Coral Gables Historical Archive
Coral Gables Riviera-Times
Friday, October 10, 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.
CORAL GABLES Riviera DAILY
DAILY NOVEMBER 3rd CORAL GABLES Riviera DAILY VOL. 21 — No. 39 TWO SECTIONS CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1947 12 PAGES TEN CENTS
Commission Backs Board of Architects as Two Groups Begin Probe of Charges
The object of investigations by two organizations and subject of a tirade of accusations hurled by a local architect, the Coral Gables Board of Architects, this week, was voted the full confidence of the city commission. Members of the board, headed by H. George Fink, appeared before the commission on Tuesday to report that the work of the board had been made increasingly difficult by attacks on policy and the integrity of its members. Letter Produced He produced a letter which had been read by Walter De Garmo, local architect, before the Miami chapter of the American Institute of Architecture in which DeGarmo charged that the local board was operating as a "closed circle" and passing only the work of those in favor with the board. He accused the board of "totaltarian" measures and charged that they were guilty of "criminal" practice. As a result of the letter, Fink reported, the A.I.A. has appointed a committee to investigate the board, while a similar committee has been appointed by the Coral Gables Board of Realtors. Little Outlines Plans Robert Little, who heads the A.I.A. committee told the Riviera-Times yesterday that he had no intention of adopting the role of a "prosecutor" but that there had been a lot of pro and con discussion about the board's activities and that it was his idea to help the board if possible and secure a better understanding between its members and the practicing architects in the area. "The A.I.A. wants very much to promote good design," Little said "and has no intention of breaking down standards." Little indicated that his investigation would begin on November 1, when he returns from a vacation. Paul A. Mickler, president of the Board of Realtors, stated yesterday that his investigation was prompted by complaints made to local realtors by architects that the board of supervising architects was holding back building by being too strict and not allowing new types of design. Committee Named Mickler said that his committee includes Donald Peck, C. Dana Woodman, Louis Edwards and Mickler. "We are merely seeking the true facts," Mickler said, "and the reaching of an understanding that will be for the benefit of all of us." City commissioners on Tuesday went on record as being unanimously in back of the work of the board in a motion that stated, "The Commission feels that the board of supervising architects is necessary to safeguard the beauty of the community, and they the utmost confidence and satisfaction in the function and the administration of the present board members." Abolition Said Motive Fink, in addressing the commission, charged that forces are at work that seek to abolish the board, no matter who is serving on it, and throw the city wide open to all types of construction, regardless of design. "If this ever happens, we might as well forget Coral Gables as it is, because it will then be just another town," he said. Fink further stated that the board can refute all of the charges made in DeGarmo's letter including (Please Turn to Page Two)
Arrest of Bookie Brings City Demand For Bar Supervision
Mayes Calls Enforcement Lax Here Transfer Request On Beer License Is Turned Down Strict police supervision of all beer and wine bars in Coral Gables was ordered this week by the city commission following disclosure, Tuesday, that county officers had made an arrest for book making in a local establishment. The discussion of house booking in the Gables followed the presentation of application for transfers of three beer and wine licenses, two of which were allowed and one denied. Transfer Requested The book making arrest came to light following an application for transfer of license of the Nook Bar, which has recently been purchased by Harry Vernon. City Clerk E. B. Poorman reported that the license of the former owners, Willard Hallett and Charles Fausz, Jr., had been suspended when county sheriffs arrested Fausz on the book making charge. The report brought the comment from Commissioner Thomas C. Mayes that "enforcement must be pretty lax here if it takes county officers to catch the bookies". City Commissioner Frank N. Holley, Jr., added that it had been brought to his attention that several bookies were operating in the Gables with some taking bets on the streets. Arrests Said Difficult City Manager William T. McIlwain told the commissioners that since most of the gamblers operated by telephones from private places that it was difficult to apprehend them. The commission approved the license transfer because of the new ownership, pending an FBI fingerprint check. An application for transfer of the license held by the Casa Le-Jeune to a George Shapiro was denied following an unfavorable police check. Transfer of the beer and wine license of the Huddle Bar from Mildred Schubert to Eugene M. Rothman was approved pending a fingerprint check. The commission also approved transfer of the package store license for Chet's Package Store from Chet Davis to Sidney Zwicker, pending a similar check.
Bus Drivers Ask City For Increase in Pay
RAISE OF TEN CENTS PER HOUR SOUGHT BY MUNICIPAL WORKERS The Coral Gables city commission, Tuesday, took under advisement a request for a pay raise made by bus drivers on the municipal transportation system. The drivers, who have also requested a conference between a driver-committee and the commission have asked an increase from $1.10 an hour to $1.20. They point out that the increase will bring them up to the union scale now being received by bus drivers in Miami. They are not, however, asking time and a half for overtime but have indicated that they will be satisfied with straight time for any excess work.
