to operate Chapman Field as an airport for the city on a lease basis should the city decide to seek to acquire it when declared surplus. The company expressed willingness to spend from $100,000 to $150,000 in improvements, should the lease be granted. No action was taken on the offer, the commission pointing out that it would await a decision of the Veterans' Administration, which might take over the site on which to build a permanent veterans' hospital.

Name Danner To Address Town Hall Miami Chief To Speak Here On Sunday

"Juvenile Delinquency" will be discussed by R. G. Danner, City Manager of Miami and former F.B.I. man, at the fourth meeting of Town Hall to be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Community Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Following the speech an open forum will be conducted for audience participation in discussion of the problems involved. Franz-Josef Boelnger, tenor, of Miami, is scheduled to sing several semi-classical solos during the meeting, and he will also exhibit several original paintings.

New Theatre Planned Here

Plans for a new theater, to be erected in Coral Gables on the northwest corner of Tamiami Trail and Douglas Road were revealed at the city commission meeting on Tuesday by Edward N. Claughton, developer. Claughton, who appeared with A. E. Curry and Donald F. Peck, stated that he planned to construct a 945-seat, independent motion picture theater, together with store buildings.

Gables Lions Will Elect

Members of the Lions Club of Coral Gables will choose between Leo G. Harrison and George S. Okell for the club presidency at next Wednesday's meeting at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Haycock, nominated to succeed himself in that office, and Okell were chosen to head the slate at this week's meeting. Others nominated were John Rossaco, Dr. Robert McCoy and Albert E. Harum for the three offices of vice president; L. W. Robinson Jr. and Fred Diestelhorst for treasurer; Dell Colburn and L. W. Larson for secretary; Harry Amidon for Lion Tamer and Gus Lancaster for Tail Twister.

BLOOD BANK BOLSTERED BY FRATERNITIES

Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha, University of Miami fraternities, stepped up the current Gables blood bank drive this week with a donation of 30 pints of blood on Wednesday. Led by Dr. Robert A. McVoy, general chairman of the coral Gables drive, the campaign moved into the final four weeks in which they hope to attain 1,000 pints of blood. The Miami Junior Women's Club assisted by the Miami Women's Club anticipate over 50 pints in their drive which gets under way next Wednesday. Dr. McVoy declared Wednesday, "The drive got off to a slow start but with the assistance of various civic organizations, we are gaining momentum."

Will Remodel Building on Coral Way

Plans for the remodeling of the building at 310-320 Coral Way were announced today by Christian Jensen, Realtor, who has leased the structure from the owner, A. J. Dimond of Hollywood. When the remodeling is completed, the building will have 10 offices upstairs and three stores on the ground floor.

Challenge Match Is Proposed By Salvadore Park

The Country Club of Coral Gables tennis team was challenged to a non-league match today by the Salvadore Park netters, as a result of a default decision on the match slated for two weeks ago. Issued through Coach Leo Fullwood the Salvadoreites have offered to play the Country Club netters at any time on any court, with proceeds going to the Youth Center. The Country Club team was given the decision over the Salvadore aggregation two weeks ago Sunday, when wet courts prevented the game from being played on the city courts and the Park team refused to transfer the match to the club courts. The Salvadore team is slated to play Flamingo Park in a league match at 2 p.m. Sunday on the home courts. Highlighting the meet will be the singles game between Salvadore's George Pero, undefeated in league play and Harris Everett, the New England champion.

Newsreels Film Underwater Class At University

University of Miami Zoology sent eleven students to Rainbow Springs, near Dunnellon, Fla., this morning to participate in motion picture films being taken of underwater marine studies. Faculty members accompanying the class are Dr. Charles Davis, assistant professor of zoology, and Dr. Robert H. Williams, associate professor of botany and assistant director of the marine laboratory. Dr. Williams stated that five newsreel companies are setting up equipment to film the underwater scenes. Diving helmets will be worn by the students as they identify plants, functions and structure, making observations of subtropical marine flora. Pictures are to be released nationally, publicizing this section as the pioneering heart of marine study in this country.

Funeral Rites For Mrs. Mullen Scheduled Today

Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. today in the Skillman Funeral Home for Mrs. Eunice Francoeur Mullen, 77, widow of Edward A. Mullen, who died Wednesday night at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, City Commissioner and Mrs. Frank N. Holley, Jr., 611 North Greenway Drive, The Rev. Claire Allen Snearling will conduct the service. Inurnment will take place in Marysville, Ohio. Mrs. Mullen was born in Wrentham, Mass. and later lived in Boston until the time of her marriage she and her husband moved to Marysville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen came to Coral Gables in 1928 and following his death three years ago, she resided with the Holleys. In addition to Mrs. Holley she is survived by a sister, Miss Laura H. Wood of Boston, Mass. and a grandson, Frank N. Holley III.

Realty Exams To Be Held

The examining board of the City of Coral Gables will meet at 9 a. m. Wednesday at the City Hall for the purpose of holding an examination for brokers and salesmen desiring to operate a real estate business or become a real estate salesman within the city. Any other business which may properly come before the examining board will be brought up at this time.

