Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Thursday, December 22, 1960, page 3 (of 23)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
Christmas In Florida
The visitor sadly shook his head As he baked in the tropical sun; "Call this Christmas?" to me he said, "Well, not where I come from!" "Christmas needs snow and ice and cold, And the sounds of the sleighbells' ring; And as for me, I can't be sold On this weather that feels like Spring." We looked at him and then we smiled As he scoffed at our "plight"; And we felt pity and were not riled 'Cause he was so far from right. "You poor misguided friend," we said, "Your lament just doesn't ring true. You've been mislead by things you've read, From a myth you've taken your cue. "For no snow fell on Bethlehem On the night the Star first shown, There was no blizzard nor howling gale That swept with a shriek and a moan. "The breeze was soft, and what is more, The night the Christ Child came, Hibiscus bloomed near the stable door, As Mary murmured His name. "Bougainvillea of violet hue Arched in a graceful bower; Poinsettias wet with midnight dew, Enhanced that sacred hour. "The Heavenly Host in the starry sky, Proclaimed the birth of the King; And rustling palms echoed the cry, As the whole Earth seemed to sing. "So we find here, in our sun-drenched land Untouched by the ice and snow, That the spirit of Christmas is near at hand And we feel God willed it so." —Jim Moore Copyright (At the request of many of the readers of THE TIMES we are reprinting the above poem which originally appeared in this newspaper. The author, Jim Moore, a former managing editor of THE TIMES, composed it when he was a member of the staff. Since its original publication, this copyright poem has been reprinted many times and widely distributed without remuneration to the author but with his generous permission)
Merchants Give Views On Sunday Openings
Are Sunday store openings a violation of the Sabbath or are they a convenience to the shopper who is hard pressed to keep up with his job and the shopping demands of the season? The Times took the problem to four area spokesman for widely different views on the topic. Here are their opinions: In a release to THE TIMES, the Perrine Ministerial Association wrote, "It is an indication of the growing materialism of our land as well as an infringement upon family time and church activities. A resolution condemning Sunday openings has been passed unanimously by the Association." Al Friedman, president of the Retail Merchants Division of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, said that his members are opposed to Sunday business for religious, economic and humanitarian reasons. "To violate the one day in the week reserved for rest and contemplation is unthinkable," he said. Center Spokesman In reference to the Perrine association's statement, Strauss Gantz, the Cutler Ridge Shopping Center's publicity director, said, "The Association told our representatives at a meeting that it understood our viewpoint and we, on the other hand, said that we were happy the group was registering its complaint." The Center has been open Sundays during the Christmas buying rush. Further, Gantz said that the Center has excellent relations with clubs and churches. "Three hundred Baptists held a dinner in the Center's auditorium without cost Friday, and Baptists certainly are opposed to the openings," he said. Regarding volume of business, Gantz said that thousands of shoppers bought at the Center between noon and 6 p.m. on Dec. 4, the second Sunday the Center was open. "Dollar volume was as great as a busy Saturday, indicating the need for Sunday shopping," said Gantz. However, Gantz said that the Center would be the first in line for any crusade to end Sunday shopping. As long as other stores are open Sunday, though, it behooves tenants to remain open, he declared. As for workers, Gantz said that the regular staffs worked only one of the four open Sundays and that part-time help was used to replace them. An opposite side of the picture, however, is presented by the spokesman for a nationwide chain. J. C. Penny Co. maintains a national policy of closing on Sunday. Penny Policy Manager of the Central Plaza Store, James Wunderlich, explained the long-standing practice. "We have always believed that one day a week should be left open for people to do exactly as they please. In the Flamingo Plaza our store is the only one closed on Sunday." Wunderlich continued, "we don't lose any business, because our public expects us to be closed on Sunday. Customers of a retail dry goods business have enough oportunity to shop on the six days we're open."
Who Needs Snow? Christmas Flourishes In Our Warm Weather
By ERIC ALLEN How do you get into the Christmas spirit in South Florida's climate? Walk up to a stranger on Miracle Mile and ask that question. Some reactions are surprising. "Just think of Santa Claus," quipped one man, who said his name is Joe Smith. "I've never had a Christmas in the North and don't know what it's like," said Mrs. A. T. Beckwith, 6131 Twin Lakes Dr., South Miami, "but, I think Christmas here is just wonderful." Be Happy "The Christmas spirit here is just like anywhere else, if you are happy," decided Mrs. Paul Williams, 5711 SW 11th St., West Miami. "Go out shopping," suggested Mrs. Swiderski of SW 8 St. and 123 Ave., "just listen to all the carols and see the hustle and bustle." "Coral Gables merchants make the atmosphere," said David Dolinger, 340 Candia Ave. "They help create the spirit with the store decorations and music." "I always wish I was back North for the holiday, but the longer I'm here, the easier it is to have a Christmas without snow," said Mrs. Foster L. May, 7667 SW 52nd Ave. "I think the Christmas spirit is wherever you are," said Mrs. E. L. Davis, 9715 SW 73rd Ct. "You have the same spirit here as anywhere else . . . it's where you find it." Original Meaning Mrs. F. H. Cramer, 753 Minorca Ave., said she tries to think of the original meaning of Christmas. "I try to substitute things here for things that are normally considered for Christmas . . . such as palm trees for fir trees." One man said, "I'm always happy and try to make other people happy too. If a man has a clean heart and conscience he has the Christmas spirit. It's something we should have all year around." Another merchant had a more practical view. "If my business picks up, I have the Christmas spirit."
Boy Scout Troop Is Host To Orphans
Boy Scout Troop 336 of St. Thomas Episcopal Church was host to 32 orphans from the Kendall Home Saturday. The Scouts took the boys to dinner and to the Serpentarium. They also gave each boy money for Christmas shopping. The 36 members of the troop sold 1426 dozen doughnuts to finance the project.
To Serve On Board
Edward T. Rempe Jr. has been appointed by the Coral Gables City Commission to serve on the Board of Architects from Jan. 1, 1961 through June 30, 1961.
There's Magic in a Parade
It's in the eyes of the children who invite you to share their Junior Orange Bowl Parade, on December 29, 1960 at 2:30 P.M. We congratulate the fine people who have made this magic possible. Southern Bell ...Growing with the Future