Coral Gables Riviera-Times

Air Force Day

Hats off to the Army Air Corps! This is the day to salute the lads who kept 'em flying. For more about Air Force Day see Our Town on Page 4.

Riviera-Times

CORAL GABLES Riviera-Times

On The Air

Your Riviera - Times reporter takes to the airways with an up-to-the-minute roundup of Gables news at 8:30 tonight over WBAY!

VOL. 21 - NO. 29 TWO SECTIONS

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 1947 12 PAGES TEN CENTS

NEW SPURT REPORTED IN BUILDING

Week's Permits Hit $236,000, Campbell Reads. Building totals made up for lost ground this week with over $236,000 in building permits reported today by Building Inspector G. B. Campbell. Although activity slumped last week when only $50,000 was reported, the monthly total neared the $800,000 mark with the addition of the latest construction figure. Store Included. Largest items on the current report were a $55,000 store building to be erected at 1708-22 Ponce de Leon Boulevard and a $30,000 store to be built at 4001 Granada Boulevard. A total of eight residential permits were listed in the report. Permits issued included: Guy F. Wood, $14,500 residence at 1221 Cordova Street, architect Carlos B. Schoeppl, contractor A. Niles Whyte. 5-Room to Build. Thomas M. P. Johnson, $9,000 residential addition at 908 Avenue Castile, architect Stewart and Skinner, contractor Edward Construction Co. J. N. Brown, $14,500 veterinarian clinic at 321 University Concourse, architect LeRoy K. Albert, contractor Sparks Construction Co. Dr. Robert Machado, $21,000 residence at 3815 Toledo. Street, architect Edward A. Nolan, contractor Tripp Construction Co. Store Planned. W. E. King, $20,000 store and office building at 211 Avenue Aragon, architect M. Hauri, contractor A. N. Whyte. A. L. Coffey, Jr., $30,000 residence at 6001 Granada Boulevard, (Please turn to Page 2)

Two Are Saved From Overdoses Of Drugs

Coral Gables Police reported two cases of overdoses of drugs this week. Both cases were women, and prompt hospitalization was the means of saving their lives. Police, called to the home of H. R. Graves, 415 Avenue Aledo, were informed by him that his wife had just taken a 2 per cent solution of Nitrate of Silver. Mrs. Graves was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital where she was discharged three hours later. E. H. Frazier, 1042 Avenue Obispo, came to the police station last Friday and informed the police that his wife, who was outside in a car, had just taken 10 Nembutol tablets. Police escorted them to the Coral Gables Hospital where Mrs. Frazier is recovering.

Graduate With Honors At U. of Florida

GAINESVILLE, July 31 — Two Coral Gables students, Jacques L. Clarke and Charles W. Brand, were graduated with honors from the University of Florida last week. Clarke, who received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, was one of five students in the July graduating class to receive high honors. Brand, a graduate in electrical engineering, was one of 21 students graduated with honors.

In a city hall ceremony Mayor W. Keith Phillips receives the Cuban flag from Miss Ritaily Aguero, Cuban beauty queen. The flag was brought to this country by Dr. Eduardo Ochoe, mayor of Holguin (extreme right). Following the presentation the visitors were taken on a bus tour of the city by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. — Photo by Frutkoff.

Henderson Plan Prevents Transfer of Gables Pupils

SCHOOL BOARD AUTHORIZES RETENTION OF UPPER GRADES. A plan worked out by School Board Member James Henderson apparently "saved the day" Wednesday for seventh and eighth graders at the Elementary School, who had been faced with the prospect of a daily bus ride to Ada Merritt School this fall. The Henderson plan, adopted by the school board, involves: Retention of nine portable classrooms at the local school. Use of the lot behind the Coliseum as a playground until plans are completed on the present playground. Utilization of space in the Methodist Church for the kindergarten. Holding of seventh grade students at the local Elementary School and Shenandoah Elementary who were slated to be transferred to Coral Gables in September. At Wednesday's session of the board, Henderson had the backing of a group of Coral Gables parents, who have been lodging heated protests ever since the idea of moving the students was made public by The Riviera-Times. Final aspects of the Henderson plan were worked out on Monday following a visit to the school property by the school board member and a representative of The Riviera-Times. Henderson stated yesterday that he did not believe that double sessions would be necessary in carrying out the project. The parents group decided to attend the Wednesday meeting following a conference on July 23 with Superintendent James T. Wilson during which they reported they got "no satisfaction whatsoever."