Plan Lease Of Coliseum For Sports
William Peeples To Ask Approval Of Zoning Board Reconversion of the Coral Gables Coliseum from a flying school to a sports center, under a lease agreement between Embry-Riddle, owners, and William H. Peeples, Miami sports promoter, will be proposed at the next meeting of the zoning board, the Riviera-Times learned today. Mayor W. Keith Phillips stated this week that it was his understanding that under the agreement, the building would be available to the University of Miami for basketball games and boxing matches as well as professional exhibitions. Joseph Ryan Byerly, representing the Coral Gables Legion Post, has filed a request to appear before the board as sponsors of the proposed professional boxing matches this winter. While details of the pending lease have not been made public, it is indicated that a five-year agreement is being discussed.
Denis Renuart NewPresident Of Kiwanians
Frank Hoover, Harvey Fritsch Also Elected Denis V. Renuart was elected president of the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club at balloting which took place at the civic club's luncheon on Tuesday at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Frank Hoover was named second vice president and the Rev. Harvey John Fritsch, second vice president. Take Office in January The new officers, along with directors named last week, will take office in January. Renuart, who served the club this year as its first vice president, will succeed O. B. Sutton. He is well known in local civic affairs and is president of the Renuart Lumber Company. Hoover is operator of the Vistas Beauty Shop and Fritsch is pastor of the Country Club Christian Church. Mayes Is Speaker City Commissioner Thomas C. Mayes addressed the club during the luncheon on the subject of the Dade-Miami merger. Mayes, who has given considerable study to the subject, outlined the objections to the proposed consolidation. His talk has been presented at meetings of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Clubs of Coral Gables, Miami Beach and the Redlands. Miss Kathryn Carter, representing the Coral Gables Business and Professional Women's Club, talked briefly on "Safety through Courtesy," a project of the local business women. DENIS RENUART
Building Hits $394,900 During Week
Fourteen Permits Are Issued By Campbell Fourteen building permits totaling $394,900 were issued this week by Building Inspector Gilbert B. Campbell, according to his report today. Heading the list were two 24-unit apartments, valued at $135,000 each, to be erected by W. L. Cone Apartments, Inc., at 1505 and 1521 Avenue San Ignacio. M. M. Ungaro was the architect. A permit for a four-unit apartment, costing $33,000, was issued to Don Reed for construction at 906 Salzedo Street. William Tshumy was the architect and R. K. Cooper the builder. Permits Issued Other permits issued included; I. Beck and M. G. Lewin, $2,500 addition at 129 Avenue Aragon; H. George Fink, architect; Sam Church, builder. Mary L. Ricbel, $15,000 residence at 315 Avenue Aledo; H. George Fink, architect; Sam Church, builder. A. B. Carter, $20,000 residence at 4420 Avenue Palmarito; Gerard Pitt, architect, John Justad, builder. Two Invest - - - Spector and Sons, two $11,000 residences at 317 and 327 Avenue Fluvia; Thomas F. Riley, designer. Sol Goldman, two $10,000 residences at 1310 Lisbon Street and 1413 Avenue Ortega; Edward Rempe, architect; J. E. Shaw, builder. George Dixon, $1,400 addition at 1415 Alhambra Circle; Carlos (Please Turn to Page Two)
Ponce Band Day Is Set For Friday
Street Parade Planned by High School Ponce de Leon High School's student band will take the spotlight next Friday in an all-day celebration of "Ponce Band Day" officially proclaimed by Mayor W. Keith Phillips. Band Day will be highlighted by a full dress parade of the Ponce Band through the Gables business district, followed by a student pep meeting on Ponce de Leon Boulevard near Bird Road. The purpose of Band Day, sponsored by the Ponce Band Patrons, is to call attention to the activities of the band and gain community support for the organization. "We want the band to become a civic asset and take part in community projects, including city band concerts," Walter Van Norst, president of the Band Patrons, said today. The exact time of the parade will be announced later.
