Coral Gables Riviera-Times

Youth Center

Is the Coral Gables War Memorial a good investment? We think so and tell about it in the editorial column—Page Four.

CORAL GABLES Riviera Times

Rub-a-Dub

Read about the four Gables men in the tub and other amusing anecdotes about Gableites in "It Says Here" on the editorial page.

VOL. 21 — NO. 27 | TWO SECTIONS | CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1947 | 12 PAGES | TEN CENTS

Building Permits Hit $329,000 In Weeks; Top June Record $210,000 Is Recorded Wednesday Three Apartments, One Warehouse Are Included

Building records topped again this week with $329,000 in permits reported by Building Inspector G. B. Campbell today. Wednesday's $210,000 business far exceeded the previous daily high of $100,000 and with the month slightly more than half over put the July total considerably ahead of last month. Although June holds the top spot for all time high as a result of the University of Miami housing permit, general building was listed at approximately $375,000 and has already been eclipsed by July construction. Three Apartments Biggest addition noted to this week's total came from permits for three apartment houses and a warehouse. The apartments combined a total of 35 units for $238,000 while the warehouse will be a $33,000 structure. Permits issued since last Wednesday included: Donvin Corp., $160,000 20-unit apartment at 21 Avenue Madeira, Donald G. Smith architect and (Please Turn to Page Two)

20-UNIT APARTMENT HOUSE GAINS APPROVAL HERE Two-Story Units Are Planned For Avenue Madeira Structure

Plans for the construction of a 20-unit apartment house in Coral Gables, with each unit having two stories, were revealed Tuesday night at the meeting of the city commission. To be erected on the north side of Avenue Madeira, between Douglas Road and Galiano Street, the building will be financed through an FHA approved loan by the Irving Trust Company of New York. The Donvin Corporation is listed as the builders with Donald G. Smith as architect. The large apartment house will be the first one of its kind in Coral Gables. Each unit will have a living room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor with two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor. The front facade is so designed so that units will be staggered, eliminating any monotony of design. Plans also call for extensive landscaping with playground facilities. Permit for the construction of the building was issued this week, following approval of the plans by the commission on Tuesday.

PURCHASE OF LOCAL HOTEL IS REPORTED Philip Hittleman Buys Antilla From Ray Brown

Sale of one of Coral Gables' oldest hostelries, the Antilla hotel, to Philip Hittleman of 760 Alhambra Circle, was revealed today. The seller was Ray Brown. Prior to going into the hotel line, Hittleman, who came to Coral Gables in 1943, had previously owned and operated six other hotels in Jacksonville, Georgia, Virginia and the Carolinas. Prior to going into the hotel operating business he directed his own orchestra. His four children are also musicians, and live with him in Coral Gables. Manager Named William M. Singreen, who has had 50 years experience in hotel management, has been named acting manager. The dining room has been leased to "Piccilo," who has been operating restaurants in the Miami area for the past 14 years. It will be redecorated and opened in October. Hittleman told The Riviera-Times that he was currently renovating the hotel and making improvements in preparation for the winter season. The hotel is open and operating during the summer months. He stated that he was a neighbor of Brown and that the sale culminated a series of conversations concerning the hotel's future.

Church Space Asked To Relieve Crowding In Elementary School Youth Center Also Named Possibility Wilson Authorized To Negotiate With Ministers

The use of Sunday school classrooms in the Coral Gables Methodist and First Presbyterian churches appeared to be a solution today to an overcrowded condition at Elementary School that threatened to force transportation of seventh and eighth grade pupils to the Ada Merritt School in Miami. Board member James Henderson told The Riviera-Times yesterday that Dr. James T. Wilson, superintendent of schools, has been authorized to contact pastors of the two churches to try to make arrangements for use of the classrooms. Inspection Planned Dr. Wilson said yesterday that he planned to try to make an immediate inspection of the rooms, to see if they are suitable. Harry Morganthaler, president of the Youth Center, offered another solution to the problem yesterday when he said that table (Please turn to Page Two)

Dual Action Mapped In Bar Battle Ordinance And Appeal Drawn By Semple

City Attorney Edward L. Semple was loading both barrels of a legal shot-gun this week in the city's battle to eliminate the one public cocktail bar within the city limits. Semple's legal fusillade included: 1. Preparation of a brief, to be filed in the state supreme court on August 15, asking reversal of a circuit court decision which forced the city to issue a bar license to Ed Hassenteufel, operator of Howard Halgreen Restaurant, 3310 S. W. Eight Street. 2. Preparation of an ordinance, scheduled Tuesday by the city commission, prohibiting the serving of intoxicating beverages in any public place where minors are present unless they are accompanied by their parents or guardians. The second action was also obviously aimed at Hassenteufel, who operates the only public bar in the city. Additional bar licenses are prevented under a special act of the last legislature, limiting such licenses in the Gables on a population basis. No more licenses can be issued until the city reaches a population of 36,000. Private bar licenses are held by the Elks Club, Riviera Country Club and the Country Club of Coral Gables, which would not be affected by the new ordinance.