'U' Students Accused of Panty Thefts

A hint that the "panty thief" that has been operating in the Gables, might be University pranksters, was received by police this week. The clue came from Miss Mary Burns, last victim of the culprit (or culprits). Miss Burns told police that she had been informed that University students had made off with her lingerie. Police have notified University officials who have promised an immediate inspection of all the rooms in the dormitories.

Hotel 'Sale' Now Termed 'Long Lease'

Brown Denies Antilla Purchase By Hittleman. Sale of the Antilla Hotel to Philip Hittleman which was reported two weeks ago, was denied this week in a letter from Roy H. Brown, owner of the Ponce de Leon Boulevard property. The story of the sale was based on information supplied by Hittleman, who when queried Monday on Brown's denial said that the transaction was a "long term lease" and refused further comment as to the lease's duration or other details. Brown, in a response to a telegram from The Riviera-Times, wired that he had leased the hotel to Hittleman for 10 years starting June 1, 1947 and said that he "did not wish to disclose other terms and details of the lease at this time." Brown also told The Riviera-Times that his hotel has not been offered for sale and is not on the market.

Residence Is Burglarized

After an evening's entertainment at the Coral Gables Country Club with his family last Wednesday night, Mr. C. H. Oehler returned home to find his house had been burglarized. The thief, who entered by cutting a window screen, removed a variety of articles from the home at 3116 Alhambra Circle. They included a .45 caliber automatic, a table-model radio, an electric fan, a gold evening gown, two bottles of rum, and two bottles of whiskey. Police examined the home, but could find no finger prints or other clues.

SWIMFEST SLATED FOR SEPTEMBER 3

Venetian Pool Is Scene of Annual Event. The annual Venetian Pool Swim Festival, sponsored by the City of Coral Gables, Riviera-Times and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, it was announced today by Pool Manager John Rossaco. Postponed last year because of polio, the festival is expected to attract a record number of entrants when it is staged next month, Rossaco stated. Dashes Featured. The main feature of the event will be the 100, 50 and 25 yard dashes for three age groups competing for medals, trophies and merchandise awards. The age limit for the 100-dash has been extended one year in order to allow participants, who were unable to swim last year when the meet was cancelled, to participate. The 50-yard dash will be open to all, from 14 and 18; 50-yard dash, 8 to 10 to 13 and 25-yard dash, 8 to 10 years. Ribbon, medal and trophy are planned for boys and girls. Preliminary heats will be run at 11 a.m. the morning of the meet. Trophies Listed. Trophies for the 100-yard dash include the Whitley Cup for Boys and the George E. Merrick trophy for girls, donated by the City of Coral Gables. In the 50-yard event the Police Benevolent Association trophy is offered for boys, and the AAF tro-(Please turn to Page 2)

Alternate Bid Is Submitted On Biltmore

Favorable action on a Coral Gables counter-proposal for lease of the Biltmore golf course from the Veteran's Administration was foreseen today as VA officials in Atlanta prepared to open bids called for by August 4. At a special commission meeting on Tuesday, the city fathers declined to bid for the course as per specifications, which provided for the lease of the course only, with no clubhouse facilities. Want Club House. Instead the city commission voted to bid for lease of the ground floor of the former Miami Biltmore Country Club building, in addition to the links. The city's bid will be for one dollar per year plus maintenance, which is estimated at from $50,000 to $100,000. "All indications are that the city (Please turn to Page 2)

Radio Auditions Are Announced

"Every Thursday night from now on will be radio audition night at the Youth Center," Miss Betty Ward, co-director of the Center announced this week. "We need new talent," she went on to say, "if you have any talent at all please come down and let us hear you." Miss Ward added that she would personally work with anyone who showed any sign of talent and try to develop it. This week's Youth Center radio show will feature a surprise addition besides the regular quiz show. Miss Ward declined to elaborate further, but hinted that the "special talent" was well-known to all Youth Center members.

