Coral Gables Riviera-Times

BILTMORE

Should the Biltmore links be leased to the city as a municipal course? Read the editorial column on Page 4.

THE CORAL GABLES Riviera

COMICS

Morale need boosting? Laugh at the antics of the characters on the Riviera-Times comic page. A sure cure for the blues!

VOL. 21 — NO. 28 TWO SECTIONS CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1947 12 PAGES TEN CENTS

Churches' Use Of Classrooms Seen As Unsuited | Hopes For School Solution Are Dashed

Hopes that use of Sunday School rooms in two Coral Gables churches would alleviate crowded conditions in the Elementary School were dashed today when School Board Member James Henderson said that investigation had proved such usage as unsuitable. James T. Wilson, superintendent of schools, inspected rooms at the Presbyterian and Methodist churches and conferred with members of the church boards. Facilities Limited Officials of the Presbyterian Church were reported as advising Wilson that limited toilet facilities plus use of the rooms by various church groups would tend to create a condition of confusion that would not be desirable. The Methodist Church also was said unsuited because the rooms are not sound-proof. Only Solution Henderson said that the only remaining solution appears to be to transport the two upper grades to the Ada Merritt School for classes, an operation which he estimated would cost approximately $10,000. "I can't see any real objection to the plan," he stated, "and I believe that the children will get much more out of attending a larger high school with all the facilities it has to offer." The children will be transported, it was said, by bus, to the Miami school every day and returned to the Elementary School for dismissal if the plan is put into operation. The children will take part in Ada Merritt assemblies, physical (Please turn to Page 2)

Learn To Box Campaign Is Announced

A "learn to box" campaign, calculated to teach fisticuffs to every youngster in Coral Gables, will be launched in the Youth Center ring at 7:30 p.m. Monday night by the Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce, according to Ted Wayne, boxing committee chairman. A staff of experienced boxing coaches will be on hand to teach those desiring to learn ring technique, Wayne announced. Included will be Ed Beekman, "Pop" Logan, Bunny Lovette, Chic O'Domski, Walter Smith and Tony Bolan. Classes will be held at the boxing ring every Monday evening, with instruction offered free to all boys in the area. Following the campaign a tournament is planned, climaxed by a banquet and a trip to Havana for the champions. The Jaycees plan to eventually switch their Tuesday night boxing shows to the Youth Center ring. Bleachers, now being used for diamondball, will be arranged around the ring.

TWO STORES, RESIDENCE AUTHORIZED | Monthly Total Is Well Over $500,000 Mark

Two store buildings, providing space for 9 stores, and one residence were added to July building figures this week putting the current monthly total well over the $500,000 mark. The report from Building Inspector O. B. Campbell today showed the store permits were issued for a three and a six unit structure. Permits issued since last week included: Braltar Inc., $30,000, six-unit store building at 5106 S. W. 8th Street, Norman Miller, architect, and Jack Binkley contractor. J. D. Davis, $15,500, three-unit store building at 120 Avenue Giralda, C. LeRoy Kinports architect, and W. B. Campbell contractor. Elwood Wittmer, $9,000 residence at 819 Monterrey Street, Carlos B. Schoeppl, architect.

Philharmonic Program Set For Tuesday

On Tuesday evening the Philharmonic Society of Greater Miami will present its thirteenth interpretive program at the Country Club of Coral Gables, under the direction of Oliver Washburn. The Society will feature as its soloist Charles Stuart, well-known baritone. Mr. Stuart, who has made a name for himself in Broadway shows — he was in the original cast of "Oklahoma" — will sing "O du, mein holder Abendstern" from Wagner's "Tannhauser" and "Without a Song" by Vincent Youmans. As encores he will sing "Golden Dreams" by Hugh Bryson and the Yale "Whiffenpoof" Song. Mr. Bryson, the composer of "Golden Dreams" is a resident of Miami Springs. He is a well-known song-writer, having had many of his works published. The July selection of the J. P. Riddle Foundation for Orchestral Composition, which will be played by the orchestra, is the lovely "Valse Charmante" by Sister Mary Denise, of Barry College, who writes under the pen-name of Denise Mainville. Admission fees for those who (Please turn to Page 2)

Park Meter Removal Proposal Is Rejected

A proposal that parking meters be removed during the summer months in Coral Gables was voted down yesterday by members attending the Chamber of Commerce weekly luncheon at Ely Cafeteria. The motion was made by Henry Briggs, who said that he believed more cars would park on the main streets in the summer if the meters were removed.

