Coral Gables Riviera-Times

DAILY November 3rd / The Coral Gables Riviera Times / DAILY November 3rd

VOL. 21 — No. 38 | TWO SECTIONS | CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1947 | 12 PAGES | TEN CENTS

THEFT SUSPECT NABBED IN CALIFORNIA / Breeding Payroll Case Believed To Be Solved

Arrest in Los Angeles, Cal. of a Breeding Drug Store employee who allegedly stole a $500 payroll last March was reported today by the detective bureau of the Coral Gables police department. Nabbed by Los Angeles police on a forgery charge, Harry Pacheco, alias Pat Serine, was recognized through a circular which had been sent to all police departments by the Coral Gables police. The payroll theft occurred on March 26, when police charged that Pacheco took the money and fled in a rented car from Sam's U-Drive-It Service. The automobile, a 1946 Dodge sedan, was recovered on May 1 in a public garage in West Palm Beach. Pacheco will be tried on the forgery charge in California and if convicted will be arrested on a bench warrant as soon as he has served his sentence on the west coast, and returned to the Gables to be tried for grand larceny. If acquitted in California, he will be arrested immediately and brought back here.

Truck Used In Looting Gables Home / Deep Freeze, And Icebox Are Stolen

Burglars, whom police say used a truck to haul away their loot, escaped this week with an electric icebox, washing machine, deep freeze and refrigerator from an unoccupied, new house at 1533 Avenue Castile. Paul Reese, builder of the residence, told police that the burglary probably took place Tuesday night or early Saturday morning. Value of the stolen articles was estimated at $875. The house was to have been occupied next week. Judging from tire marks and footprints, detectives expressed the opinion that several men and a truck were involved in the crime.

Gables Group Is Host To Watchmakers

The Coral Gables Watchmakers Guild will entertain the second annual Florida State Watchmakers Convention, scheduled for October 5th, 6th and 7th. Registration will begin Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the Columbus Hotel. On Monday at 9:30, invocation will be held by Rev. Donald Douds of Miami Shores Community Church. The singing of "America" will be led by P. A. Vega, a member of the local Guild. The Convention will be called to order by Hoyt W. Chase of St. Petersburg, president of the Florida State Watchmakers Association. Response is by Kenneth P. Ringer, president of the Coral Gables Watchmakers Guild. At 11:00 a.m., there will be an address by David P. Geeding, superintendent of the Gruen Watch Company. A luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m. where delegates will be addressed by Lester Moon of Tallahassee, president of the Florida Retail Jewelers Association.

Dean R. A. Rasco of the University of Miami's law school signs the official charter for the University's Damon Runyon post of the American Legion. Looking on are James Eckhart, first vice commander and George Nicholas, commander. The post is composed of World War II veteran students at the local institution. —photo for the Riviera-Times by Fleming.

Coral Gables To Observe Fire Prevention Week / SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL CONDUCT INSPECTION OF OWN HOMES

Next week Coral Gables, along with every village, town and city in the country will observe Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11. Since the fire destruction in the United States threatens to break all records this year, President Truman in his proclamation has urged all citizens to eliminate all possible causes of fire hazards in their homes and places of business. In Coral Gables, Lt. E. S. Scobee, head of the Fire Prevention Bureau has formulated the plans for distributing posters next week, and drilling the school children in the city against the fire menace. Home inspection blanks will be distributed to students again this year. The students will conduct home inspection tours in their homes to secure them against fire. "Fire Prevention Week this year will emphasize the protection of children against fires since they are the most frequent victims," Scobee stated. "More children lose their lives through fire than are killed by polio. Thirty-three per cent of the deaths fatal to children in the home are caused by burns and scalds. "Since the fire rate in Coral Gables increased this fiscal year," announced the fire prevention chief, "the city must take more precautions against the menace." He said that while Fire Prevention Week is observed throughout the nation only one week a year the Coral Gables Fire Department tries to make every week prevention week, and this must be observed by the residents to cut down the fire rate.

George Scott Returns To Local Post Office

An old employee of the Coral Gables branch post office has returned to his post of duty with the transfer of George H. Scott from the Coconut Grove branch to the local office with the title of assistant superintendent. Scott served as an officer in the Navy during the war and was returned to inactive duty on April 16, 1946 and assigned to the Grove branch.

Visitor Loses $100 and Wallet At Local Pool

Leaving a wallet in an empty stall while he showered at Venetian Pool cost a visitor from Harrisburg $100 and his identification cards this week. Tracy Higgard, who gave a temporary address of 1400 NW Third Street, told police that he had gotten his wallet from the check room and had laid it in the empty stall for only a few moments while showering. When he looked for it, it had disappeared. A pool employee reported that he heard two small boys leaving the locker room, saying "Come on, let's get out of here". He could give no description of the youths.