Eight Accidents Recorded Here

Traffic accidents took no toll but that of one bruised nose in eight bang-ups reported in the Gables area this week. Anthony Maiorana, 311 Romano, son of Salvatore Maiorana, bumped his nose when his father's car proceeding south on Ponce de Leon Blvd. skidded 24 feet into the rear of a car driven by F. J. Lehn, 807 Anastasia. Fenders and bumpers were slightly damaged on both cars. Anthony was treated by Dr. Wagerer at the Coral Gables Hospital.

Radio Program To Plug Drive For Hospital

Students from the Roosevelt School for Exceptional Children will appear on the Crusader Kids program, 9:30 a. m., May 3, over WIOD, as a part of the drive for the South Florida Childrens' Hospital. As well as making individual appeals for the drive, the students will entertain by playing the piano, guitar, singing and reciting. The program, sponsored by the Knight Brothers Paper Company, will dispense with its commercial in order that more time may be given to the appeal for the drive.

Four Clubs Play Tonight In Softball

In closing out the first week of softball in the men's league, four clubs will square off tonight in a twin-bill scheduled for the Coral Gables Youth Center field. In the opener at 7:30 p.m., the South Miami Firemen will attempt to dampen the hopes of Delta Airlines, while the Naval Air Station tangles with Canada Cafe in the nightcap at 8:00 p.m. The mens league will rest over the weekend with a full week of softball activity resuming Monday night when Carls Liquor faces Rogers Electric, and Taylors Sport clashes with the Navy. A single contest follows on Tuesday between My Brothers Place and Delta Airlines. On Wednesday, softball fans will get a double treat when the Firemen do battle with National Airlines and Taylors Sport collides with My Brothers Place. Carls Liquor and the South Miami Firemen go at it on Thursday.

Action on Youth Center Is Explained by Chest

Action of the Dade County Community Chest in deciding to withdraw future financial support of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center was explained this week in a statement issued by D. S. Eyster, executive secretary. The statement was contained in a letter to Betty Ward, program director for the Center, copies of which were sent to City Manager William T. McIlwain, The Riviera-Times and the Council of Social Agencies. In forwarding the copy to The Riviera-Times, Eyster referred to comments made last Friday by Youth Center president, Harry Morganthaler, who termed the Chest's decision as "unfortunate". Reserves Depleted "At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Community Chest of Dade County held Tuesday, April 15, 1947, the annual budgets of the member agencies of the Chest were approved for the fiscal year 1947-48. In approving these budgets the Board of Directors accepted the recommendations of the Budget Committee and in so doing recognized the excellent and untiring efforts of the committee in the allocations made to each of the respective agencies. In adopting the annual budget for the Chest of $706,423.08 we are sure you will appreciate the fact that the Chest has recognized to the fullest extent possible the budgetary work that has been done by the agencies themselves, and in view of that fact the Board of Directors transferred from their Reserve Account a total of $68,784.77 in order to keep reductions in budgets to a minimum. In doing so we have seriously depleted our reserve funds in a demonstration of the belief in agency operation. The allocation to your Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center was approved in the amount of $5,539," Eyster stated. He pointed out that in arriving at this allocation the Budget Committee followed the recommenda- (Please turn to Page Six)

Rites Held

Funeral services and burial were conducted April 9th in Charleston, S.C. for Thomas F. Henebery, 55, of 231 Avenue Salamanca, who died suddenly of a heart attack April 7th in Charleston. Mr. Henebery a native of Charleston, had been a resident of Coral Gables for the past three years. He was a member of BPO, Elks 242. In addition to his wife, Grace, he leaves a sister Mrs. Mollie H. Clarkson of 231 Salamanca and a brother J. J. Henebery of New Orleans.

Winbeck Stresses Safety In Talk Here

Cdr. Allen Winbeck of the United States Coast Guard addressed members of the Coral Gables Breakfast Club on Thursday morning on the subject of motorboat safety. Commander Winbeck announced that the Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct a free inspection of all craft in the area during the month of May, checking on safety devices.

TAKE CRACK AT HCL Three Local Merchants Take Cue From Newburyport; Slash Prices

Newburyport, Mass. has nothing on Coral Gables, Florida as far as three local merchants are concerned. The old New England seaport town made headlines throughout the nation this week when its merchants took a cue from President Truman and slashed prices 10 per cent in an attempt to deal the high cost of living a knock-out punch. The story had hardly hit the front pages of the nation when three local firms contacted The Riviera-Times and bought space to announce similar action. Each firm acted independently and without the knowledge that the others were following a similar course of action. The advertisements of Coulter's Hardware, Coral Gables Furniture Company and the Nelle Jamison Shop, carried in today's Riviera-Times, all announce complete price slashes of 10 per cent. Newburyport merchants, who are trying the plan for ten days, reported crowded counters and business much better than average on the first day the price cuts went into effect. Ninety per cent of merchants of the city of 15,000 are cooperating in the plan.