Coral Gables Riviera-Times

CORAL GABLES Riviera

VOL. 21—No. 25 | TWO SECTIONS | CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1947 | 12 PAGES | TEN CENTS

EXCHANGE GAVEL — Dave Hendrick, retiring president of the Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce presents the gavel to Ben Turner, his successor, at recent installation ceremonies at the Country Club of Coral Gables. —LeMann photo

Youth Center Is Named Prime Jaycee Project BEN TURNER, NEW PRESIDENT, OUTLINES PROGRAM FOR YEAR

One of the chief aims of the Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce under the new administration of President Ben Turner will be the continuation of support to the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, the civic club leader revealed this week in a statement on policy. "The Youth Center is a wonderful and essential undertaking for our city," Turner stated. "Not only are we certain that our children, under the supervision of the directors, are growing into fine citizens, but the Youth Center has brought national publicity to Coral Gables." To Aid Scouts Turner stated that the Jaycees also planned to continue support to Troop Seven, Boy Scouts of America, adding that the Junior Chamber members have a genuine interest in the young members of this troop and "feel that it is one of the finest scout troops in South Florida." Financial aid to the Coral Gables Public Library was also listed as an aim of the organization, and definite plans for this project will be formed soon, according to the new president. Aid to City "The full support of all our members is pledged to the city government and to all the civic groups which are accomplishing something for the betterment of our community," he said. Turner said that one of the club's main interests at this time is a local office for the telephone company, and added that the Jaycees were going to do everything possible to realize the project. Residents Interested "We feel certain that all of the (Please Turn to Page Two)

City Combines Waste, Parkways Departments

The city's waste and incinerator department went under the supervision of Harley Pittman, parks and parkways superintendent yesterday, following action by the city commission. Russell E. "Buck" Freeman, who headed the waste department, has resigned to take a position with the county. The move was recommended by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Citizens' Tax Committee as an economy and efficiency measure. Separate accounting will be maintained for the departments.

University to Close For Fourth of July

The University of Miami will be closed Friday and Saturday in order that students, faculty and staff can enjoy the Fourth of July week end. Classes will resume at the usual time on Monday, July 7th, Dr. Charles Doren Tharp, dean of administration, has announced.

Construction Breaks Record Here In June $5,000,000 Is Recorded By Campbell

Breaking all existing building records, the June construction figure was pressing the $5,000,000 mark as Building Inspector G. B. Campbell tabulated final construction totals today. Although the permit issued to the University of Miami boosted the total to the new high, a survey of past reports show that general building activity was unusually high during the month with approximately $375,000 in permits issued. Explaining that the June figure breaks existing records, officials stated that no records are available for construction during the '20s and that the Biltmore hotel figure probably would have exceeded the present high. New Permits Permits added to the record total this week include: J. B. Chenoeth, $12,000 residence at 545 Sunset Road designed by Martin Hauri. George M. Sargent, $10,000 residence at 816 Lorca Street designed by H. B. Knight. E. L. Emery, $9,500 residence at 913 Wallace Street designed by Carlos B. Schoeppl, contractor A. Niles White.

Robert Standart Will Replace Norman McKay

Appointment of Robert W. Standart as commercial manager of Radio Station WBAY was announced today. He succeeds the late Norman McKay, who was killed recently in an airplane crash. A graduate of Wayne University in Detroit, Standart served as a staff announcer for Station WJLB in Detroit and more recently as program director for Station WIRA in Fort Pierce. During the war he was a Navy lieutenant in the public information division. He joined the WBAY staff two months ago as an account executive. He is also widely known locally as "Bob Standart" of the "Milk Run," a musical program from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. daily.

TAX ASSESSOR SEES DECREASE IN BUILDING Assessment Gain Will Be Less, Blount Predicts

Visualizing a definite decrease in total assessed valuation during the next year, City Assessor T. C. Blount today reported that a survey of the current tax roll indicates new construction through May has dropped approximately 25 per cent under the figure for the same period in 1946. Unless an unusual building boom occurs, the present trend would result in a valuation gain of about $1,000,000 less in 1948, he added. Pointing out that present assessments are based on 1941 values, the tax official explained that on such a basis almost all increases in total valuation come from new construction. Blount's office at present is engaged in the final balancing of the tax roll which will be closed following the meeting of the equalization board July 14. The books will remain open for public inspection until that time.