Local School Given Good Health Rating

The Coral Gables Elementary School was pronounced "the best in the county" as far as health standards are concerned following an inspection this week by the Dade County Health Unit. Mrs. Bertha Webb, principal, reported that the inspector stated that he found the cafeteria and rest rooms in a "perfect state of cleanliness" and gave the water the high grade of 180.

Valuable Camera Stolen From Car

A Leica camera and light meter, valued at $300, was reported stolen from his automobile this week by Dr. T. S. Gowin, 5528 Avenue San Amaro. Dr. Gowin said that the theft took place during the week-end.

'U' to Occupy First Housing Units On Main Campus by December 1st

Occupancy of the first of 27 apartment buildings now under construction on the Main campus of the University is anticipated by December 1, and three additional dwelling units will be completed every fifteen days until the project is completed early in the spring of next year. That was the announcement made today by Robert N. Shubert, secretary of the University of Miami Housing Corp., organized to plan and supervise the construction of the $5,000,000 project that will afford housing for 2,000 students. Slight hurricane damage and other adverse weather conditions have not noticeably delayed the schedule of the Gust K. Newburg Construction Co., which began the project late in June. One million dollars worth of construction in addition to the main 280 unit classroom building which has been in use since the start of the Spring semester will afford educational facilities for an estimated 7,500 normal enrollment at the Coral Gables institution. Temporary Structures Five temporary structures, awarded the U of M as part of the Army's plan of demobilizing war-time bases, have been reconstructed on the Main campus by the Alger-Pell-Grover Co., of Alabama. The administration of the University was quick to take advantage of the opportunity to set up administration and laboratory buildings on campus when Congress this year appropriated $70,000,000 to provide temporary buildings for colleges and universities under supervision of the Federal Works Agency. These latest additions to the rapidly growing Main campus include an administration building which was occupied two weeks ago; a 500-seat cafeteria; a science laboratory for freshman chemistry; physics and biology classrooms and labs; and housing for advanced botany and horticulture studies.

Building Hits $826,147 In September / Unit Housing Will Accommodate Sixty Families

A total of 128 building permits, including housing units for 60 families, brought the Coral Gables construction total for September to $826,147, according to a report issued today by Building Inspector Gilbert E. Campbell. The month's permits swelled the total for the year to $9,273,742. Permits issued included 18 residences, four duplexes, two apartment (34-units), five store buildings (18 units) 11 additions, 18 alterations, a dance studio, medical center, storage shed, carpet golf course, and 61 miscellaneous. Campbell also reported that increased supplies of cement were reaching builders in the area which should spur October construction. Permits Listed Permits issued during the week included: Joyce Corporation, $125,000 22-unit apartment at 27-41 Avenue Santillane; Charles P. Nieder, architect. Dade County Schools, $5,000 kitchen addition at 238 Grand Avenue; August Geiger, architect; M. and R. Construction Co., builders. T. R. Crump, $2,700 addition to residence at 541 Avenue Alcazar; Vernon D. Lamp, architect; F. M. Pohn, builder. Margaret Beaton, $16,000 residence at 1906 Ferdinand Street; Edward T. Rempe, architect; Samuel Church, builder. John E. Cotton, $5,500 addition at 320 Ponce de Leon Boulevard; Leroy K. Albert, architect. G. Alexander, $3,900 addition at 1410 Galiano Street; R. T. Pancoast, architect; Hidgman-Merser Construction Co., builders.

Girl Injured When Auto Strikes Tree

A passenger was injured and the driver arrested on reckless driving charges as the result of an automobile crashing into a tree at Red Road near Avenue Obispo at 2:35 a.m. on Wednesday. According to Thomas Virgil Burch, 1449 N.W. 7th Court, he was driving south on Red Road when a car ran out in front of him from Obispo, causing him to lose control of the car and hit a large Australian pine tree. Miss Frances Geraldine Huff, his companion in the car, was treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital for lacerations of the face and jaw. Police quoted Burch as saying that Miss Hough was lying in his lap at the time and that he was driving with one hand. Officers J. B. Steiner and E. F. Pongracz arrested him on the reckless driving charge.

Six Directors Are Elected By Kiwanians

Election of six new directors of the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club was announced Wednesday by O. B. Patton, president, following balloting at the luncheon meeting on Tuesday. The directors, who will take office in January, include Denis V. Renuart, Harry Shay, Jack Harding, Rev. Harryn John Fritsch, James Henderson and Ed Roberts. Members will vote on a president and other officers at next Tuesday's meeting.

Local YMCA Will Induct New Members

Induction of new members into the Coral Gables Y.M.C.A. will be held at their next meeting, October 9, at 7:30 p.m. Members will meet at the Coral Gables "Y", 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. This fall the Coral Gables Association will emphasize the relationship between the churches and the Y.M.C.A. They are planning to cooperate with the churches in the city in planning youth programs. Plan Day Camp At the first fall meeting of the committee of management, plans were formulated for another day camp in 1948. A report of the summer day camp which took place in July was given. Two thousand campers attended the outings this year during the four week period.

