Coral Gables Riviera-Times

Two big events this week! Elks Field Day, Monday at Salvatore Park; Annual Swimfest Wednesday at the Venetian Pool.

Listen to Riviera-Times Newscast -with Al Harum subbing for Jim Moore at 8:30 this evening. WBAY -1490 on your dial.

CORAL GABLES Riviera - Times

VOL. 21 - No. 33 | TWO SECTIONS | CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1947 | 14 PAGES | TEN CENTS

PIPED-GAS FRANCHISE IS VOTED Ordinance Faces Second Reading Next Tuesday

The City will grant a piped-gas franchise to the group headed by James A. Henderson and Charles E. Starr at the meeting of the City Commission next Tuesday evening. The ordinance granting the franchise was adopted on first reading at a special meeting. Its passage at second reading appeared a matter of routine. The franchise was granted "subject to approval" by the voters at a special referendum and subject to acceptance by the Henderson-Starr group. A separate ordinance will establish the date of the referendum — the expense for which will be paid by the petitioners. City officials expected that the vote would be held up at least four months so that the city might prepare registration books and the company conduct an educational campaign on the proposed system. City Attorney Edward L. Semple said today he expected the exclusion petition from a portion of No Man's Land would also be voted upon since it could be held at no expense to the city.

Plays Lead

PHYLLIS ROWLAND, star of the Country Club Players' "Meet The Wife" production which opens Tuesday evening. Mrs. Rowland portrays Gertrude Lennox. Others in the cast-which has been directed by Robert E. P. Bakke III - are Walter Ashby, Muriel Marshall, Rolf Elliot, Donald Leigh, Ted Hodge and Mr. and Mrs. Edison Archer, Jr.

Homes Take Construction Spotlite Here Campbell Grants Permits for Eight Dwellings

Private residences copped the spotlight in the Coral Gables construction picture this week, on the heels of a mild spurt in commercial-industrial projects. Municipal Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell reported that for the first time in several weeks applications for permits to erect private homes outnumbered requests for approval of commercial building enterprises. Out of 14 construction permits issued by Campbell's office in the past two weeks, eight were for homes and two for store buildings. Three property owners were granted permission to make alterations and a proposed addition to another building was okayed. The $123,000 total cited for residence permits issued during the period is almost four times the $24,500 to be spent on commercial buildings. Permits recently issued are: Sam Church, $17,000 residence at 3612 Alhambra Circle; Haley and Avery, architects. Ray Spencer, $500 alteration at 1253 Avenue Venetia; Edw. A. Nolan, architect. Ralph T. Wilkins, $500 altera- (Please turn to page two)

Petition Hits New Liquor Bill, Charges 'Threats' By Officials Hassen Seeks To Enjoin City Enforcement

Branding the new city liquor control ordinance "restricted, discriminatory and special legislation applying solely to the plaintiff," Ed Hassen today sought to enjoin its enforcement. The ordinance bars the service of liquor containing more than 22 percent alcohol in the presence of "any person under the age of 21 unless accompanied by parent or natural guardian" and applies only to the Howard Johnson Restaurant which Hassen operates. In his plea for the injunction Hassen cited the fact that "there are in existence and duly licensed by the City," the Country Club of Coral Gables, the Riviera Country Club, the Coral Gables Elks Club and the Miami Quarterdeck Club which are "expressly excluded" from the "penalty under this ordinance". Hassen further pointed out in his petition for the injunction that newspaper publicity resulting from the passage of the ordinance "has caused serious impairment in the business of the plaintiff". A charge that members of the City Commission, "its agents, servants and employees" had threatened him with persecution unless he abandoned his efforts to open a bar was made by Hassen. These officials, Hassen swore, told him that "there wer other rounds and other remedies left open to them" in the event he won his first suit. He was told, he declared, "that if the plaintiff wurt successful in his court action then pending that they would (1) post a policeman outside the restaurant and interrogate all of the customers of the plaintiff upon their leaving said restaurant as to their sobriety; (2) they would pass legislative and ordinances designated either to force plaintiff to cease selling liquor or force plaintiff out of business." The restaurant operator pointed to the fact that the legislation enacted by the city comes under their police power affecting public morals-and "yet all types of business and licenses in the City of Coral Gables except that of plaintiff are specifically excluded from the ordinance". Pending outcome of the injunction plea the service bar at the Howard Johnson Restaurant has been closed to the public, Hassen said.