Cuthbert Taylor and Cdr. Wallace E. Hackett of the Gables V.F.W. inspect some of the first volumes donated to the Coral Gables Public Library for the new military history section with Miss Margaret Beaton, librarian. —Mileo photo

Conference On Biltmore Links Held City Officials Discuss Lease With Machlam

Mayor W. Keith Phillips and City Manager William T. McIlwain conferred with Dr. Harold Machlam, business manager of the Pratt Veteran's Hospital, yesterday prior to placing a formal bid for the lease of the Biltmore course and club house for use as a municipal links. Mayor Phillips said yesterday that the city was still very hopeful of obtaining the property and that the city's bid would be on file in Atlanta by August 4, when all offers will be examined. Purchase Sought He stated that the city had originally expressed interest in an outright purchase of the club and course property but that he had been informed by the office of Rep. George Smathers that the lease arrangement had been decided upon in the event the VA later wished to sell the entire property in one package. He said that sale of just the links and clubhouse would make (Please Turn to Page Two)

City Pool Said Clean

Charges made in letters to the editor in last week's Riviera-Times that the Venetian Pool was in a filthy condition, were emphatically denied today by City Manager William T. McIlwain. The letters were signed by David James Vogt, 723 Avenue Camilo and Mrs. Fred A. White, 1029 Avenue Seville. Inspection Made McIlwain said that he had made a personal inspection of the pool and found it to be in good, clean condition. He said that prior to it being emptied and lime scrubbed on Saturday night, that the bottom might have become slippery, due to algae which forms in any pool between scrubbing periods. Passed Inspection "The pool has always passed the inspections of the Dade County Health Unit and the State Board of Health," he stated. The last inspection was made on June 20 by C. J. Roberts, sanitary engineer, and Russell Broughman, sanitation director, from whom the city manager displayed a letter of approval. "The water is completely changed one time every 24 hours, which is more than is required by the State Board of Health," McIlwain said. "In addition the water is circulated and rechlorinated."

It's Carl's Versus Carl's In Saturday Exhibition

Carl's Liquors softballers will have another crack at the Moore Park League this Saturday when they meet Carls Market in a exhibition game. Carl's Market is in second place, close on the heels of PAA, the Moore Park league leaders. The meeting of the two teams promises to be one of the best of this week's match. Rain called a sudden halt to last Saturday's exhibition softball match between Carl's Liquors and Pan American Airways in the fifth inning. Pan American was leading by a 6-0 score when the downpour started thereby giving them the victory much to the discomfort of the Gables' fans. Sandy Deas, PAA's ace hurler, started things going in the third inning when he belted a homer (Please Turn to Page Two)

Tax Protests Are Nil Here

While Coral Gables commissioners, sitting as a tax equalization board, happily twiddled their thumbs here this week from a shortage of complaining tax payers, the Dade county commission faced an irate group of Miracle Mile property owners demanding assessment reductions. The local board completed their series of three sessions Wednesday with the only objection received—referred to the city manager as not being an equalization matter. Pointing out that the lack of complaints speaks well for his department, City Assessor T. C. Blount said Coral Gables citizens are apparently well satisfied with present assessments. As a result of no changes required by equalization proceedings, Blount said the tax roll will be handed over to the tax collector in order that preparation of tax notices may be started. The notices will be mailed in October. Mayes Speaks Among the group of Miracle Mile property owners who appeared at the county equalization (Please Turn to Page Two)

Favoritism Charged on Parking Law

Charges that police patrolmen are showing favoritism in handing out of parking violation tickets were made yesterday noon at the luncheon meeting of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce at Ely Cafeteria. With Safety Director William Kimbrough and Traffic Lieutenant Floyd P. Brasher in attendance, Chamber members cited instances of patrolmen tagging some cars while letting others go. Asks Information Kimbrough told the Chamber that if any such instances are reported to him, that the situation will be corrected. He stated as an illustration of fairness that his wife, the wife of the director of finance, the sister-in-law of the city manager and other prominent residents had recently paid fines for parking violations. Members also discussed traffic light, right turns, bicycle and scooter control, hitch-hiking and other traffic matters with the police officials.