Gas Vote Date Said Too Early
December Ninth Election Okayed On First Reading The December 9 date, tentatively set Tuesday by the city commission for the referendum on the gas franchise, was labled as virtually an impossibility to meet, today, by City Clerk E. B. Poorman. Poorman said that while he had not completed a detailed analysis of his election plans, that he did not believe that the machinery for the election could be put in motion by that time. The fact that the next Coral Gables election will require two precincts, based on the total vote in the last city balloting, will probably call for a new registration with a card system being used. The present books could be utilized only if both precincts could be located in the city hall. If passed the gas ordinance will permit James Henderson and Charles Starr to install a piped gas system in the city at a cost in excess of $1,000,000. The election ordinance was placed on first reading Tuesday with the knowledge that the law might have to be scrapped before final passage because of lack of time.
General Bradley Ponders Decision On Biltmore
An early decision on Coral Gables' proposal to lease the Biltmore golf course and part of the country club was predicted today by Mayor W. Keith Phillips, following receipt of a letter from Gen. Omar K. Bradley, head of the Veteran's Administration. General Bradley advised the mayor that he had taken the matter under advisement and would let the city have his decision in the near future. The matter was referred to the general for final decision after other VA officials had been unable to accede to the city's plan of leasing part of the club house as well as the course itself.
New Hotel Planned by Dr. Pankey
Plans for the erection of a 25-room de luxe hotel in the 100 block of Alhambra Circle were revealed this week by Dr. L. D. Pankey in an appearance before the board. Dr. Pankey, who asked and received permission for a setback change, stated that the proposed hotel will be completely air conditioned. It will be modeled after the Surfside Hotel in Palm Beach, which impressed the local dentist with its efficiency and lay-out when he stopped there several months ago. It will be located next door to Dr. Pankey's present dental clinic. The two-story structure will have a small, attractive lobby and every room will have a bath. Rooms will be sound-proofed.
Off-Night
Thieves Miss Cash Get Check Stubs Burglars who broke into the Sparks Construction Company Office at 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard on Monday night must have chalked off the experience as an "off night". According to police the intruders broke a window pane and forced a screen to gain entry to the building and then escaped with a worthless book of check stubs. They missed $200 in a cash box that had been left there overnight. Harry Van Riper reported the burglary.
Four Officers Hired to Direct Traffic at 'U'
The addition of four policemen to control traffic in the vicinity of the University of Miami's main campus, was announced today by Safety Director William G. Kimbrough. While the new officers will be regular members of the force, they will be paid at the regular city rate of pay by the University, Kimbrough stated. The will have no right to hearing by the trial board, but will have pension fund benefits, with the school paying the four percent usually paid by the city. The new officers will begin their duties on October 15.
Block Party Is Planned By Local VFW
Plans for a block party and Spanish fiesta to be held on Avenue Valencia between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street on December 13 were announced today by the Ray Renuart Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The block, on which is located the site for the new post home, will be gaily decorated with booths, creating a Latin American market atmosphere. Booths are being designed by local architects and will be submitted soon. "We hope that this can be the beginning of an annual event that could eventually be broadened into a community project such as a fiesta week," Col. Wallace Hackett, post commander, commented.
Cavaliers Meet South Broward At Hollywood
Ponce de Leon's Cavaliers will seek to extend their undefeated record to three games tonight when they tackle South Broward at Hollywood in a game originally scheduled for the Orange Bowl Wednesday but switched because of poor turf conditions at the stadium. Athletic Director Jack Gramley, in announcing the change in plans also revealed that the Cavalier's scheduled opener three weeks ago with West Palm Beach, cancelled because of the hurricane, may be played in the Orange Bowl either on December 5 or 6. Those were the alternative dates offered the Gables school by City of Miami Recreation Director Jesse Yarborough and Gramley hopes to settle upon either date with West Palm Beach officials today. Four starting line-up changes were announced by Cavalier Coach (Please Turn to Page Two)
Gables Growth Is Traced by Al Gillette
The tremendous growth of Coral Gables since 20 years ago when he was secretary of the local Chamber of Commerce was stressed yesterday by Al Gillette, who addressed Chamber members at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Gillette, who returned to the area recently as an employe of the Miami Chamber of Commerce, described the Gables in 1927 and 1928 and then compared the present city to the community then. He stressed particularly the development of the Chamber of Commerce, the Riviera-Times, University of Miami and the Miracle Mile. He also stressed the great advances that have been made in the entire are.