Mystery Hunt Lined Up For Swimfest Rosasco Predicts Biggest Turnout In Event's History

An ebony veil of secrecy surrounds carefully guarded plans for a Mystery Treasure Hunt to be staged at an unknown time and in an unpredictable manner at Coral Gables' annual Venetian Pool Swimfest Wednesday evening. Promising to be a complete surprise, the treasure hunt today was a plot locked in the mind of Pool Manager John A. Rosasco, but he hinted that anyone wearing a bathing suit will be permitted to take part. Rosasco said that entries received so far indicate that the Swimfest will attract the greatest number of competitors and spectators in the four-year history of the event. In addition to the Treasure Hunt, the manager announced another "added attraction" to the program of swimming races for young people, water sports and diving and water-balletin exhibitions. "Pete DesJardines has volunteered to have his water ballet on hand to present an aquatic revue to music between races," Rosasco said. Comedy will enter proceedings via obstacle races and nightgown sprints. Youthful swimmers 18 years and under will compete in water sprints and endurance tests for six permanent trophies, and medals are to be presented to first, second and third place winners in all events. In addition, merchant members of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, one of the sponsors of the Swimfest, will award gift certificates of one dollar value to finalists in all events. Sponsoring the annual water show with the Chamber of Commerce are the city of Coral Gables and the Riviera-Times.

OOPS, EXCUSE PLEASE-Bill Frazel (right) got the ball away to Tom Fitzgibbon on a sneak pass-but got a knock on the noggin in return. The two St. Theresa regulars were snapped while working under Coach John Homko's watchful eye. Riviera-Times Photo by Bihner

Construction Paces Growth, Kiwanis Hears Hines Sees Housing Need Continuing One

The 23 building trades are "in process" on 15,000 housing units in Dade County, Paul Hines, ex-visitor secretary of the South Florida Associated General Contractors, told members of the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club this week. Despite this heavy residential building, the need for housing "will continue for some years" in order to fill the bill for the 650,000 population which is expected by 1950, the speaker predicted. Hines cited the difficulty confronting the contractors, including the small pool of labor available, but foresaw the completion of the units within this year. Discussing costs, the speaker cited the price increases of 200 and 300 percent to many commodities while pointing out that building "is less than 100 percent over the 1939-1941 average." "Not all the increased costs are reflected in the building," he declared. "The price of the land under the building also has advanced steadily." Hines was the guest of Architect William Merriam, who was chairman of the Kiwanis program held at the Country Club of Coral Gables.

Boys Discover Behavior Is Key To Pool Hospitality

Seven boys from Miami's northwest section learned this week that Venetian Pool hospitality lasts only as long as good behavior. A quartet who Sunday entered the pool by the unorthodox method of hopping the fence was sent home in disgrace. The youngsters fetched up dimes and asked if they could pay their way in-but were banned for the rest of the day as punishment. Later in the week, three other lads retreated in good order at the request of Pool Manager John Rosasco and Police Officer Lavelle Edwards. They claimed they didn't realize it was dangerous to go around shoving unsuspecting young ladies into the water.