Lowest Bid Accepted on Youth Center

The Hodgman Merritt Construction Company, with a low bid of $72,780, will be awarded the contract for the completion of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, Harry W. Morgenthaler, president, announced yesterday. While negotiations for a $60,000 loan to complete the structure have not been completed, Morgenthaler expressed optimism that the money would be secured as a result of financial backing obtained from the Coral Gables city commission on Tuesday. While the commission was in formed by City Attorney Edward (Please turn to Page Two)

Lion Aides Are Named

Personnel of two committees to serve the Lions Club of Coral Gables was announced today by George Okell, newly elected president who will be installed with his aides at a Country Club dinner on July 15th. Appointed chairman of the publicity and radio committee was L. W. Larson. Serving with him are Albert E. Harum, C. Dana Woodman, Dalton Wright, William Brewer, Leon LaSalle, and Vernon C. Hill. Heading the program committee for the new year is Del Colburn, newly elected secretary. Hayes Wood, Oliver Hoover, Albert E. Harum, Clyde Higgins, Roy Boast, Harry Amiard and Dalton Wright will assist him.

City May Purchase MIAD Disposal Plant

City Manager William T. McIlwain was instructed Tuesday night, to investigate the possibility of purchasing the sewage disposal plant at the Miami Air Depot. Mayor W. Keith Phillips said that he had been informed that the plant, capable of serving a city of 15,000 population, would be declared surplus soon.

HOLIDAY IN OFFING Gables Will 'Knock-off' To Celebrate Fourth

Coral Gablesites will "knock off" work Friday as the community joins with the rest of the nation in the 171st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. City Hall and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will remain closed both Friday and Saturday, as will the University of Miami. The local banks have already adopted a policy of closing every Saturday. While the majority of stores will be closed all day Friday, all of them will be open again on Saturday morning. Many of them remained open Wednesday afternoon in anticipation of the Friday holiday. The Coral Gables branch post office will be closed on Friday but will open for a half-day on Saturday with a regular mail delivery. The FHA office in city hall will also reopen Saturday after a Friday holiday. Coral Gables' two bathing beaches, Matheson Hammock and Tahiti Beach are preparing for record crowds. While no official community celebration has been scheduled, several local organizations are making plans for special events on the Fourth. The Coral Gables Elks Lodge has announced a special Fourth of July dinner-dance which will be highlighted by the dedication of an oil portrait of Walter Wigman, first Exalted Ruler. The Country Club of Coral Gables has announced an extra Fourth of July performance of "Ladies of the Jury" current club theatre production. Fireworks, if any, will be illegal, and Safety Director William G. Kimbrough has issued orders to arrest any persons selling or shooting fire crackers or other types of powder-charged noise makers.

Gas Franchise Ordinance Nearing City Approval

An ordinance calling for a city referendum on the granting of a gas franchise to a company being organized by James A. Henderson and Charles E. Starr will probably be presented in final form at the next meeting of the city commission, following final discussions on Tuesday night. Henderson and Starr appeared before the commission this week to discuss details of the ordinance on which minor differences of opinion have arisen in discussions with the city manager and city attorney. Bond Set Agreement on a $50,000 cash bond—a concession from the $30,000 indemnity bond was reached Tuesday. The company will be given nine months to acquire capital through stock sales following approval of the franchise by referendum. To Spend Million Henderson said that the company planned an initial expenditure of over $1,000,000. The plant itself will be located outside the city limits, with mains eventually serving all of Coral Gables. The company officials objected to a 5 per cent city charge on gross sales, but expressed willingness to pay such a charge on gas sold within the city limits. They said that they did not think it fair to pay the excise tax on gas sold to customers in unincorporated areas. Two Years to Build Henderson stated that he estimated that it will require approxi- (Please Turn to Page Two)

Gables Woman Gets National Insurance Post

Mrs. Clarkie King was elected first vice president of the National Association of Insurance Women at the annual convention held recently in New York. Mrs. King is secretary-treasurer of the Henry P. Briggs Agency, 215 Avenue Alcazar Avenue. She has been a Coral Gables resident for the past several years and has been associated with the Briggs agency since June, 1946. Active in local insurance activities, Mrs. King is a charter member of the Insurance Women of Miami, serving as the first president of that organization.