Garris Candidate For County Commission

New Post Office Opens To Public August 11th

INFORMAL RECEPTION PLANNED BY EMPLOYEES THIS EVENING. Coral Gables post office patrons can plan on buying their stamps at the new Giralda Avenue building on Monday, August 11, James Burns of the local branch office revealed today. Service in the newly constructed $70,000 building was originally scheduled for next Monday but was postponed when it was learned that a "few finishing touches" have to be made on the building. Week-end Move. Burns, speaking for Superintendent John L. Beauchamp, stated that the move from the present location would be made over the week-end, beginning Saturday, August 9. Beauchamp is confined to his home with a broken collar bone when he fell from a mango tree this week. Party Tonight. The new building, which is being leased by the post office until a permanent structure is erected by the government, will be informally dedicated at a party given by postal employees from 8 to 10 this evening. Invited guests will include city officials, Chamber of Commerce officers, members of the Riviera-Times staff and Greater Miami postal workers. Highlight of the occasion will be the presentation of the keys to Postmaster Hugh Emerson by Roy Page, owner of the new building. Refreshments will be served and music provided by a three-piece string ensemble. The building was constructed by the R. K. Cooper Co. for Page, who will rent it to the government for $5,250 annually. A ten-year lease has been signed which may be cancelled when the permanent structure is built.

Early Birds Christmas Plans Are Announced

A Santa Claus that directs traffic, a street parade, decoration contests and thousands of twinkling Christmas lights are included in Yuletide plans of Coral Gables merchants, according to a report made yesterday at the monthly meeting of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce at Ely Cafeteria. The report was made by E. D. Rogers, chairman of the Christmas committee, following a meeting held Wednesday. 18th Year. Strands of Christmas lights will be strung at two-foot intervals from Biltmore Hotel to Galiano Street on Coral Way and from Avenue Sevilla to Avenue Menores on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. A 40-foot Christmas tree, ablaze with lights, is planned for the city hall lawn, while a mechanical Santa Claus, coordinated with the traffic light is being worked out for Coral Way and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Start Thanksgiving. The committee recommended that the lights be ready to turn on (Please turn to Page 2)

Renewal of Beer Permits Is Approved

Fear that an omission of a sentence in a new state law might mean revoking many existing beer and wine licenses in Coral Gables was allayed Tuesday by Attorney General J. Tom Watson. The error was made in the local bill limiting beer and wine licenses in the Gables to one to every 1,500 population. A sentence stating that the law did not affect renewal of existing licenses was omitted from the body of the bill. Under the last state census, only six of the 21 existing beer and wine licenses could have been renewed until Watson ruled otherwise. In his opinion the attorney general stated, "Where the statutes governing the renewal and transfer of state and county beverage licenses have been complied with respecting such licenses and places of business in Coral Gables such renewals and transfers should be effected unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction holds to the contrary."

First Son Born to Dr. and Mrs. Biro

Dr. and Mrs. Ladislau Biro are rejoicing over the birth of their first child and son Andrew Kirkland Biro, born July 28th at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Andrew is the sixth grandchild, all boys, of Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Kirkland, pioneer Gableites. Dr. Biro is pastor of the University Baptist church.