Vet To Hold Clinic Here Officials Map Dog Seizure

Safety Director William Kimbrough will meet with Russell Broughman today to map enforcement of city's anti-rabies ordinance, Dr. T. E. Cato told the Riviera-Times. Broughman is a member of Cato's staff in the Dade County Health Unit. Meanwhile Kimbrough announced that Dr. J. N. Brown, veterinarian who is opening Gables offices on 13 pieces of State legislation next few weeks, would conduct an inoculation clinic at the Coral Gables Police station on Monday and Tuesday. Dr. Brown said he would vaccinate all dogs brought to the station between the hours of 1 and 3 p. m. at the regular two dollar fee. During the past week many dog owners have taken their pets to animal hospitals in the neighborhood of Coral Gables. Just how many had complied with the law, Dr. Cato was "unable to say". The health chief did say he believed that Coral Gables had a "low dog population", however. Broughman and Kimbrough's enforcement plan probably will involve the Humane Society, which has arranged in the past to pick up strays in the city. Complaints of rabid dogs should be made to the police department, Kimbrough said.

Kids All Set For Field Day Elks Program Set For Monday

Bedlam is scheduled to break loose promptly at 10'oclock Monday morning when all the kids in Coral Gables gather at Salvatore Park to enjoy the hospitality of the Elks Club at its first annual Children's Field Day. That hour will sound the opening gun in a day-long program of sports, prizes, fun and food planned by Chairman Lee Fullwood and his committee. First feature will be sprints and dashes for fleet-footed girls and boys of all ages. Winners will be awarded ribbons at the conclusion of the races at 11 a. m. At 11:15, the Daniels nine, Coral Gables High School League softball champions are to take the field against the senior division Elks Club aggregation in a diamond exhibition. The noon hour from 12 to one o'clock will be dedicated to food. Hot dogs and rolls, soft drinks and ice cream will be served free by (Please turn to Page 11)

Katie McNeal Goes A-Roving; Winds Up In Arms Of Law

A Coral Gables gal took a notion to travel this week and wound up in the arms of the law-literally. Katie McNeal is only three. But what's age got to do with it when a woman wants to go places and see things? The chubby young miss mounted her trusty tricycle Monday afternoon when no one was looking and took off from her home at 725 Avenue Escobar. A few minutes and one block later, Katie stopped to rest-right in the middle of heavily trafficked University Drive. When she gave no indication of ceding right of way to motorist Earl Parent, he got out to investigate. The young explorer merely glared when Parent suggested he give her (and the tricycle) a lift home-but she nodded happily at his suggestion that maybe she was lost. A busy man, Parent solved the problem by delivering Katie into the arms of Officer Dick Tucker and Sgt. J. C. Powers, who happened to be on duty at police headquarters. Katie giggled with content as long as she was allowed to play with shiny police badges, investigate the ink bottle and tear up police records. But when Tucker and Powers put the heat on by asking what her name was and where she lived, Katie wouldn't talk. It was shortly after the three-year-old started dredging in the Police Station sand box for cigar butts that the officers placed Katie (with tricycle) in Prowl Car No. 131 and started backtracking from the spot where she was found. Sure enough, Katie knew exactly where she lived-and was delivered safely to a worried mother.

Burglars Break Into Residence On Santa Maria

Clothing and household furnishings of undetermined value were stolen from the home of Col. W. M. Modisette, 4107 Avenue Santa Maria, police reported. The burglary was discovered by W. M. Modisette, Jr., when he paid a visit to the residence of his vacationing parents and found the door open. Safety Director William Kimbrough said the thieves removed a dining room storm shutter from the unoccupied home and chiseled out a pane of window glass to make their entry. Except for the fact that some 15 or 20 women's dresses and bed linens and spreads appeared to be missing, the son could make no appraisal of the loot taken. While awaiting the return of the senior Modisettes for a listing and evaluation of stolen articles, detectives were attempting to trace fingerprints found at the scene of the burglary.

BIKE STOLEN

James O'Rourke of 2536 S. W. 17th St. reported to police that his bicycle was stolen Saturday from the spot near the Coral Theater where he'd parked it.

