Coral Gables Riviera-Times

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CORAL GABLES Riviera Times

VOL. 21 -- NO. 21 TWO SECTIONS CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 1947 12 PAGES TEN CENTS

MAY FINISH YOUTH CENTER THIS SUMMER Board to Decide Future Plans Monday Night

Whether or not construction of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center will be completed this summer through means of an RFC loan will be decided Monday evening when the newly elected board of directors meets to name officers and make future plans, President Harry W. Morgenthaler, Jr. revealed today. Morgenthaler stated that William L. Gray, Jr., chairman of the building committee, would present a report at that time and that action is expected on the committee's recommendations. One Unit Built Only one unit of the Youth Center building has been completed. It is expected that approximately $70,000 will be needed to complete the structure. Those elected to the board at the annual meeting on Monday night were Denman Fink, Mrs. M. Lewis Hall, Andrew T. Healy, David H. Hendrick, Thomas C. Mayes, Albert E. Harum, William H. Merriam, Morgenthaler, A. A. Rennert, Jr., E. D. Rogers and Royon Sperow. They will serve with holdover directors Paul H. Brinson, J. H. Brock, Mrs. Earl M. DeNoon, Supt. H. N. Rathbun, Fred W. Hartnett, Andrew Houston, William L. Huntley, Charles F. Miller, Rodney Miller, Rev. James B. Moore, Grang Orr, W. Keith Phillips, Mrs. Maylen N. Pierce, Harry P. Rath, Elicia Rinehart, Jr., Rev. Nevin H. Schaaf, Mrs. E. A. Shikany, McGregor Smith and O. B. Sutton.

Funds Okayed To Control Storm Water

Expenditure of $3,000 to control storm waters at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Alhambra Circle was authorized Tuesday night by the city commission. City Manager William T. McIlwain said that work would be started immediately to increase the size of the drainage ditches in the Alhambra Circle Parkway to speed the run-off of standing water following heavy rains. The intersection has long been the scene of standing water following rain storms and many times water had invaded the stores in that area.

Bold Burglars Steal Radios From Window

Burglars struck boldly at the Lawrence Radio Shop, 2517 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, on Tuesday night and made away with two radios in broad daylight. Mrs. Lawrence was alone in the shop at the time and did not see the intruders, who entered apparently by the open front door, grabbed the two radios from the display window in the front of the building and made their escape. Value of the two sets was placed at $71.45.

Smiles of victory grace the faces of these three comely winners in the Country Club of Coral Gables Tennis Championships. Left to right: BETH FROEHLING, winner of the women's consolation singles; MARTA BARNETT, winner of the women's singles and JOAN GRAIG, girls singles champion. --Leonard Parke photo

Southern Presbyterians To Form Church Here REV. B. M. LARSON IS PASTOR; FIRST SERVICES JUNE 22ND

Plans for the organization of a Southern Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables were announced today by James Vernam, Jr., chairman of the pre-organization committee. The first worship service of the new church will be held Sunday, June 22 at the Merrick Demonstration School. Rev. B. M. Larson, D.D. of Knoxville and Oak Ridge, Tenn. has been called to the pulpit. The new church will be under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of St. John's, the Synod of Florida in the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S. "The church will have an independent, self-supporting congregation, with its own minister resident in Coral Gables, operating a full church program designed to meet the needs of its members, friends and the community," Vernam stated.

Dr. Alderson Will Address Rotary Club

Dr. S. P. Alderson, endocrinologist, will be the principal speaker at the meeting of the Coral Gables Rotary Club at 12:15 today at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Dr. Alderson will speak on the subject "By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them". He is a Gables resident living at 2413 Country Club Prado. Last Friday, J. Cleve Allen addressed the club on the aims and objects of Rotary.

County Planning Work Is Outlined

The work of the Dade County Planning Board was explained to the members of the Coral Gables Breakfast Club yesterday morning by Stewart D. Currier, director. Currier spoke at the regular weekly meeting of the club in the Sevilla Restaurant.