Interpreter Used in Police Court

Associate Judge Eugene E. Hunter presided in Police Court this week while Judge Robertson is in New York on business. It was necessary to call an interpreter from the spectators to try the case of Joaquin Bazaga. Bazaga of 1834 S. W. 4th Street, who speaks no English, was found guilty of failure to stop at a stop sign, and possessing no drivers license. He was fined $10. Other cases were: James Erb, 321 Avenue Madeira, forfeited $10 bond for being drunk. Larry Wilson, negro, 3427 Douglas Road, was sentenced to four days for being drunk. Martha Bradley, negro, 3440 Douglas Road, paid a $10 fine for disorderly conduct by fighting. Walter E. Bridgis, (no address), (Please turn to Page 2)

Softballers To Play at Hialeah

There will be no Saturday night exhibition game at the Youth Center this week as the two softball teams travel to Hialeah to participate in a double-header at Babcock Park. First game will find Carl's Liquors meeting Eastern Air Lines in a return match. The second match, which promises to be an excellent ball game, will feature the Gables All-stars vs. the Hialeah All-Stars. Rain Stops Game. The game came in the eight inning of last Saturday's exhibition (Please turn to Page 2)

To Represent Gables In Memorial Rites

The name of John C. Kofoed, Jr., who died as a result of his service in World War II, will be made a part of the 26th national Disabled American Veterans convention memorial service in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 18 to symbolize all the war dead of Coral Gables and Miami Beach. Selection of Corporal Kofoed's name was made by Chapter No. 12 of Coral Gables and Chapter No. 27, Miami Beach.

Principle Prefers Jail To Parking Fine

Claiming it was not a matter of money but of principle, Theodore Wayne, 2128 Ponce de Leon Blvd., elected to serve two days in jail rather than pay a disputed parking fine. Wayne asserted that he had parked his car in front of a meter that showed a violation flag, and went inside a store for not longer than three to five minutes. Seeing an officer approach he ran out and inserted a coin in the meter. The officer, Charles Gouveia, Wayne said he had seen them park, and that he had been inside longer than five minutes. "Closer to ten," he said. Plea to Court. Wayne took the case to police court where he tried to talk Judge E. R. Hunter out of the ticket. Judge Hunter ruled that on the basis of the facts presented, Wayne was guilty and fined him $5 and costs. Still indignant, Wayne asked how many days. Judge Hunter imposed an alternate sentence of two days which Wayne took. Day Enough. However, after one day in the Gables' hoosegow, Wayne decided that the "principle" was not worth it and bought his freedom upon payment of the rest of his fine. In a statement to the Riviera-Times, he said that tickets that had been placed on cars on both sides of his car had been "fixed." Police however, emphatically denied this and said that Wayne had no proof, and if he did they would be glad to see it.

Information Center Moves

The Cancer Information Center has moved temporarily to 804 N. E. 2nd Ave., pending the completion of its own building. The center was formerly in the Ingraham building, Miami.

This Burglar Must Be Planning Golf Course

Golfers at the Granada Golf Links were forced to use their instincts to locate the greens when they tee'd off last Thursday. The reason; there were no cup markers. Manager Wilbur Clark reported to the police that during the night someone had stolen the poles and flags from the first to the eight hole inclusive. Police are looking for a man who is planning to start his own golf club as soon as he gets enough equipment together.

C. H. Reeder Is Only Bar To Plans

Ex-Commissioner's Statement Comes As Surprise. A hitherto unmentioned but nevertheless politically potent candidate entered the coming county commission race yesterday when Milton B. Garris of Coral Gables stated that he was considering tossing his fedora into the ring. Garris interposed only one stipulation — he will not run against former Miami Mayor C. H. Reeder, should the former neighboring city official choose to enter the race. Garris, a former Coral Gables city commissioner and presently senior in a Gables consulting engineer, is considered somewhat as a "bomb shell" candidate in the present preliminary maneuvering. Others mentioned as potential candidates for the post of the retiring Charles Crandon include Gables Justice of the Peace O. B. Sutton, Frank J. Kelly and Jess Yarborough.