Gas Law Agreement Is Reached

Coral Gables proposed gas franchise ordinance proceeded a step nearer completion on Tuesday when City Manager William T. McIlwain stated that he had reached an agreement with C. E. Starr and James Henderson on a 6 per cent charge on gas sold in Coral Gables only. The Gables levy had been a point of difference in conferences on the proposed franchise, with the city originally asking for a 3 per cent surcharge on all gas sold by the company, both within the city limits and in county areas which the company expects to serve. The ordinance, when passed, will call for a public referendum on the proposed franchise. Starr and Henderson intend to finance their company through local sales of stock.

Housebreaking On Coral Way Nets Nothing

Police reported one case of housebreaking this week. The residence was that of Mrs. J. Levy, 1321 Coral Way which is closed for the summer. The attempted burglary was reported by the yardman who noticed a broken storm shutter on the porch. Further investigation showed a glass broken on the door leading in from the porch. A search of the house by the police revealed nothing missing. Other crimes reported over the week-end concerned a few petty thievery cases from parked cars.

Beer-Kerosene Mixture Ready To Burn Moose

Five gallons of kerosene and 40 gallons of beer, the potion required by ancient rite for the proper burning of a Motheaten Moose, were being readied today in preparation for the final demise of a tattered talisman that has made life a nightmare for 40 Gableites during the past year. The Moose, a big, ugly stuffed critter, that has been passed in the dead of night from one residence to another in one of the most fantastic chain-letter ideas ever conceived will be burned between 4 and 7 p.m. tomorrow at 2416 Columbus Boulevard in the presence of its 49 "victim-custodians." Birthday Gag The moose was presented as a birthday gag on July 4, 1946, and then proceeded from one person to another with an elaborate scroll attached, to which the 49 recipients have affixed their names. Because it was returned to Jim Moore, the original victim exactly 365 days after it started on the rounds, the chain has been declared broken and the burning decreed. Riviera-Times Publisher Al Harum will play host to the Moose custodians and the "burn-and-beer" party to be held on the lawn of his residence. A representative of the city (Please turn to Page Two)

Action on Zoning Policy Is Deferred

Absence of two city commissioners from the city, caused deferment of a majority of zoning matters referred to the commission for action on Tuesday by the zoning board. Because Commissioners Andrew T. Healy and Frank N. Holley are vacationing, the three remaining commissioners declined to pass on matters of policy or override the board's decisions, which calls for a vote of four. Recommendations forwarded to the commission by the board included: Recommended disapproval of a request to change zoning requirements on the south side of Bird Road between Granada Boulevard and Toledo Street from residence to duplex, stating that it might open the way to rezoning both sides of the street. Commission (Please turn to Page 12)

Aged Woman Dies Here After Fall

Police termed the death of Mrs. Emma Jane Dyer, 73, as due to accidental causes when she was found on the floor of the bathroom of her residence, 1244 Avenue Sorolla, by her daughter at 3:30 p.m. last Saturday. The daughter, Mrs. Jessie Arvin, said she left her mother alone for 30 minutes while she went out. When she returned she found Mrs. Dyer on the bathroom floor, "alive but very sick." With the assistance of a neighbor, Mrs. Arvin carried her mother to a bed where she died a short time after. Police Called Police were called in when the Nicely Funeral Home noticed a bruise on the right side of the head of the deceased. Dr. Ralph Jack, who examined the body, said she died of concussion, and that the bruise probably resulted from the fall. The body was released to the Nicely Funeral Home when Claude High of the sheriffs office said that it would not be held. The funeral was Tuesday, and Mrs. Dyer was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Six Motorists Are Sentenced In City Court

Accident cases predominated in police court this week, with six persons brought up on charges of reckless driving. Albert R. James, 737 S. E. 8th Place, received a 30-day sentence for reckless driving by causing an accident and driving under the influence of intoxicating beverage. Albert Cardwell, 213 E. 11th Street, was fined a total of $35 for reckless driving by causing an accident and leaving the scene of an accident. Fined $25 E. C. Speer, 7th Avenue and 195th Street, was charged with reckless driving by causing an accident, no drivers license, and no inspection sticker. The reckless driving charge was suspended, and he was fined $25 on the other charges. Herbert Clarkson, 231 Avenue (Please Turn to Page Two)

Breakfast Club Slates "unicipal" rogram

The whys, whys and wherefores of municipal operation will be explained to members of the Coral Gables Breakfast Club on July 31, when city officials will appear on the 7:30 a.m. program at the Sevilla Restaurant. Mayor W. Keith Phillips stated this week that commissioners, the city manager, director of finance and other officials would be present to talk on city operation, followed by an open forum.