Hardee Road Bridge Plans Bring Protest from Group

Awarding of a contract for the construction of a new bridge over the Coral Gables waterway at Hardee Road brought a protest, Tuesday, from a group of Riviera section residents headed by Mrs. John E. Norman. Mrs. Norman, armed with a petition, told the city commission that she and her neighbors believed that erection of the bridge over Blue Road was more of a necessity and should have been given first priority. Bridge Sought She was informed by the city manager that he was endeavoring to purchase a "Bailey bridge" from the War Assets Administration, but has not been able to locate one. The contract for the Hardee Road bridge was awarded the Ebsary Foundation Co. on a bid of $24,600. Cost of the approaches will bring the total cost to $29,035. Direct Route Mrs. Norman contended that a bridge at Blue Road will relieve traffic congestion, provide another direct route between the University's north and main campuses and provide residents of the area with an easy way to reach the business district. She claimed that the present Hardee Road bridge would be usable for at least 10 more years. Consulting Engineer Milton B. Garris, who also serves as planning board chairman, stated that the reason for giving priority to the Hardee Road structure was to raise the bridge level to allow passage and open up waterfront lots to the north to residential construction.

Gables Aid Sought For Air Show Civic Leaders Will Confer On Monday

Coral Gables' aid in placing the All-American Air Maneuvers on a permanent, paying basis will be enlisted at a special meeting of local civic leaders called for 4 p.m. Monday at City Hall. Plans for the meeting were made last Monday after a conference in the office of John Paul Riddle, during which J. K. Shinn, Air Maneuvers chairman described aviation as Greater Miami's best bet for continued prosperity. The group will seek to secure 25 memberships at $150 each from leading Gables business firms. In addition to providing working capital for the air show, the membership will entitle the subscriber to 12 box seats for the three days of next year's maneuvers. The meeting was arranged by Roy Page and Denis Renuart.

Examinations Announced For Contractors

Examinations for general contractors and sub contractors will be given on June 27 in City Hall it was announced this week by Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell. All persons wishing to obtain licenses to do general contracting or sub-contracting in Coral Gables must take the examination, Campbell stated. They should contact the building inspector prior to examination time to obtain necessary application blanks.

Modeling Diplomas Awarded Twenty-five

A class of 25 girls in the age group 11 to 13 received diplomas last night at the graduation exercises of the Youth Center modeling class. Instructor Lynn Bennett will leave soon for Miami Beach Youth Center as an assistant director. She was trained at the local Center. On June 13, 36 girls in the 13-18 age group will receive modeling diplomas to which parents and friends are invited.

Church Group To Meet

Group 1 of the Woman's Association of the Presbyterian Church will meet at 11:30 a.m. June 13 with Mrs. Madeline Whitcher, 231 Avenue Navarre.

Increased Millage Is Foreseen As Budget Estimate Is Bared; Tax Committee Probing Costs

The city manager's budget estimate, calling for operating expenditures of $838,379 and salary hikes for city employees of $30,042.60 was placed under the scrutiny of the Chamber of Commerce appointed citizen's tax committee on Wednesday evening. Studying what City Manager William T. McIlwain has termed a "rock-bottom budget" are C. B. Tuttle, John Halifax, James A. Henderson, Eugene Mumpower, Warren Lehman, C. T. McCreedy, Inman Padgett, Lowell Southern, and J. Cleve Allen. They were appointed by the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce as being representative of the various interests in Coral Gables. Millage Is 22 The budget is based on a millage of 22, an increase of one mill over last year. One-half mill of the increase is earmarked for the scheduled increase in debt refunding payments and the other half by increased operating costs. McIlwain said that operating costs will be $9,666 over last year. Average 4.4 Per Cent The proposed salary increases, averaging 4.4 per cent have been suggested for 2109 Ponce de Leon. Largest increases are slated for the department of public safety. The tax committee will meet again today before meeting jointly with the commission on Tuesday. Public hearings on the appropriations ordinance have been set for 5 p.m. on June 24. At Wednesday night's session, the city manager was questioned at length on operating procedures, costs and salary schedules. The committee is expected to submit a report, containing any recommendations, to the city commission.

Fellow Citizens Mourn Norman MacKay; Memorial Rites Planned This Afternoon

The Lions Club of Coral Gables devoted its weekly luncheon meeting this week to a memorial service for Norman MacKay, commercial manager of WBAY and a member of the club. MacKay crashed to his death last weekend in an Eastern airliner with 52 others on a New York to Miami flight. The tribute to the memory of the Lions' late member was led by the Rev. Ladislau Biro, also a member of the club, who cited "There are few among us who will forget Norman's love of a story and the telling of it," Biro said. "He went on the record-breaking flight which preceded the fatal trip so that he could come home and tell that story to his friends and to the community in which he worked." A brief, tribute of prayer by the club followed the Rev. Mr. Biro's eulogy. A resolution lamenting MacKay's untimely departure and expressing sympathy to the widow and two sons was proposed by Dr. Paul H. Robertson, adopted and ordered placed among the permanent archives of the club. Meanwhile plans for a public memorial service for MacKay were being discussed by a group of his more intimate friends, as identification of his remains became positive at the Maryland scene of the crash. Memorial Service for Norman MacKay, commercial manager of WBAY--will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Coral Gables Methodist Church, 536 Coral Way. Rev. Harvey John Fritsch will officiate. Interment will be held at a later date and announced through Philbrick Funeral Home.

