Left to right: Anne Hespe, Mayor Jim O'Rourke, John Finston, Alice Short, Irene and Dick Mooney. According to the Beach News, Mayor O'Rourke was elected by the community in 1942, 1944, and 1948. "Gracie Mansion," at 8 Florence Avenue, was his headquarters. The mayor's principal function was raising funds for worthy causes, which he did by throwing a party and holding an open house.  James O'Rourke was born on March 20, 1888 and moved to the Beach in 1923. (Courtesy Mike Karnbach)