Motorists Lead Court Parade In Gables
Erring motorists led the parade of ten persons who appeared this week in municipal court before Judge C. S. Robertson. Mrs. Helen Britton, 515 Avenue Anastasia, was fined $15 for reckless driving and causing an accident. Charlie M. Rhodes of South Miami paid $55 on charges of drunken driving and causing an accident. Being drunk and disorderly, using profane language and kicking arresting officers netted an $80 fine for Margaree H. Leamington, 2760 SW 27th Street. Alfred H. Wallach, 410 Avenue Sarto, was fined $30 for reckless driving and causing an accident. Thomas V. Burch, 1449 NW 7th Court paid $40 for reckless driving and causing an accident. Otis Mapp, negro, 3611 Oak Avenue, was fined $55 for reckless driving, speeding, causing an accident and having no drivers license. Speeding through a school zone cost Harry Lee Good of South Miami $25 and costs. Isaac Roberts, negro, 3994 Grand Avenue was sentenced to 36 days in jail on a petty larceny charge. Charlie Jackson, negro, 3610 Frow Avenue, was fined $10 for not having an identification card.
Gables Optimists To Attend Ceremony At West Palm Beach
Coral Gables will be well represented in West Palm Beach on Saturday night when a new Optimist Club will be installed at ceremonies at the George Washington Hotel. President James H. Brinson will lead the local delegation of 30 Optimists while several acts from the Gables Youth Center Follies will be presented during the festivities.
Merry-Go-Round Approved for Carnival
Authorization for the installation of a merry-go-round at the Elementary School P.-T.A. carnival on November 1 was given Tuesday by the city commission.
Materials Stolen From Residence
Theft of materials and fixtures worth $389 from a residence under construction at 430 Avenue Loretta was reported to police this week by R. Kunde of the Kunde Construction Co. The articles were stolen on Sunday night.
Jack Silcott Named To Post at Pratt
Appointment of Jack Silcott as chief of public services and public relations at Pratt Veterans Hospital, was announced today. Silcott takes over his duties immediately.
Moore Named Speaker For Rotary Meeting
Jim Moore, managing editor of The Riviera-Times, will address members of the Coral Gables Rotary Club at their meeting at 12:15 today at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Moore's subject, "The Community Newspaper" will show the relationship of a newspaper to its town and how they both work together for the advancement of the community.
Business District Signs Are Designed
City Manager William T. McIlwain reported today that designs for signs, directing visitors to the business district, have been completed and await final approval before actual construction begins. The signs, recommended by the Chamber of Commerce, were designed by Denman and H. George Fink.
Auto Owners Face Arrest As Stickers Deadline Nears
Approximately 50 per cent of Coral Gables automobile owners will face arrest next Wednesday unless they secure inspection stickers by that time, Lieut. Floyd P. Brasher, head of the traffic division of the police department, announced today. Brasher reported that out of an anticipated 7,000 cars to be inspected only 3,527 have been given the seal of approval to date. As a special concession to car owners who are unable to have their vehicles inspected on weekdays, the inspection station will remain open tomorrow afternoon until 5 p.m., Brasher stated. Cars already in line at 5 o'clock will be inspected.
Gables Bus Drivers Are Commended by School Principal
Coral Gables bus drivers received a letter of commendation this week from E. E. McCarty, principal of the Merrick Demonstration School. McCarty, in a letter to Chester Smith, superintendent of transportation, stated that the local drivers were outstanding in their attention to the school children and in the care they take to see that they reach their destination safely.
American Legion Post Will Meet Wednesday
Members of Post 98, American Legion will meet at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Legion Home, Alhambra Circle and Salzedo Street, according to announcement made today by the post adjutant.
Watch Is Stolen From Hotel Guest
Rita Cashin, a guest at the Solana Hotel, reported to police this week that a wrist watch, valued at $100, had been stolen from her room.
DONALD PECK NAMED PRESIDENT Realtors Will Combine Fun and Frolic With Plans for Installation of Officers
Members of the Coral Gables Board of Realtors will combine fun and frolic with the business of installing new officers at an outing on Saturday, October 18, in Crandon Park on Biscayne key. Heading the list of new officers to be installed by Thomas DuPree, national vice-president for this district, will be Donald F. Peck, president, whose election was announced this week. Other Officers Named Other officers named include C. Dana Woodman, Vice-president and Helen Rice Hilson, secretary-treasurer. The board of directors includes the officers and George B. Caster, Leslie H. Coombes, Dennis A. Cray, Marvin L. Duncan and Paul A. Mickler, retiring president. This will be Peck's second term as president of the local board, having held office in 1939-40. Ball Game Planned Feature of the frolic part of the outing will be a baseball game between the brokers and the salesmen. Field events, a coconut throw and three-legged race are also planned. Peck entered the real estate business in Coral Gables in 1936. In 1940 he became sales manager for Hollopeter and Post in Miami until he joined the armed forces in World War II. In 1943 he associated himself with the Embry-Riddle organization and again entered the real estate business in the Gables in 1945.