Hike Inspection Fees Are Increased

Coral Gables automobile owners will pay 75 cents instead of 50 cents for auto inspections in the future as a result of action taken Tuesday night by the city commission. Truck owners will pay $1 for each semi-annual inspection, while U-drive-it cars will be assessed at $2.00. Taxis and for-hire cars will be required to pay the same rate of $1 per monthly inspection that was previously charged. The fine for non-compliance with the inspection ordinance will also be increased from $1 to $3.

Gum Machines Will Bolster Kiwanis Fund

Members of the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club will begin calling on local merchants next week, asking them for permission to install a penny gum ball machine in their stores, the proceeds from which will be used to aid crippled children in this area. According to Walker McGough, chairman of the project, each machine will bear a large Kiwanis seal and appropriate wording concerning the charitable aspect of the gum vending. The Kiwanis Club has made arrangements to have the machines serviced and refilled at regular intervals so that they will be no bother to the merchants. 200 Is Goal It is hoped to place at least 200 of the gum vendors in the Coral Gables area. Three types are available, all requiring only a small amount of space. They may be placed on a counter, on a standard or affixed to a wall bracket. At Tuesday's meeting of the (Please Turn to Page Two)

Mayor Optimistic On City Acquisition Of Biltmore Links

Hardee Road Bridge Closes On Monday Construction Of New Span To Be Started

The Hardee Road bridge will be closed to all traffic starting Monday as work begins on the construction of the new bridge over the Coral Gables Canal, L. W. Robinson, Jr., director of public service, announced today. Completion date for the new span is difficult to determine as much of the work depends on favorable weather, Robinson stated, but it is estimated that work will continue for at least 120 days. To Close Canal The waterways, from the bridge north will be closed on August 1 to boat traffic when workmen begin constructing the wooden forms prior to pouring concrete. After the concrete is poured, the forms must stand for at least 29 days before the waterways can be declared open again. Completion of the bridge, granted a number one priority by the city planning board, will mean that larger craft can proceed north of Hardee Road. It is believed that it will act as a spur to development of waterfront sites in that area.

Seven Draw Fines in City Court

City Commissioner Andrew T. Healy took over the bench in Police Court this week as Judge C. S. Robertson continued his vacation. A light docket produced mostly traffic violations. Frank James Santacroce, 1028 Avenue Obispo, was fined $30 for reckless driving and causing an accident. Richard A. Marshall, 3704 Monserrate Street, paid $15 for reckless driving, causing an accident, and failure to keep car under control. Failed to Stop Edward W. Pica, 1314 Avenue Milan, was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, and no driver's license. He was fined $10 on the first count, and case dismissed on the second charge. Milton M. Sanford, 6742 S. W. 39th Street, paid $30 for speeding. Caused Accident Arthur Tensley, negro, 202 Florida Avenue, was fined $30 for reckless driving and causing an accident. Mrs. H. L. Lindsay, 5100 S. W. 8th Street, was charged with being drunk, and disorderly conduct by destroying property. She paid a fine of $30. Roy Ashberry, negro, 1217 N. W. 3rd Avenue, was fined $30 for doing business in Coral Gables without a license.

Signs Delayed Ordinance Being Revamped

Coral Gables' much delayed ordinance regulating signs within the city, is now being revised by the board of supervising architects, City Manager William T. McIlwain reported to the commission on Tuesday. The board conferred with sign company officials and Chamber of Commerce representatives on Friday, and will forward recommendations to the commission via the zoning board.