NORMAN MacKAY MacKay's leadership in projects for the betterment of his fellow man and of the community."

Wisdom Storing Valuables Foils Burglars

Taking the precaution of storing their valuables before leaving for the North will enable Mr. and Mrs. James Jones, 811 North Greenway Drive, to enjoy them when they return again next fall. Gables police reported that the house was entered on Monday night by burglars who removed a pane of glass in a rear door and then unlocked it. A thorough check of the house, made in company with a brother of Jones, revealed that the precaution of storing all the valuables had outwitted the thieves. Local detectives expressed the opinion that other residents, leaving their homes vacant during the summer months, would be wise to follow the Jones' example.

Equalization Hearing Date Announced

Dates for the meeting of the city commission as a board of equalization were announced today by E. B. Poorman, city clerk. Equalization hearings will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14 in the commission chamber and will continue as long as it may be necessary for hearing complaints and testimony as to the value of any property fixed and assessed by the city tax assessor. During the first three days of its meeting the commission will consider any written objections filed with it in respect to any assessment that shall have been made.

Intruder Cops Are Eluded Despite Call

R. D. Gibbons, 3909 Granada Boulevard, used his head when he heard an intruder in his yard early Sunday morning, but despite his precautions the culprit managed to escape. Standing in his bathroom at 2 a.m. Gibbons heard someone brush against the shrubbery outside his window. Peering out he got a glimpse of the man, then dropped to his hands and knees crawled to the phone and called the police. The law notified, Gibbons, got his revolver and started a search for the man, but could find no trace of him. A squad car cruised the neighborhood, but without success.

Brisk Pace Is Set Here By Building Permits Total $76,100 In Four Days

Coral Gables' building program for the month of June got off to a brisk start this week when permits totaling $76,100 were issued during the first four days by Building Inspector Gilbert E. Campbell. Also expected during the month is the permit for the $5,000,000 University of Miami housing structure which awaits only completion of conferences between University officials and FHA officials, Gust. K. Newberg will erect the building. Total Increased May permits soared to a total of $470,450 when last day applicants upped the total. Included in permits before May books closed were $16,000 store to be built by H. L. Michener at 223 Avenue Malaga; a $14,000 store planned by T. R. Starratt for 216 Avenue Andalusia; as $18,000 residence for L. C. Shepard at 834 Avenue Anastasia and a $59,750 warehouse to be built by Withers Van Lines at 323 Avenue Almeria. June Permits June permits included: C. S. Daniels, $20,000 addition to store at 2109 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Irma S. Buller, $12,600 residence at 802 Avenue Sevilla. T. S. Dill, $13,000 residence at 1801 Ferdinand St. William L. Fallot, $500 addition at 3301 Monegro. S. A. Shikany, $15,000 residence at 2612 San Domingo. John W. Wirick, $15,000 residence at 244 Avenue Candia.

OPERATIONS ARE SET AT $838,397 Salary Hikes Reach Total of $30,042.60

G. H. Swanson Rites Slated Today

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today in Philbrick Funeral Home for G. H. Swanson, 61, 20 Alhambra Circle, who died Wednesday in his home after a long illness. Rev. Nevin H. Schaaf of the Coral Gables Presbyterian Church will conduct the rites. Assistant secretary-treasurer of the Seminole Fruit and Land Co., Swanson had been a resident for 21 years. He came to Coral Gables from Buffalo, N. Y. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ethel Swanson of Coral Gables; a son, George S. Swanson of Miami; a daughter, Mrs. Phillip Ogden of Johnson City, Tenn.; his mother, Mrs. A. L. Swanson, and a brother, Arthur Swanson, both of Toronto, Canada and five grandchildren. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Park.