HERE ARE THE PONCE BASEBALL CHAMPS who defeated a highly-touted Miami High School nine in the district finals to take the American Legion title. Ponce represented Post 98, as they will in the state tourney in Tampa, while Miami played for Harvey Seeds. Front row, left to right:; Bernie Barnett, Odilio Diaz, Ray Ehly, Tom Fitzgerald, Glen Lane, Hiram Knowles and Bill Keaton. Back row: Jerry Bishop, Malcolm Johnson, George Lane, Bob Conrad, Coach Hugh Vickers, Bud Nelson, Roger Novell and Angelo Mandis. —Photo by Bishop.

Ponce Enters State Tourney | Fought to Top | Miami Threatens

A victorious Ponce de Leon High School baseball team, the American Legion district championship tucked under their belts, invades Tampa today to compete in the Legion state tournament. The local nine, representing Post 98, won the district championship Tuesday night by whipping Miami 8-7 in a hard fought battle at Miami field. Fought to Top The Ponce diamondmen were given little chance of victory when they entered the district tournament, but turned on the steam and came out on top in the series. In Tuesday night's game, Ponce was trailing by three runs at the beginning of the seventh inning, but scored four runs on six walks and a passed ball. Miami Threatens The Miami nine threatened to tie up the score in the eighth inning with two runners on base, when Bob Conrad, who had been substituted for Glen Lane at the start of the inning disposed of (Please turn to Page 2)

Mail Box Jamming Is Corrected

A congested condition at the mail box in the post office, on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons when the office is closed has been relieved by an extra collection, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce reported today. The Chamber of Commerce had lodged a complaint with Postmaster Hugh Emerson, stating that many patrons had found the box crammed full when they tried to deposit mail at the end of the business day. Emerson reported to the Chamber this week that three collections will be made in the future at the box at the post office and at the Whelan Drug Store at Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Coral Way for Wednesdays and Saturdays. Collections will be made at the post office at 1:15, 3:00 and 5:45 p. m. and at the drug store corner at 1:15, 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.

At It Again | Lingerie Burglar Increases Loot

A complaint this week by Miss Mary Burns, 123 Avenue Zamora, brought the total to 30 pairs of panties, and four brassieres stolen by a thief with a tendency towards women's underwear. Disregarding other laundry this thief removes only lingerie from clothes lines in the Gables. Miss Burns' report reads the same as the other three complaints this last month. She hung her laundry on a line in the rear of the house, and when she retrieved it eight pairs of panties and three brassieres were missing. Police believe from the similarity of reports that one person is responsible. They made no further comment.

Lions Hear Appeal For Youth Center

A plea for intensified interest and assistance for the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center was made this week before the Lions Club of Coral Gables by L. D. Moore. The speaker, a member of the faculty at Miami Edison Senior High School, cited the "tremendous job" being done for Gables youth and called the center a "prime deterrent of juvenile delinquency" in the community. "We must do everything in our power to keep institutions of this kind functioning to the utmost," Moore told the Lions. The speaker was the guest of Principal Oliver Hoover of the Coconut Grove School. Newly installed President George Okell announced the following committee to serve during the new fiscal year: Attendance-Membership: L. W. Larson, chairman; A. A. Renuart, Jr.; Paul H. Robertson, Delore S. Colborn, George A. Donoghue. Constitution, By-Laws and Conventions: Ira Haycock, chairman; Paul H. Robertson, Hayes Wood, Oliver Hoover. Finance: L. W. Robinson, Jr., chairman; John Rosasco, Lawrence (Please turn to Page 2)

Men's Shop Burglarized

A thief, interested only in his own sartorial splendor broke into Engles Men's Shop, 2207 Ponce de Leon Blvd., last Thursday night. Ignoring $50 in small change that was in the cash register, this person walked off with a man's shirt, a wallet, a belt (size 29), a tobacco pouch, and a sterling silver watch chain. Entrance to the shop was gained by placing a ladder at the back door and cutting the screen wire on the transom. Police believe the thief was a person of small build able to squeeze through the narrow transom. Several thefts from parked cars were reported throughout the week, and two youths reported their wallets stolen from the locker room at the Venetian Pool.

EAL Slated In Exhibition Game Here

This Saturday's exhibition game at Youth Center Field will match Carl's Liquors with Eastern Air Lines of the Miami Park League. At present, EAL is tied with Pan American for second place. Slated to pitch for Eastern will be Jimmy Keyes, one of the top moundsmen in this section. Preceding the big game will be a high school match, Boys Club vs. South Miami Juniors, play to begin at six p.m. Schedule Changed A change in schedule brought Shenandoah Candies to the Center last week to play Carls. Carls came out on top with a 2-1 score. Climaxing the game was Shenandoah's pitcher Lazarus' attempt to steal home in the last inning. He (Please turn to Page 12)

Xmas Committee Meets Wednesday

Members of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Christmas Celebration Committee will meet at noon Wednesday at Ely Cafeteria to lay out a tentative program, E. D. Rogers, chairman, stated today. Rogers said that a preliminary survey indicated that bulbs and wiring will be available this year both for street decoration and the home decoration contest.

