Coral Gables Historical Archive
Coral Gables Riviera-Times
Friday, September 12, 1947, page 1 (of 12)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
Riviera-Times To Begin Daily Paper On Nov. 3; Wide Coverage Arranged
The Coral Gables Riviera-Times will begin daily publication with the issue of November 3rd, publishing afternoons except Saturday and Sunday. This venture into the daily field by the newspaper which has served Coral Gables since its founding in 1926 is in step with the phenomenal growth of our city as a home community and as an independent municipality. The daily issues of the Riviera-Times will continue the paper's emphasis on news of a strictly local nature, while the full news report of the United Press Associations will insure coverage of world-wide news events. In contemplating publication of a daily publication the Riviera-Times has been assembling an enlarged staff which will make it possible to maintain and expand this local policy. Coverage of the residential communities surrounding our city will be assured through a network of correspondents. The extensive program of residential construction and the continuing expansion of the city's business district; the expectation of large population growth within the next five years, and the increasing importance of the Gables' as a shopping hub for a large area are factors which, we believe, call for a daily newspaper. The daily issues of the Riviera-Times will be home-delivered by neighborhood carrier boys and conversion to the carrier-boy system has already been started. ALBERT E. HARUM, Editor and Publisher.
ENROLLMENT AT NEW PEAK AS SCHOOLS REGISTER 3,625 Elementary Shows Largest Increase; Sliding Scale Classes Adopted
Enrollment in Coral Gables schools hit an all-time high Monday when 3,625 pupils were registered for the fall semester, a total putting 220 more students in attendance than were reported during the peak of the last winter season. The student body at Ponce de Leon High school numbers 1,150 pupils, which is 70 more than were enrolled during the heavy tourist season last year. More at Merrick The addition of a seventh grade at the Merrick Demonstration school makes room for 30 more pupils, boosting the maximum enrollment to 280. St. Theresa's Parochial school reports that the maximum enrollment of 720 has been filled there. Largest Increase Coral Gables Elementary school, showing the largest increase in numbers, has 1,345 registered. This number is 120 over the largest group attending last winter, reports Mrs. Bertha Webb, principal. The overcrowded situation at the Elementary school was eased Wednesday when the Dade County School Board approved the "platoon" or sliding schedule system. Under the new system seventh graders will report to classes at 8 a. m. and be released at 2:20 (Please turn to Page Two)
Minor Wreck, Mar Safety Record Here
Several minor automobile accidents this week marred the safety record of Coral Gables, police report. Samuel D. Fife of S. W. 34th Street and 65th Avenue did not know that he was driving on a dead end street until he had driven into a yard on 1032 Avenue Marina, destroying a hedge, a table, and some potted plants. There was no sign at the entrance to the street saying that it was dead end. Swinging wide to avoid a car that was parked on University Court, H. F. Shelly, Jr., of 107 N. 4th Court, South Miami, struck a palm tree on the northwest corner of the old University of Miami building. Mr. Shelly was attempting to make a left turn onto University Court from Segovia Street. The grill, right front fender, and undercarriage of the automobile were damaged. When Marvin S. Rubin, 1444 S. W. 5th Street, attempted to make a left turn onto Avenue Tangier from the Tamiami Trail, his car collided with the automobile of Terry W. Walrath. While making a right turn off Avenue Giraldo onto Avenue Galiano, the car driven by Eilene Vecchio, 655 N. W. 26th Street, collided with a car parked on Avenue Galiano owned by E. L. Money, 2800 Calzada Street, Gables. A Home Milk truck driven by James Otto Reaney, 9299 N. W. (Please turn to Page Two)
Record Seen In Enrollment At University Student Body To Top 8,000, Registrar Predicts
A record-breaking fall enrollment of between eight and nine thousand students at the University of Miami was predicted today by Registrar K. Malcolm Beal. The students, the largest number in the University's history, will be distributed on the three campuses of the institution, Beal stated. The law school also is prepared to take care of a peak number of students. Between 450 and 500 students are expected to enroll in the law school for the October session. 7,000 on Main Campus The main campus now has facilities to handle 7,000 students during the daytime, while Richmond, the South campus, can take care of 1,000 enrollees. With the adult division, graduate students, special students and those attending law school, the University enrollment will reach at least 8,000 students, Beal said. Staff Enlarged To take care of this large number, many new professors have joined the teaching staff of the college. These professors will aid in taking care of a total of certain classes which were too large last year, according to the registrar. Besides the now completed buildings which were used this year, (Please turn to Page Two)
Kiwanis Club Hears Dr. Daniel
The importance of Christian principles in the founding and the building of the United States was stressed Tuesday by Dr. J. H. Daniel, pastor of the Coral Gables Methodist Church, in a talk before the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club. Dr. Daniel used historical examples to point out that this country could have never attained the place among other countries that it holds today had its leaders not sought Divine guidance. He said that the churches are the greatest forces for character building in existence today and urged all community leaders to attend the church of their choice regularly and to support it.