SAE Alumni, Chapter Members To Raise Voices In 'Tilt of Tenors'

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumni who recall when quartets were as common to barbershops as shaving mugs, will raise voices in a song duel with a foursome chosen from the fraternity's active chapter. The occasion will be the first Fall dance to be sponsored by the "old grads" at the Coral Gables Country Club Sept. 12. Members of Alpha Chapter, S.A.E., at the University of Miami will be co-hosts with the alumni. Competing quartets will sing the two S.A.E. favorites, "Violets" and "Friends" in turn. The audience will be called upon to serve as judges. The dance will be the initial event on a full program planned for 1947-48 by Alumni Program Committee Chairman John L. Bryan. Assisting Bryan will be Phil Bradley, Warren Zinsmaster, Paul Brinson, Walker Fields, Lee Worley, Van Hough, Knox Eldredge, and Rush Chairman W. D. Weigle, serving as liason man between the Alumni group and the active chapter.

Gables Benefactor Aids Veteran

A family of five recently evicted from Veterans' Village found a helping hand in Coral Gables. C. C. Fredericks this week walked into the Greyhound Terminal here and paid out $70 for bus tickets to take the stranded family back home. They'll be on their way to Houston, Tex., as soon as through transportation can be arranged. In the meantime the couple and their three youngsters are guests at the home of their benefactor.

Shoppers! Stores Closed Monday

Weekend shoppers, take heed. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce advised today that most food stores, as well as other shops in the business section, will close their doors Monday. In recommending the Labor Day closing to merchant members, the Chamber pointed out that the day is one of five holidays during the year generally observed by business houses throughout Greater Miami.

Reckless Drivers Draw Fines

Reckless drivers gave Municipal Judge C. S. Robertson a busy evening in court this week. A. Adams, 41, of 5920 S. W. 8th St., was fined $115 and costs on charges of reckless driving and causing an accident. Ruth Jones Fernandez, 31, of 3038 S. W. 8th St. paid $20 and costs after conviction of reckless driving. Hilliard W. Willis, 42, of 2506 Ponce de Leon Blvd., failed to appear on charges of reckless driving by passing a red light and speeding. He forfeited a $25 bond. Bernard V. Barry, 30, of 411 Avenue Santander, forfeited a $15 bond when he failed to answer charges of intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Pilot Buys Here

From Birmingham, Ala., Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Granere have recently bought the home at 3828 S. W. 58th Avenue. Mr. Granere is a pilot for Skyway International. Their sons are Jimmy 5 and Greg 2.

Merchants End Mid-Week Closing

Summertime is over for local merchants, regardless of what the temperature reads. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce announced today that members affiliated with the organization this week ended their summer schedule of Wednesday half holidays. Stores will be open for business all day this coming Wednesday, and from now on throughout the Fall and Winter season.

Gables Friends Mourn Death Of Mrs. Livesay

Coral Gables friends were stunned this week by the unexpected death of Mrs. Everett J. Livesay, longtime resident here, whose golfing achievements brought honors to the entire Miami area. Mrs. Livesay died in the Coral Gables Hospital Tuesday of a liver ailment, just 11 days after she had entered the hospital for a rest and physical checkup. She was in her 40th year. Friends from the golfing world and members of the building fraternity who had come to know her through her association with the Livesay Window Company, paid tribute to Mrs. Livesay as her body lay in state Wednesday at the Philbrick Funeral Home. Funeral and interment services will be solemnized Sunday at Blue Rapids, Kans., her native city. Shelves lined with trophies, medals and ribbons, won in competition with the nation's top women golfers, attested to Mrs. Livesay's (Please turn to page two)

Band Uniforms To Be Issued

Ponce de Leon Band uniforms will be issued from 10:30 a. m. to 12 noon Friday, Sept. 5th at the school, according to Paul Cremaschi, band leader. Announcement is also being made that the first advanced class for band practice will be held at 9:30 a. m. today (Friday) at the school.