ROA Chapter Is Chartered In Gables | Reserve Group Will Organize Next Thursday

A charter has been granted to the newly formed Coral Gables Chapter, Reserve Officers Association, by Maj. Gen. Donald B. Adams, National President of the organization, it was announced today. The new chapter will hold its first meeting at the Ely Cafeteria, 2031⁄2 Avenue Alcazar on Thursday, July 31, at 8 p. m. at which time organization plans will be discussed and temporary officers elected. All Reserve Officers residing in Coral Gables and neighboring vicinity are invited to attend. Founders Named Among the reserve officers in the Coral Gables area who requested organization of the new chapter are: Lt. Col. J. R. Byerly, 4531 S. W. 15th Street; Lt. Col. Robert L. Ely, Jr., 6901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.; Major Bernard E. Smyers, 2081⁄2 Alcazar Avenue; Major Bernard E. Patterson, Jr., 520 Alhambra Circle; Capt. Philip J. Fruitstone, 424 Alminar Avenue, and Lt. Robert W. Gardner, 1212 Milan Avenue. Capt. Fruitstone will act as temporary chairman and Major Patterson will act as temporary secretary until election of officers.

Faculty Members Featured In 'U' Concert

Two members of the University of Miami music faculty will be presented as soloist and conductor of the University Concert orchestra in the fifth pop concert of the Miami Beach Pop Concerts association Saturday evening at 8:30 in Flamingo Park, Miami Beach. Dr. Arturo Di Filippi, tenor and teacher of voice, will appear as soloist, and Gerard Haft, teacher of cello, will conduct the orchestra. Opera Veteran Di Filippi, director of the Miami Opera guild, has had operatic experience here and abroad. He has given performances at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Radio City Music Hall in New York and (Please Turn to Page 2)

FEWER PONCE GRADUATES WILL ATTEND COLLEGES

Crowded conditions and increased tuition cost in the nation's colleges will prevent a large percentage of the last June graduating class at Ponce de Leon High School from entering institutions of higher learning this fall. According to Aurelia B. Davis of the registrar's office at Ponce, only 88 per cent of the class will enter colleges and universities when fall terms open. She stated that this is a considerable drop in percentage over previous years. Waited too Long In addition to tuition hikes, she stated that too many waited to file applications until the last of their senior year and found admissions closed. Of the 48 boys graduated last June, the University of Miami will draw the majority, with 22 being signed up to enter the Gables institution. Thirteen will attend University of Florida or Florida State University; two each will enter Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Antioch and Georgia (Please turn to Page 2)

Work Starts On Compiling Assessments

With ink on the current tax roll scarcely more than dry, work on next year's assessment has already begun. City Assessor T. B. Blount today declared the unusually high building rate has created a large backlog of work as each plan for construction authorized since January 1 must be scanned to compute the total number of cubic feet. Property valuation is made on a cubic foot basis. In a breakdown of types of building plans which the tax office has begun to evaluate, Blount listed 86 residences, 11 apartments and duplexes, 14 store buildings, 50 alterations and additions, and 18 miscellaneous items.

J. Riis Owre Will Address Rotary Club

Dr. J. Riis Owre, dean of the graduate school at the University of Miami, will address members of the Coral Gables Rotary Club at noon today at the Country Club of Coral Gables, according to Dr. C. D. Tharp, program chairman. Dr. Owre came to the University of Miami in 1935 as assistant professor of Spanish. He received his education at Williams College and the University of Minnesota, where he took his master's and PhD degrees, and later taught Spanish before coming to Coral Gables. Directs Institute He organized and still directs the Hispanic-American Institute and is now, in addition to his (Please turn to Page 12)

NEW POST OFFICE TO BE COMPLETED ON AUGUST 2nd

Employees Make Plans For Party | Plan Party | Page Builder

Coral Gables' new post office building, located on Avenue Giralda just east of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, will be completed on August 2, the R. K. Cooper Construction Co., builders, announced today. Floor tiling, which has prevented completion of the structure, arrived yesterday morning. Plan Party Employees of the Coral Gables branch have made plans for an opening party which has been tentatively scheduled for Friday evening, August 1. Invited guests will include Greater Miami postal employees, Coral Gables city officials, Chamber of Commerce officials and representatives of the local press. Plans include music and refreshments. Page Builder The building is being constructed by Roy Page, who will lease it to the Post Office Department on a ten-year basis. The lease may be cancelled, however, when a permanent post office building is constructed by the federal government. Money for such a structure has already been ear-marked, but actual construction was postponed last year when the government placed a ban on all federal construction.