IT'S CALLED 'DEAD RUN' Helen Holley's Second 'Whodunit' Novel Slated for Publication October First By BETTY ROOT
"Dead Run", Helen Holley's latest "Whodunit" comes off the press Oct. 1 with Miss Tessie and Maloney, her old friend, again pitching in to clear things up, the local writer revealed today. Like "Blood on the Beach", this latest book by the charming Coral Gables authoress has a Dade county setting and local color. The mystery begins south of South Miami at the time of a hurricane. Miss Tessie is drawn into the mystery and succeeds in baffling everyone, until Maloney finally carries through. Originally Called 'Voodoo Hoodoo' "Voodoo Hoodoo" was the original name of Mrs. Holley's latest book but since her publishers thought it sounded like a Voodoo book, she changed the title. "There is a little voodoo in it, however," the author said with a wise smile. Although declining to talk too much about "Dead Run", Mrs. Holley did say that she thought it would be much more popular than her first book. Her publishers wanted to publish "Dead Run" before "Blood on the Beach", her novel that won them over, but they finally agreed to the publishing of the new mystery as the second book. There is an entire new group of characters in this book that will prove interesting to the readers of the first book. "I will say that the book is entirely different from my first book," she explained. A large autograph party is being planned (Please turn to Page Two)
YOUTH CENTER DRIVE HEADS ARE NAMED Mrs. Oelkers, Ed Rogers To Pilot Campaign
Mrs. Richard Oelkers and Ed Rogers were named this week to head the men's and women's divisions of the forthcoming drive for Read "Pointing the Way" on today's editorial page. Coral Gables Youth Center operational funds. Harry W. Morgenthaler, Jr., will again head the drive which has been set for November 15. "With the cessation of Community Chest financial aid for the center it will be necessary to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 to maintain its operations," Thomas C. Mayes, acting president, told the Riviera-Times today. Work Starts Meanwhile construction work on the $26,000 addition to the war memorial recreation center, the donation of the Hodgman-Merritt Company and is expected to be completed before the Dec. 7th anniversary of the cornerstone laying. Mrs. Oelkers and Rogers will recruit their corps of workers at the directors' meeting early in October, at which time President Morgenthaler is expected to be back in town.
Rose Will Remember This Taxicab Ride
Miss Rose Horn, who returned recently from New York, brings back the memory of a taxicab ride she will remember for a long time. It was a rainy day and the large group of people standing in front of the hotel were finding taxis scarcer than the proverbial hen's teeth. But the doorman did manage to scrape up one cab for a distinguished looking gentleman who emerged from the hotel. As he was about to enter, he turned to Miss Horn and her companion and asked, "May I drop you ladies off somewhere?" As they thankfully settled themselves in the cab beside their benefactor he stated, "By the way, my name is Jim Farley."
Realty Sales Top Million In August Year's Transactions Over $8,000,000, Report Indicates
Despite reports that real estate is slowing down, Coral Gables again reached over the million dollar mark for the month of August, total sales being $1,022,660. This brings the sales for the year up to $8,740,204, according to an announcement from the Coral Gables Board of Realtors. Of the total sales for August, 37 residences were sold at the sum of $595,920; six apartment buildings for $201,740, one duplex for $22,500, and 154 vacant lots for $203,000. The August figure is slightly below the total sales for the month of July, total sales for that month amounting to $1,199,455.