George Okell Is Installed By Lions

George S. Okell was installed as president of the Lions Club of Coral Gables at the annual ladies night banquet of the group held this week. Installing officer was District Governor Robert Halgreen, who cited the important role of the service organization in the post-war world. As part of the annual ceremony two new members of the local club were duly initiated and received their badges. They were C. B. Strange, city building inspector, and Dr. J. M. Widdersheim. The administration of Ira C. Haycock, whom Okell succeeds, was praised for its high record of accomplishment. Installed with Okell were John A. Rosasco, first vice president; Dr. Robert McCoy, second vice president; A. E. Harum, third vice president, and Delbert Colburn, secretary.

Sunday Musicale Slated At Pratt

A morning musicale with talent from the Pratt Hospital area churches and the University of Miami has been announced for Sunday morning at Pratt chapel by Chaplain James A. Boston.

Xmas Planning Committee Is Announced

Members of the Chamber of Commerce Christmas committee were announced today by E. D. Rogers, who was named last week to organize the group. Named to assist in the planning of Christmas decorations, contests and other events to be staged by the business people during the Yule season were City Manager William T. McIlwain, F. J. Neff of the fire department, Jim Moore, Geoffrey Helm and Frank Tyre.

Guardian Canine Protects

Workmen returning to their job by the Coral Theater, found a fierce dog blocking their way last Tuesday. Police were called when no amount of coaxing would quiet the dog enough to let them pass. The explanation was simple enough, The dog, owned by Buddy Dawson, 13, of 542 Avenue Madeira, had been left to guard the boy's bike while he was in the movie. Believing the workmen had evil designs on his master's bicycle the pooch refused to let them come near. Peace was restored when the police, after locating him in the theater, had the youngster move his bike and it's proud watchman to the other side of the theater.

DeNoon Named Rotary Speaker

Earl M. DeNoon, president of the South Florida Test Service, will address members of the Coral Gables Rotary Club at the meeting at noon today at the Country Club of Coral Gables. DeNoon will speak on recent developments in the world of science. Last Friday, Dr. Otto J. Sieplein, retiring president, gave the club members a resume of club activities during his tenure of office.

RIDDLE SELECTION ANNOUNCED Composition of Sister Mary Denise Will Be Featured by Philharmonic

The J. P. Riddle Foundation for Orchestral Composition has announced through its chairman, Oliver Washburn, that for the July performance by the Philharmonic Society of Greater Miami it has selected "Valse Charmante" by Sister Mary Denise of Barry College. Sister Denise' composition will be performed during the patio concert, July 29th, at the Country Club of Coral Gables, and will be conducted by Bower Murphy, director of the Barry College Little Symphony which made such an auspicious debut last winter. Sister Mary Denise, of the Order of St. Dominic, has had many compositions published under her pen-name of Denise Mainville. She received her early musical education at the Detroit Institute of Musical Art, received her degree of Bachelor of Music at Siena Heights College, Adrian, Mich., and the degree of Master of Arts at the University of Michigan. She is at present one of the heads of the music department at Barry College, in Miami Shores. Mr. Washburn also announced that for the second year of its operation, starting with the concert of July 29th, the admission fee will be established at one dollar and tax ($1.20) for those who are not members of the Society or of the Country Club of Coral Gables.

Ring Theatre To Present 'Little Foxes On Monday

Lillian Hellman's "The Little Foxes" has been chosen as the sixth production for the Ring Theater of the University of Miami, with the first performance scheduled for Monday evening, Fred Koch, Jr., head of the drama department, announced today. Under the direction of James Costy, the play is scheduled to run through August 2, and will be open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, July 26 and 27 and August 1 and 2. Club bookings have already been made by Eastern Airlines, Coral Gables Lions Auxiliary, Cocoplum Woman's Club, Sigma Chi Gamma, American Jewish Congress, Miami Women's Club, Chi Omega and the Miami Jaycees Auxiliary. The story of hate and passion in a small Southern town will be portrayed by a cast of ten, with Estelle Fugate being cast in the role of Regina Giddens. Others in the cast include Cal Collier Landress; Birdie Hubbard, Faith Adams; Oscar Hubbard, Don Madden; Leo Hubbard, Rodney Post; Addie, Terry Goodman; William Marshall, William Brannom; Benjamin Hubbard, James Costy; Alexandria Giddens, Betsy Ann Chipman; Horace Giddens, Paul Rosner.