Magazine Brings Philharmonic National Acclaim

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Greater Miami, which Tuesday presented its 14th informal concert in the Country Club patio, won recognition today from the "International Musician", national publication of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Describing the Gables orchestra, conducted by Oliver Washburn, as one "lucky enough to be able to hold out of door concerts all year round (barring rain)" the magazine praised the ambitious program offered by Philharmonic musicians. "Presented in the palm-lined patio of the Country Club of Coral Gables, these concerts have included many symphonies and other major works," the article stated. The musicians' publication praised the group in fostering recognition of local talent. "Each month an orchestral composition by a local composer is included on the program and thus been brought to light," the story said. Original work presented this week was the symphonic "Dance Vivace" by Judy Strubhar. Featured on the program was coloratura soprano Lextrice Faye Drazin, who sang three solos.

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E. P. Coe Speaks On Everglades Park

It required five Federal acts and 13 pieces of State legislation to secure the creation of Everglades National Park, Ernest P. Coe told members of the Coral Gables Breakfast Club yesterday. Coe related to the breakfasters the chain of events leading to the new Federal park as the guest of Walter Van Nort, chairman for August of the club. The Rev. Dr. Frank Harlow was chosen club chairman for September.

From North Carolina

Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Willoughby formerly of High Point, N. C., are Gables residents, leasing the apartment at 642 Avenue Valencia. Mr. Willoughby is a fier with T.A.N.

Student To Take Exam Here In Morning, Speak In New York City Before Dinner

Examination jitters will be complicated by journey fever for George Nicholas, young Legionnaire who's scheduled to take law school finals at the University of Miami tomorrow morning-and speak to the American Legion convention in New York before dinner. "It'll be a narrow squeak-harder to negotiate than a legal loophole!" commented Nicholas, commander of the University's Damon Runyon post, one of the few Legion units in the country active on a college campus. Waiting outside the classroom with traveling bags at noon tomorrow will be his pretty wife, Joan, a former Wave who serves as post adjutant. Together they'll sprint to a taxi for a dash to the airport and the big National Airlines DC-6 that will speed them northward in less than four hours. "I think I know my stuff, but I'll sure have to write it fast to make that plane," commented the prospective barrister. One thing gave him satisfaction: he won't have time to be nervous about addressing the hundreds of convened Legion delegates on proposals for future legislation to increase subsistence allowances for veterans attending the nation's colleges. On the return trip the distaff side of the family will take over worries about time schedules. "Joan has to be back to her job here bright and early Monday morning," explained the proud ex-Coast Guardsman. Th weekend hop will be a homecoming for the Nicholases, native New Yorkers, who were recently chosen "ideal veteran couples" by the Ibis, official University publication. It was shortly after their marriage there six years ago that George was inducted into the Navy. "One week later Joan decided to make the war a family affair and she signed up with the Waves," he related. George emerged a seaman, second class, while Joan ended her tour of duty as Yeoman, third class. Asked who "ranked" the other at home, Nicholas scowled, then suggested judiciously: "Let's not have any foolish questions, huh?"

HE WON'T TALK

On the subject of his rumored candidacy for the office of Sheriff of Dade County, Safety Director Bill Kimbrough this week was maintaining strict silence. "Since that story got around I've heard reports that I'm running for governor, the legislature, Congress and everything else in the book," reported the smiling police department executive. "No," he added, "I'll stick to my original statement." The original statement was: "No comment."

Gables Boy Injured in Scooter Crash

John W. Southerland, 15, of 918 Greenway Drive suffered painful injuries this week when the motor scooter on which he was riding was in collision with an automobile. He was rushed to Pratt General Hospital with a broken knee, fractures arm and lacerations of the chest. Charles Kusmick, 27, told investigating police officers that he was driving along De Soto Boulevard when the scooter rounded the corner from Avenue Catalonia on the wrong side of the road. Sgt. Harry Bel. quoted Kusmick as saying that the boy was apparently startled when he saw the oncoming car and swerved to the right, directly in the path of the automobile. His testimony was corroborated by James Lee, City of Coral Gables employee, who witnessed the accident. No charges were lodged.

It's Possible

Two Miami workmen who were taken into custody while plastering a building in Coral Gables failed to appear in Court this week and each forfeited $10 bond. The charge? Being plastered.