New Plans Advanced for Youth Center

The possibility of immediate construction of the additional rooms of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center was foreseen today when a special meeting of the board of directors and the building and site committee was called for 8 p.m. Monday at the Center. City Commissioner Thomas C. Mayes, who called the meeting, said today that because of the difficulty of obtaining a loan to complete the whole structure that the directors would be asked to approve or reject the plan to begin immediate construction on the two rooms, a recreation room and snack bar. Mayes said that he estimated roughly that the addition would cost about $30,000, which could be (Please turn to Page 2)

Drug Store Will Collect Phone Bills

The first steps towards securing a Bell Telephone business office for Coral Gables were taken yesterday when it was announced that phone bills may now be paid at Jephson's Pharmacy, 2329 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Securing such an office has long been a project of both the senior and junior Chambers of Commerce. "We are taking on this responsibility as an added service to our customers," Fred Bendinger, drug store operator, commented. Water and electric bills can also be paid at Jephson's.

Ponce High Holds Summer Graduation

Fourteen summer school graduates of Ponce de Leon High School were awarded diplomas Wednesday night at ceremonies held at the Coral Gables Methodist Church. The commencement address was delivered by Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and School Board Member James Henderson presented the diplomas.

Are You Going Away?

Why not have the Riviera-Times accompany you on your vacation and keep you abreast of what's going on in Coral Gables during your absence? If you do plan to be out of the city, it is only necessary to telephone the Riviera-Times circulation department, give your vacation address, and your paper will be sent to you there. To those of you who are returning, please let us know about it, so that we can start the Riviera-Times coming to your Coral Gables address again. Just Telephone 4-1634, Ask for Circulation

FULL MOON ABETS PERFORMANCE Enthusiastic Audience of 1000 Applauds Charles Stuart and Philharmonic Orchestra

Tuesday evening's concert of the Philharmonic Society of Greater Miami given at the Country Club of Coral Gables, under the direction of Oliver Washburn, proved to be one of the most successful of the entire series regarding both popular appeal and attendance. Blessed with a nearly-full moon and the weather being at its best, the crowd, estimated at about one thousand, took sheer delight in such stand-by orchestral masterpieces as the overture to "William Tell," Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, the Minute Waltz of Chopin and the ever-popular selections from Victor Herbert's "Naughty Marietta." Vitamins in Program. There were some real vitamins in the program, also. The string section of the orchestra did a magnificent job on the Ravel "Pavane pour une Infante defunte" and Morton Gould's arrangement of "Stormy Weather." Both were very well played and interpreted. There is nothing to equal, for real general beauty, the combination of moonlight in the palm trees and the sound of muted strings. Conductor and orchestra also did well by Grieg's "On the Trail" and the "Peer Gynt" Suite. The overture — "William Tell" — went off well, with the exception of a couple of technical instrumental clinkers, which fortunately occurred in an allegro movement and were passed quickly. The Chopin Waltz was performed smoothly and gracefully. Pleasant and Gracious. The July selection of the J. P. Riddle Foundation for Orchestral Composition was "Valse Charmante" by Sister Mary Denise, of Barry College. This number, all that the name implies, while no great shakes musically, was (Please turn to Page 2)

863 Coral Gables Homes Pay No Operating Taxes

Out of the 2,252 Coral Gables taxpayers who have filed homestead exemption forms on their property, 863 are paying no operating tax to the city. A survey completed by Tax Assessor T. C. Blount this week showed the number of homes valued at or below $5,000 which as a result of the homestead exemption, are taxed only for debt service. City revenue losses due to other exemption statutes were also listed in the report. Of the total number of homeowners on the current tax roll, 61.7 percent pay taxes on both operating and debt service. This percentage, Blount pointed out, has increased only 1.9 percent over last year despite the addition of 208 net homestead exemptions filed since that time. Blount's survey showed additional revenue losses result from citizens' statutory exemption and widow - veterans exemptions. The former accounts for an actual loss of $23,000 while the latter exempts approximately $115,000 in valuations.