The Coral Gables Times

Thursday, December 14, 1961, page 15 (of 32)

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An 84-Hour Week

Thursday, December 14, 1961 THE CORAL GABLES TIMES

Mailman's Christmas: He Barks At Wife But Brings Joy to Door

By RAYMOND LANG Times Reporter What does Christmas mean to your Coral Gables mailman? It means hard work. He's one of about 65 carriers. He'll work 84 hours a week, without a day off, for about two weeks. Our carriers will deliver some 80,000 pieces of mail each day. "It means that you get up at 3:30 in the morning, eat, dress and shave and get here by 4:30 a.m. And then you work 12 hours a day, seven days a week. "And when you get home, you're worn out and frazzled," said Kenneth Knable, superintendent of the Coral Gables Branch of the Post Office. "You eat your supper and go to bed. Then your alarm clock rings and it's another day. And it's no real pleasure at all." Knable said it's the mailman's job to work about 84 hours during Christmas season. He usually works five days a week, but he'll now have to work seven to deliver all the cards and packages Gableites will mail. By working seven days a week, less substitute carriers (12) will be hired This means the more experienced regular carrier can do the job better and faster. A Gables mailman is paid anywhere from $4,345 to $5,305 a year. He gets time-and-a-half for overtime. "It's rough on the family," said Knable, a postal employee for more than 36 years and a husband for 30 years. "You don't get to see them (your family) and if you do you bark at them. You lose all contact. "Now the wife, she's got to be a very understanding woman. And she has to assume all the responsibility for the children at Christmas." But Knable said that a mailman has a very special reward. It helps to ease hours of long work and time away from the family. "I think he gets a personal satisfaction. People know the mailman's coming and they're expecting something. And the kids run out to meet him. "Somebody's waiting for him. I think he gets a big boost out of that." LEANING ON his mom's package and looking wistful is three-year-old Robert Sanford. His mother is Mrs. Carroll Sanford of the Northwest area. (Times photos by Ramond Lang) PUFFING a cigar while his package is weighed is Walter B. Timberlake, 3110 Segovia St.

Caroling at City Hall Will Continue Nightly

You may listen to Christmas carols every evening in front of Coral Gables City Hall. Continuing through Dec. 23, choirs from one of the churches of the city, or from Coral Gables High School; or from the University of Miami, will sing music appropriate for the season. The scedule is as follows: Dec. 14 8:30 p.m. Coral Gables First Methodist. Dec. 15 8:00 p.m. First Christian Church. Dec. 16 4:00 p.m. St. James Lutheran (Jr. Choir). Dec. 16 7:30 p.m. Coral Gables High School Chorus. Dec. 18 4:30 p.m. University of Miami Concert Choir. Dec. 18 7:30 p.m. University Baptist Church. Dec. 19 7:00 p.m. Coral Gables Baptist (Junior and Adult Choirs). Dec. 20 7:00 p.m. Coral Gables Congregational Church. Dec. 21 9:00 p.m. St. James Lutheran (Chancel Choir). Dec. 22 8:00 p.m. Wesley Methodist Church. Dec. 23 7:30 p.m. Granada Presbyterian.

Less Deaths, Accidents

The traffic accident picture continued to show improvement with only one month left to go in 1961. Only two persons have been killed in 1,448 accidents, compared to four killed in 1,537 accidents for the same 11-month period last year. Only in injuries — 551 to 514 — was the record less favorable than last year. November showed an increase over 1960. There were 160 accidents reported with no fatalities and 75 injuries compared to 140 accidents, one death and 58 injured for the same month last year.

Learn Fencing With Tony Greco

Another class for beginners in fencing will start Jan. 2 from 8-10 p.m. in the gym of the Coral Gables Youth Center. The class will be conducted by Anthony Greco, fencing master and the fee for this class is $10 for 8 weeks. For further information and reservations call HI 8-2567.

NYLON CARPETING

SAVE $4.00 per square yard Wedgefield by Wunda Weve $7.95 square yard 11.95 Value 10 Decorator Colors 12 & 15 ft. Width No Down Payment 36 months to pay First Payment February 1962 Coral Gables Rug & Tile, Inc. 1730 Ponce de Leon Blvd. HI 6-1550 HI 4-2394