Support for Christmas Plan Is Requested
Solicitation of Coral Gables businesses places for financial support of the Christmas decoration program was started this week according to an announcement made yesterday at the luncheon-meeting of the Chamber of Commerce at Ely Cafeteria. Block captains in each business block will be named to contact other organizations in his section to underwrite the $2,500 decoration program recommended by the Chamber's Christmas committee. $10 Suggested Members attending the meeting yesterday suggested a minimum contribution of $10, with larger organizations paying in proportion. The program, under which the major thoroughfares will be gaily lighted with thousands of lights and small Christmas trees, is the biggest ever undertaken by the Chamber of Commerce for Christmas decoration. City Cooperates The city is cooperating by supplying a 40-foot lighted tree on city hall lawn, and in supplying labor and trucks to install the light wires and bulbs. A letter to all business places will be sent by the Christmas committee next week, urging whole-hearted support of the project, designed to make Coral Gables known as "The Christmas City" throughout this area.
Heavy Docket Faces Judge In City Court
Gambling, illegal possession of gambling equipment, and disorderly conduct were the basis for the majority of the fines levied in court by Municipal Judge C. S. Robertson this week. Dan W. Brogdon, 57, of 520 Avenue Navarre, was sentenced to 60 days in jail on conviction of disorderly conduct by molesting minors. Antonion Gill, 33, negro, of 204 Grand Avenue; William Holton, 37, negro, of 3373 Charles Avenue, and Eddie Walker, 24, negro, were convicted of gambling and each had to forfeit $25 bond. Henry Arthur Green, 37, of 121 S. W. 35th Avenue, was fined $100 and costs on charges of illegal possession of gambling equipment in his grocery store on South Dixie Highway. No Card Willie Woodside, 33, negro, of 3138 Charles Street, was fined $10 on charges of not carrying an identification card. Roosevelt Albert, negro, 229D Grant Drive, paid $15 and costs (Please turn to Page Two)
Five Bicycles Reported Stolen
The theft of five bicycles during the last eight days was reported this week by Coral Gables police. Reporting bicycles stolen were: Elliot Telford, 3277 S. W. 23rd Terrace; Mrs. A. A. Hansen, 2895 S. W. 21st Street; Bob Sasery, 1414 Avenue Tangier; George J. Spurr, 2827 S. W. 25th Terrace, and Thomas Carr, 25 S. W. 39th Court. The Carr bicycle has been recovered.
Riviera Zoning Gains Approval
A graduated zoning for the newly developed Riviera Waterways section of Coral Gables, allowing construction of houses of 1,400, 1,727 and 2,000 square feet, with the larger houses on the outer perimeter of the tract, was enacted on Monday at a special meeting of the city commission and zoning board. The commission also requested that the Chamber of Commerce review committee forward its recommendations for rezoning of the entire area south of Bird Road by October 7. Action on the zoning of Campo Santo, northern boundary of the University main campus, was deferred pending further developments on the proposed "Doctor's Hospital" to be built facing the street.
Sigma Chi Starts Rushing Activities
Sigma Chi fraternity inaugurated Fall rushing activities this week with a swim-and-eat party for 40 University of Miami students. After a dip in the Venetian Pool, rushees and their hosts returned to the home of Jack Bennett, 2601 De Soto Boulevard for refreshments. Committee for the party included Bennett, John Arnold, Bill Stevens and Ed Injaychock.
CORAL GABLES GRANADA ENTRANCE
—Riviera-Times Photo by Binner UM-M-M BEAUTIFUL! We're referring, of course, to the new coral colored entrance sign that has been installed at the Granada Entrance. Of course, Norma Foster and Bobby Jean Smith from the Coral Gables Youth Center do not detract from the marker. This is the first of the signs to be installed under the Chamber of Commerce sign program. It was made at the city equipment yard.