Two Games Slated in Softball

Carl's Liquors deftly tucked away the league championship in the Coral Gables Softball League this week by a win over the second place South Miami Firemen, but hot competition is expected to continue for the remaining places in the league standings. Two games are slated tonight with Roger's Electric facing the Firemen in the opener and Granada Cafe slugging it out with Delta Airlines in the second game. On Monday night Carl's Liquors, league leaders will play National Airlines while Taylor's Sport Shop battles the Granada Club. My Brother's Place comes up against the smoke eaters from South Miami on Tuesday while the Naval Air Station will battle Delta Airlines in Wednesday's opener with Carl's Liquors and the Granada Club taking the second game spotlight. Taylor's Sports Shop and Delta Airlines are carded for Thursday's game. The high school league takes a rest this week with no games carded. In the grammar school play Wilson's Young Colony Shop will see action at 10:30 Monday morning against Vera and Barney's. Dolly Madison plays the Optimists on Tuesday and Vera and Barney's on Wednesday.

Dixie Highway Is Re-zoned For Apartments

The way for business, apartment and duplex construction on Dixie Highway was opened Tuesday night when the commission passed an ordinance authorizing zoning changes in that area. The stretch along the highway from Hardee Road to Ponce de Leon High School has been changed from residential to business with the street in back being changed to apartment use. From Miller to Orduna has been changed from residence to apartments backed up by duplexes. Duplexes will replace residences from Riviera Drive to Avenue Rosaro, as well as on the north side of Menendez, one block south. The northeast corner of LeJeune and Bird Road was also changed from residence to duplex while a separate ordinance permitted the erection of a water tank at Miller Road and the Dixie Highway.

Army and Navy Will Cooperate On Low Flying

Army and Navy air training commands in this area have agreed to respect Coral Gables' ordinance prohibiting low-flying aircraft, City Manager William T. McIlwain said today. McIlwain said that he had received replies to letters to both Army and Navy commanders, expressing willingness to cooperate. The Army has issued definite orders, placing Coral Gables off-limits for training flights. The Navy assured the Gables that training procedures did not permit planes creating a noise nuisance over populated areas.

Four Fined For Traffic Violatins

Four motorists paid the penalty for traffic violations when they appeared in municipal court this week. Joe Mays, 1009 Hardee Road, was fined $50 for reckless driving, speeding and failure to produce a driver's license. Hubert A. Richardson, 3228 N. W. 34th Street was fined $35.00 on charges of having no lights on his motorcycle, reckless driving and failure to stop at a traffic signal. Gerald P. Beatty had a reckless driving and causing an accident charge dismissed but paid a $10 fine for failure to have his car inspected. Charles P. Borden, 3121 S. W. 21st Terrace, paid $40 for reckless driving, causing an accident and failure to have an inspection sticker.

C. of C. Members Will Resume Luncheons

Members of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will resume their weekly membership meetings at noon next Thursday, June 12, at the Ely Cafeteria, 208 Avenue Alcazar, Mrs. Mary T. Moore, executive secretary, announced today. The weekly meetings were cancelled the last two weeks because of alterations being made to the club room of the cafeteria.

Take Spare Wheel

A spare wheel, tire and tube, valued at $20.00 were taken from the automobile of Mrs. Kneal Knight on Tuesday evening when it was parked in front of her residence at 1561 Avenue Catalonia, Gables police reported yesterday.

Officer Borders Apes Allen; Kills Reptile

Police officer Andy Borders stepped into the role of a Ross Allen on Tuesday afternoon when Mr. and Mrs. H. Lee Douglas called police to report a large snake in their yard at 1532 Avenue Catalonia. Arriving on the scene Borders found what he described as a large, brown-marked snake of the moccasin family. He stunned the reptile by a blow with a stick and then decapitated it.

Green Light Seen For Coral Gables Gas Plant

The way was paved Tuesday for the construction of a million dollar gas plant to serve Coral Gables when City Manager William T. McIlwain informed the city commission that differences in the proposed franchise ordinance could probably be worked out between the city and the embryo company. Appearing before the commission were James A. Henderson and Charles Starr who lodged objections to bonding provisions and a requirement that the city be paid 5 per cent of money collected from consumers. Henderson said that the company would not object to the charge on gas furnished Coral Gables consumers but did not feel it should be paid on gas sold outside the city limits. The plant itself, Henderson stated, would not be built in Coral Gables. He also told The Riviera-Times that plans for the company call for it to be locally owned, with stock made available to interested Gableites.

Here's a Poetic Slant On Low-Flying Aircraft

In Florida, the perfumed night, Ochred sunset, Halo'ed moon, The stars, in deep blue velvet, light The sky: the raging sun at noon-- These tropic beauties all must pale. Man kills the thing he should adore: Stains all this beauty with the wail And thunder of the DC-4. --Cy

Night Swimming Set At Venetian Pool

Night swimming at the Venetian Pool will begin Monday and continue through the summer months, pool manager John Rosasco announced today. The pool will remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.