Extra Inning Game Opens Ball League

Coral Gables' men's softball league got off to a thrilling and upsetting start for the second half of the season Monday, in a 13-inning slugfest that saw Carl's Liquors defeated for the first time since play started. Upsetting the liquor dealers were the determined smoke-eaters from South Miami who ended up in second place in the first half series. Win 4 to 3 As one fireman put it, "We'll play all night to beat Carls," and they nearly did—extending the game six extra innings to win 4-3. The Firemen will see action again tonight when they play Delta Airlines in the opener. Granada Cafe will meet the Elks in the second game. Sailors Play The Naval Air Station faces Rogers in the first Fourth of July game with National Airlines meeting the Catholic Youth Organization for the evening wind-up. Carls plays again on Monday against Delta Airlines, while the (Please Turn to Page Two)

Zoning Change Open Hearings Are Announced

Three proposed zoning changes will be brought to the attention of surrounding property owners at an opening hearing scheduled for July 14 in city hall, the city commission was informed on Tuesday. Jack Moore has requested permission to move his package liquor store from 2320 Ponce de Leon Boulevard to 1880 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. An open hearing is required because the new location is within a 2,500-foot radius of an existing package store. Wants Duplexes A proposal to change lots 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9 of Block 100, Country Club section nine from residential to duplex use will also be presented at the hearing. The third matter concerns a request by Pat Cannon and R. B. Gautier, Jr., to rezone lots 27 (Please Turn to Page Two)

Gables Would Also Gain Club House Playing Privileges Considered for Vet Patients

The city of Coral Gables has an excellent chance of acquiring the Miami Biltmore 18-hole golf course and country club for a municipal links, according to an opinion expressed Tuesday night by Mayor W. Keith Phillips. The Veterans Administration, which took over the hospital property from the Army, purportedly has no funds to maintain the championship golf course or the club property adjoining the former luxury hotel. Bid Considered Mayor Phillips said that he had been in communication with the office of Rep. George Smathers in Washington, and present indications are that the city's bid for the property will be given favorable consideration. The Miami Country Club has also expressed interest in obtain- (Please Turn to Page Two)

Gables Enters Chapman Field Controversy

While members of the Dade County Port Authority and Port Director Marcel Garsaud wrangled over the future of Chapman Field, City Manager William T. McIlwain commented yesterday that Coral Gables has "just as good a chance or better" to acquire the air field property in the south end of the Gables. The field situation brought a sharp exchange of words between County Commissioner Chas. Crandon and the port director, Tuesday, over the future use of the site. Garsaud claimed the tract should continue to be used as an airport, and that he had filed a priority request with War Assets Administration. Crandon contends that the area should be used as an experiment station by the Department of Agriculture, with the bayfront area converted into a county park. McIlwain said he had received letters from the WAA as far back as January, 1946, concerning the city's request for priority, and pointed out that 350 acres of the field already lie within our city limits.

City Officials Are Reappointed

Eugene B. Hunter was named an assistant city judge to preside in the absence of Judge C. S. Robertson, Tuesday, by the city commission. The firm of Smethurst and Parker was retained as city auditors, while the positions of city manager, city attorney and finance director were reconfirmed.

CONSIDER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY Kimbrough Asks Motorists to Use Caution To Avoid Fourth of July Accident Toll