Better Service Promised By Post Office / VFW Complaint Answered by Hugh Emerson

A promise of improved Postal service for the Coral Gables branch post office and resumption of Wednesday afternoon delivery was made this week by Postmaster Hugh Emerson. Emerson's announcement followed close on the heels of a protest against poor postal service, filed by the Ray Renuart Post of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. More Employees Emerson also stated that additional employees are to be assigned to the Gables branch to improve service here. The VFW charged that the service rendered by the local branch office, was not consistent with the population and importance of the community. Recommendations The post office, and the full postal service be rendered on Wednesday and that the policy of constantly changing delivery men be stopped. It was also recommended that a carrier should be given more than one route per delivery, that mail personnel be provided during rush hours at windows and that later collections be made from all street mail boxes. In a statement to the Riviera-Times, Wallace E. Hackett, post commander, also condemned the practice of sending mail, picked up in the late afternoon, to the Miami office for sorting, and then returning Gables mail to this city for delivery. A poll on postal service is now being conducted among post members and Hackett stated that if the situation warrants, the questionnaires will later be distributed generally in the Gables.

Demand For Gables Folders Exceeds Supply

Requests for 1,850 copies of the new Coral Gables folder were received this week by the Chamber of Commerce from 24 leading travel bureaus. The Chamber issued more than 5,000 copies of the folder in packages of 10 to all leading agencies during September. The packages were accompanied by return post cards which could be used by the travel agencies to request additional copies. "We did not dream that one week would make such a demand," said Mary T. Moore, executive secretary. "For example, the Chicago Tribune Public Service Office asked for 200 additional folders." Inasmuch as the total winter's supply is 25,000, all requests of more than 50 copies of the folder will be reduced to 50 and the package will be accompanied by an explanatory letter, Mrs. Moore said. "We expect to use the bulk of the folders in answering individual letters of inquiry as a result of our national advertising campaign," the secretary said.

Drivers Fined After Wrecks

Colliding with the car of Walter L. Dettlmann, 78 NW 42 Avenue, cost Clyde R. Painter, 3220 SW 24th Terrace $25 and costs in city court this week when he was found guilty of reckless driving and causing an accident. The wreck occurred at Lisbon Street and the Tamiami Trail on September 27. Erwin H. Berry, 233 SW 20th Avenue, was fined $50 for reckless driving, failing to stop at a stop sign and failing to keep his vehicle under control. Gordon Thompson, 230 Coral Way, forfeited a $40 bond on a charge of reckless driving by speeding.

Room Surplus Low As Students Seek Housing; Chamber Asks Listings / Home Owners Are Asked To Cooperate / Lower Rates Stressed As Necessity

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce issued its annual plea for room listings this week following a week of demand for rooms on the part of GI University students. More than 100 students per day have visited the local Chamber office at 210 Aragon Avenue, it was reported. The supply of reasonably priced rooms is nearly exhausted. Price Is $15 "Our most reasonably priced rooms have been $15 per week for two persons," said Mrs. Bernadine M. Saunders, in charge of housing. "Many students cannot pay more than that price." The demand for rooms for tourists has not started as yet, it was reported, but the Chamber made it clear that the office will need this type of listing very shortly. Coral Gables' national advertising program will start in December and many rooms in private homes will be needed to augment the approximately 250 hotel rooms. No charge is made by the organization to either the lessor or lessee for the service.

'Wildcat' Squad Faces Hurricanes This Evening / Philadelphia Report Indicates Tough Battle Ahead / BY DON CUDDY, Riviera-Times Sports Editor

PHILADELPHIA — Coach Jordan Oliver has a Villanova Wildcat squad that can throw its weight around, could afford to sub-lease some of their surplus speed and passing talent, and plays heads-up football. According to Miami backfield coach Eddie Dunn, who scouted the Main Liners against Army last week they are two touchdowns better than the Baylor Bears on the basis of line play alone. 'General' Impressed With 'Club'—Dunn Last year the Wildcats threw a pony backfield against Jack Harding's delegation, and the Hurricanes came out on the short end of a 21-2 victory. Tonight the Quaker City (Continued on Page 2, Column 3) [Note: adjacent column continuation follows] Coral Gables Radio Station WBAY will carry a play-by-play account of tonight's game, announced directly from Shibe Park, Philadelphia by Merle Roberts. The broadcast will be carried on the Orange State network which also includes WFTL in Ft. Lauderdale and WKWF in Key West. ball-carriers will have heft and possess four excellent passing T-formation quarterbacks to boot. According to the betting clan, they will beat the clumsy, ineffectual Miami Sandlotters by at least 14 points. That is an opinion purloined from the Miami papers and much discussed here. This Will Be Decisive Evening The 42 members of the University of Miami Hurricanes traveling-squad who checked in at the Adelphia hotel here in Philadelphia last night will have a chance to redeem themselves with a lot of loyal rooters back in Florida under the arc-lights of Shibe park this evening. How much of a chance there is of repeating 1946's upset depends on whether or not Coach Jack Harding and his staff have been able to bring the cavalry back to the peak form they showed two weeks before their first battle. Forget Baylor Mishap Inevitably we've got to get back to the shellacking we took in the opener against Baylor last Friday night. What (Please turn to Page Two)