Construction in Gables Tops Half Million Mark During Ten Day Period New Homes, Apartments Lead Parade 7 Residences Proposed by One Builder
With housing units predominating, Coral Gables' September building program was off towards another record this week with over a half million dollar's worth of proposed new construction reported by Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell. Leading the parade were plans for a $125,000 apartment building submitted by Samuel Spector and Sons to be constructed at the intersection of East Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Galiano Street and Avenue Santillano. The building will contain 23 units. Spector has also announced plans for the construction of 30 residences in the Coconut Grove section of Coral Gables on Avenues Velarde, Candia, Fluvia and Viscaya, between LeJeune Road and Salzedo Street. The homes will contain a minimum of 1400 square feet and will include two and three-bedroom units. Permits for these home have not been applied for, but applications are expected in a few days. In addition to the apartment homes, permits totaling $403,400 were issued during the 10-day period by Campbell's office. $100,000 Apartment Proposed Permit for a 12-unit apartment costing $100,000 was issued to the Sea Breeze Corporation at 40-44 Avenue Madeira. It was designed by Gerard Pitt and will be constructed by Fleeman Builders. Other permits issued included: Dr. R. Spencer Howell, $1,400 addition at 1015 Avenue Sevilla; (Please turn to Page Two)
Audience Big One Assured For Follies
Two Coral Gables civic organizations took the lead this week in insuring a large and enthusiastic audience for the Youth Center Follies which opens on September 19 for a two-night performance at the Elementary School. A block of 150 tickets was purchased by the Kiwanis Club for its membership while the Lions Club followed suite, purchasing 100 tickets. Similar action is expected when the Rotary Club meets at noon today. While no admission has been set for the tickets, both groups followed the Center's suggestion of a dollar donation per ticket. Many members of the organizations indicated that they intended paying an additional dollar when they present their tickets at the auditorium. Over 40 children from the Center will take part in the follies, providing an evening's entertainment of singing, dancing, music and comedy. Tickets may be obtained from the Youth Center or at the door on the night of the performance. Proceeds go to the Center's operating fund.
City Commission Okays $14,000 Ad Program WILL USE NATIONAL MAGAZINES TO PROMOTE HOME CONSTRUCTION
Coral Gables city commissioners, Wednesday night, gave approval to a Chamber of Commerce plan for a $14,000 advertising campaign, $10,000 of which will spent in a nationwide program to sell the community as a place to buy or build a home and live permanently. Of the total amount, $5,000 will be allocated by the city with the balance being made up from Chamber of Commerce coffers. Magazines Named The national campaign includes publication of appropriate advertising copy in such magazines as National Geographic, Holiday, New Yorker, Town and Country, Time, Fortune and the Army and Navy Journal. Use of the Christian Science Monitor, Wall Street Journal and the Chicago Journal of Commerce has also been recommended. After conferences with the Chamber of Commerce's three member advertising agencies, Grant Advertising Company has been recommended to handle the account. Dey to Direct John Dey, a Gables resident and director of the agency's Miami office, will devote his personal attention to the account. The agency has estimated that a total number of printed impressions of 9,958,156 will be derived from the campaign, reaching an estimated 28,720,539 persons at a (Please turn to Page Two)
Gables Boxers Awarded Buckles At Banquet
Two Coral Gables Youth Center champions in boxing were crowned at a banquet at the Columbus Hotel Wednesday evening when the South Florida Amateur Athletic Union held their annual dinner and crowned tournament champions. They were Bill Parker, 13 years old and Don Allen, 15. Both were presented with gold belt buckles which they won in the finals held at Civic Arena. More than 78 boys competed in the bouts with seven youth organizations represented. Ed Beckman, athletic director of the Youth Center was elected vice-president of the association with Carl Dillon of the News as president and Ted Wayne of the Coral Gables Jaycees, secretary. Other Youth Center boys who won one round of the fights and were also present at the dinner were Ward O'Connel, Sammy Lee and John Wynn.
Blind Bogey Golf Tourney Is Slated
Plans for a blind bogey golf tournament for men and women at the Country Club of Coral Gables on Wednesday, September 17 were announced today by "Umps" Clark, Granada Golf Course professional. In addition to the regular prizes for the tournament winners, a special prize has been announced for the drive that lands closest to the pin on the No. 7 hole. Country Club members wishing to enter the tournament have been asked to contact Clark immediately. First participants will tee off at 2 p. m. The tourney will be conducted under the supervision of the club's golf committee, including Mrs. A. C. Randolph, Jr., W. T. Gorman, Frank Spencer, Lawrence "Bud" Lalley, Lyle Roberts, J. J. Dysart, Gorham Clifton, Franklin Parson, and J. C. Curry.