Motorists were urged to consider personal safety as the main objective in plans to observe the Fourth of July this year by William G. Kimbrough, director of the Coral Gables Department of Public Safety, in an appeal to reduce the annual holiday traffic accident toll. Director Kimbrough said that a good question to ask yourself if you plan to use the highways on July Fourth or over the holiday week-end is whether you will be on the job on Monday morning July 7. Notes Increase He pointed to the increase in traffic accidents in this state during the month of July 1946 over the same month in 1945. He said that in July 1945 there were 371 accidents in which 28 persons were killed and 293 persons injured while during the same month in 1946 a total of 537 accidents resulted in 67 deaths and injuries to 420 persons. "Be careful of your tires and equipment and watch your speedometer and the curves you take," he added. Courtesy Important "Courtesy on the road is as important as courtesy in the home, he declared. Treat the other driver as you would have him treat you and don't be in too big a hurry to reach your destination or you might not get there." Commenting on accident prevention, Kimbrough emphasized that it is a major problem facing every individual citizen who values life and property. National accident reports show that 112 persons are killed every day in traffic accidents most of which occur on clear days because we have learned to fear rain, fog and bad weather, he said. "When following another car a driver should allow himself sufficient space to stop safely in an emergency. The minimum distance at 35 miles per hour is about 25 feet and at 45 miles per hour about 33 feet. Remember these facts and also that a morgue or a hospital bed is not a cheerful place to end any sort of celebration," he said. He also added that a Coral Gables ordinance prohibits the sale, purchase or use of fireworks within the city limits and warned Gablesites that police have been instructed to arrest any person found violating the law.

Child Drowns In Septic Tank

An emergency call from Bird Road and 89th Court, last Sunday, brought out the Coral Gables' artificial respiration equipment. The victim was three-year-old Michael Hildebrand who had fallen into a septic tank. Upon arrival, Fireman C. T. Wallace and F. Samek, sent for a doctor and then proceded to work for a hour and a half using two tanks of oxygen in a vain attempt to revive the boy. The doctor finally pronounced the child dead.

Four New Busses To Cost $55,440

Purchase of four new Twin-Coach busses at a total cost of $55,440 was authorized Tuesday night by the city commission. The 40-passenger vehicles will be used on the Miami run. The city will pay $25,000 down and finance the balance over a two-year period.

Pantless Promenader Provokes Police; Prison Provided

While cruising serenely along Ponce de Leon Blvd. early Wednesday morning, Policemen L. Lashbrook and E. Pegram noticed a middle-aged gentleman, staggering slightly, heading north on the sidewalk. This was not unusual, but the gentleman's attire, which consisted only of a shirt and undershorts, drew their further attention. Upon questioning, the lightly-clad man, Francis L. Danrew of 2629 S. W. 31st Court, claimed he "did not know where he lost his pants or where he had been or was." Fearing that the man's strange costume might set a precedent for these hot nights, the two policemen brought him to the station where he was booked for disorderly conduct and investigation.

SEES SELLERS' MARKET AHEAD Building Inspector Predicts Rise in Costs; Supply Houses, Realty Brokers Disagree

BY CLIFF HEINZEL Predicting an increasing shortage and price rise in building material as a result of President Truman's removal of commercial building restrictions, Building Inspector G. B. Campbell today foresaw an overall upswing in construction prices and property values. Taking issue with Campbell over the matter of price increases, two large building supply concerns and a prominent real estate dealer advanced the belief that prices would remain fairly stable aside from a slight temporary flurry. Another well-known local realtor was in accord with the predictions of the building inspector. The local building official pointed out that he is in daily contact with construction workers who are already reporting an increasing scarcity of steel products, such as wire and nails. However, price rises will increase supplies to the extent that general building will not be hampered, he added. Contacted in connection with the supply picture, Victor Renuart, of Renuart Lumber Yards, Inc., said he is not anticipating any growing shortages of material nor price increases due to commercial construction. Nails Scarce Expressing a similar opinion, an official of another large supply concern stated that, aside from existent shortages in nails, wire, and other metal supplies, no material scarcity is imminent. Supplies of such critical items would become plentiful if restrictions were placed on building material exports, he believed. Campbell, in predicting the price upswing, declared that the overall trend resulting from the lifting of bans on commercial building will be toward the establishment of a sellers' market rather than the present buyers' market. New homes which have gone begging for buyers recently will be withdrawn from the market and held until values have increased, he added. Sees No Increase Leslie H. Coombes, local real estate dealer and president of the Miami Board of Realtors, took a directly opposite stand and stated that no overall increase in building prices should be expected. Prices on present property are (Please Turn to Page Two)