Gables Jaycees Will Sponsor Horse Show

Plans for sponsoring a horse show at the Coral Gables Riding Academy on January 24-25 were announced today by the Coral Gables Junior Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the event will be used for the Youth Center, Library and Boy Scouts. Victor Fenicle will serve as announcer while John Gazlay will be in charge of contestants. An afternoon and evening performance will be given each day.

Will Hear George Smathers

Congressman George Smathers will address members of the Coral Gables Rotary Club at noon today at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Smathers will give local Rotarians a review of the recent session of Congress and a prediction of coming legislation in the next session.

Big Smile Is Theme Of Optimist Club Week

If a member of the Coral Gables Optimist Club grins at you on the street next week, grin right back at him. He's smiling because it's Optimist International Week and the theme is "a great big smile." Because much of the work of the Optimist Club is with youth, the local group had decided to observe the week by sponsoring two formal dances at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. Again smiles will be the theme. Youngsters to Dance Youngsters from the first five grades will dance Friday, with the sixth, seventh, eighth graders and high school students dancing on Saturday. On both nights, two large loving cups will be awarded to the boy and girl judged to have the best smile. The Optimists, in cooperation with local merchants, will also award prizes for the most outstanding dancers in different types of dances. The dancing will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Election Planned Elections of the junior officers of the board of directors will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only members with paid up membership cards will be allowed to vote, Miss Betty Ward, director of the Youth Center, announced.

Hit and Run Driver Fined In City Court

The misconception that she had hit a tree instead of two parked automobiles cost Mrs. Margaret Babbitt, 1109 Avenue Andalusia, $25 and costs in municipal court this week. Mrs. Babbitt was charged with reckless driving, causing an accident and leaving the scene of an accident as a result of a mishap on September 27 on North Greenway. Apprehended through a witness who jotted down her license number, Mrs. Babbitt told police that she had left the Country Club of Coral Gables and was driving east on North Greenway Drive when she struck an object that she thought was a tree, so did not stop to investigate. Court testimony revealed that she had crashed into two automobiles belonging to Helen Pennock, 2312 Ponce de Leon Boulevard and W. L. Wallace, 524 Wood Street, Coconut Grove.

Intelligence Unit Is Activated Here

Activation of a new unit of the Organized Reserve Corps of the U.S. Army in Coral Gables was announced today by Capt. George B. Jump of the Miami military sub-district. The new unit has been designated 322nd Headquarters Intelligence Detachment and will be commanded by Col. Paul L. E. Helliwell of this city. Another Gableite, Capt. Louis F. Garrard will command the 248th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment in Miami.

Whizzing Machine Gun Bullets Add Spice To Gableite's 'Quiet Vacation' in Cuba / By BETTY ROOT

Flying to Cuba for a restful four day vacation provided more excitement for Mrs. Coulton Skinner, 444 Avenue Malaga, than many people find in a lifetime. Mrs. Skinner, who was a resident of Cuba for eight years, went to the neighboring Latin-American country for a quiet visit with a friend of hers, Olga Bergnes. Mrs. Bergnes lives in Ampliacion de Almendares, a suburb of Havana. Battle Started The day of her arrival two of Cuba's warring police factions started a machine gun battle in the street in back of her hostess's home. The machine gun bullets started whizzing over the Coral Gables resident's head, as the people in the street began to scream and run in every direction. "Someone cried, 'Down on the floor,'" declared Mrs. Skinner, "and we fell to the floor in a hurry. Before the machine guns quieted down, five policemen had been killed." The army was finally called out to stop the revolt. Brought Memories Her trip to Cuba, continued the young Coral Gables matron, reminded her of old times when she lived in the Latin country. She lived there in the early '30's at the time of the revolution, when machine guns raged over the entire little republic. "After all the excitement of the police revolt, the hurricane came along," she said. "I could not get a plane out of Cuba and had no way to get home until after the hurricane was over." "You can't imagine what an exciting four days I had," she said laughingly. "I had enough excitement to last for years." Both Mr. and Mrs. Skinner left Tuesday for a vacation in Hot Springs, Ark., and are looking forward to another "quiet" vacation.