Exams Slated For Builders
Examinations for general and sub-contractors, journeymen and master electricians and journeymen and master plumbers were announced today by the City of Coral Gables. Contractors and sub-contractors, including roofers, plasterers, painters and allied trades will meet at 7 p. m. on September 26 at city hall. Forms may be secured from Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell, who serves as secretary of the examining board. The plumbers' examination will be given on Monday, September 22 at City Hall under the direction of J. H. Dunn, plumbing inspector. Electrical Inspector Mark Allbury has announced that examinations for electricians will be given on Saturday, September 27 at 9 a.m. in Room 101, City Hall.
Dog Ordinance Again Postponed
Action on a proposed rabies-control ordinance was deferred again Monday at a special meeting of the city commission, as city commissioners turned recently enacted Miami and Miami Beach laws over to City Attorney Edward L. Semple for study and recommendation. Semple said after the meeting that an analysis of existing dog-control laws was also being made for perusal by the commission. Police said yesterday that only one report on dogs was received during the week and that was by a resident who reported sighting what he termed "a sick dog" near his residence. Poorman pointed out that should the commission enact a law requiring licenses and inoculations that it would be some time before the license tags could be secured.
Valuables Stolen During Grid Work-out
A Bulova wrist watch, valued at $60 and $30 cash were stolen from the athletic lockers of four University of Miami football players Saturday morning while the squad was out on the practice field.
Elks Will Attend Meeting at DeLand
A delegation from the Coral Gables Elks Club will leave Saturday for DeLand to attend the Exalted Rulers' and Secretaries' meeting of the order. They will return Sunday evening after visiting the Elks' Harry-Anna Crippled Children's Home in Bartow. Making the trip will be Exalted Ruler and Mrs. Andrew T. Healy, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Nugent, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Frtukoff, Walter J. Wigman, Joseph LaPoint and Joseph LaPoint, Jr., Benny LaPoint, Charles Gobat, Dennis Conway and Frank Habershaw.
Bicycles Wrecked When Car Is Hit
The front wheels of two bicycles are now a wreck as the result of an unusual accident which occurred this week at the intersection of LeJeune Road and Bird Road. Wilbert and Grady Winkfield, negroes, of 4915 LeJeune Court, failed to stop for a red light while cycling north on LeJeune Road and ran into the side of the automobile driven by Nelson T. Russell, 7273 S. W. 21st Street. Russell was driving slowly east on Bird Road at the time of the collision. No one was injured, but the right rear wheel of the auto ran over the front wheels of both the bicycles.
NAMED TO RR BOARD Local Officials Gratified With Appointment of Mack
Official City Hall circles expressed gratification today that appointment of Richard Mack to the Florida State Railroad Commission would bring a "sympathetic ear" to Coral Gables problems placed before the Board. Incumbent on the Tuesday, Gov. Millard F. Caldwell named the 38-year-old Gables business executive to the $7,500-a-year post left vacant by the death of W. B. Douglass. First Gableite The appointment marks the first time in history that a local man has been tapped for a seat on the powerful state body. Mack also becomes the first Dade County appointee in 20 years. Although Coral Gables to all intents and purposes is a non-railroad town, the Commission wields autocratic authority in determin-ing inter-city bus, transportation and trucking policies here. The board also holds regulatory powers over telephone and telegraph companies in Greater Miami and throughout the state. City Commissioners were jubilant that future city petitions placed before the railroad board would find in the new member an adjudicant familiar with transportation and communications problems peculiar to Coral Gables. Mack, who has lived with his wife and daughter at 222 Phoenetia, will move to Tallahassee within the next few days to assume his new office. A native Miamian, the former office manager for the Port Everglades Rock Company received his degree in business administration from the University of Florida. He is a veteran of service in the army, which he entered as a second lieutenant in February, 1942. An interim appointee, Mack will have to run for election to a full four-year term in the 1948 primaries to be held in May.