Name Change Suggested For Pratt Hospital

A suggestion that the name of the Pratt Veterans Hospital be changed to the "Coral Gables Veterans Hospital" was forwarded to VA officials today by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. The suggestion was made, providing it could be accomplished under federal regulations, because of the publicity value. The Chamber also offered its services to the hospital to aid in finding housing for families of patients at the hospital.

Advertising Plan Expected In August

Recommendations from three member agencies on a $10,000 advertising campaign for Coral Gables are expected early next month, the Chamber of Commerce announced today in its bulletin "Trade Winds." One half of the fund to be spent during this fiscal year will come the city's annual $5,000 appropriation and one-half from the Chamber's general fund, derived from membership dues.

Police Judge Resorts to Note Writing | DEAF MUTE PLEADS CASE IN COURT WITH PENCIL; BUT MAGISTRATE SCRIBBLES $15 FINE | By Stan Platkin

An unusual note in Police Court this week was the case of Carl Watson, 905 1/2 N. W. 2nd Avenue, charged with reckless driving by causing an accident. Watson is a deaf mute, and in the absence of a sign-language interpreter, Judge Robertson was forced to conduct the case by means of written notes between himself and the defendant. Watson was fined $15. Other cases were: Hubert Balo the N. E. 1st Street, was sentenced the five days he had spent in jail awaiting the trial and released to the Pratt General Hospital. The charge was vagrancy. Harry H. Beale, 1315 Avenue Lisbon, was sentenced to three days disorderly conduct and petty larceny. Nathaniel Jones, Negro, 3658 Grand Avenue, was fined $85 for disorderly conduct by fighting and resisting arrest. Table Displayed Walter Harper and Ida Mae Harper, negroes, 109 S. Dixie Highway, each paid $55 for disorderly conduct by fighting. Evidence in the case was a table brought into court room with a bullet hole through it, an evidence of violence of the domestic quarrel. James English, 1333 Blue Road, forfeited bond on charges of reckless driving, drunk, and disorderly conduct. Mrs. Esta A. Howard, 522 Bombdilla Street, was fined $25 for reckless driving by causing an accident. Fined $30 Kenneth Peter Johansen, 68 S. W. 52nd Road, was fined $30 for reckless driving by making an improper turn and causing an accident. Thomas H. Fairchild, 5765 S. W. 19th Street, paid $20 for reckless driving by causing an accident. Charlie Brooks, negro, 720 N. 2nd Road, paid $20 and $10 for reckless driving by causing an accident and having no chauffeurs license. Mrs. R. B. Hunter, 1301 Avenue Astrfria, was fined $25 for disorderly conduct by using profane language. William L. O'Brien, 228 Avenue Sarta, and Mildred Cockreel, 2021 S. W. 24th Terrace forfeited their bonds on charges of being drunk.

WHILE COMPANIONS watch with interest, 14-year-old Liz Schwartz expertly letters the door panel of the Coral Gables Youth Center station wagon. The talented Miss Schwartz is also painting an oil portrait of Center President Harry Morgenthaler, which will be hung in the building. —Binner Photo.

Veteran Fire Wagons Wait Retirement | TRUCKS HAVE SERVED GABLES FOR 22 YEARS; NEW MACK IS EXPECTED IN FALL | By Cliff Heinzel

When you get to the point where the old spokes start to croak and it takes plenty of oil to keep the parts working smoothly. When you start drinking by the gallon every time you make a move — then the time has come for you to step aside for new blood. That's what it has come to in the Coral Gables Fire department, with the equipment that is — not the personnel. But don't think for a minute that these two old fugitives from "gasolinic anonymous" have given up. No, sir! Pumpers No. 1 and No. 2 are still doing their job even though they know that they, as "pride of the Coral Gables Fire Department" are numbered. Perhaps they're drinking a little heavier now than they used to, but when the alarm sounds they are always ready to go. Never once have they failed in all their 22 years. Wait for Mack So the two old fellows (they're related you know, No. 1 LaFrance family, birthday 1925) patiently wait for the arrival of the big healthy, new truck named Mack. Mack is going to take over the heavy work while No. 1, who has led a more conservative life than his twin brother, will go on light duty. No. 2 is going to stick around though, just in case he might be needed sometime. Semi-retirement poses no problem of leisure time for No. 1 and No. 2, however. Look at all the memories they have—why, they've seen to every fire in Coral Gables since it became a city in 1925. They have seen it all, from a burning toilet seat to a $80,000 blaze. With a wealth of experience behind them they'll have plenty to think about. Argued with Trailer Like the time No. 2 was answering a call and got into a little argument with a semi-trailer. His attention was concentrated on his job of getting to the fire in a hurry when the big bully made a surprise attack and cracked all the wooden spokes in No. 2's rear wheels. It laid him up for awhile but you today can't even see the scars. Another incident which no one ever mentions around No. 2 is the time he broke his camshaft on the (Please turn to Page 2)