[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING POLLY'S FREEZE

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. TODD C. YOUNG

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, my home state of Indiana takes 
great pride in creating an atmosphere conducive to small business 
innovation and entrepreneurship. When locally owned businesses are 
given the opportunity to succeed, families, workers, and the 
surrounding community all benefit. Once such example is Polly's Freeze, 
a popular ice cream shop just outside of Georgetown, Indiana. Polly's 
Freeze is a classic tale of American entrepreneurship. Elmer and Polly 
Gleitz purchased an abandoned filling station with the intention of 
restoring the facility and reopening it. After some consideration and a 
clever suggestion from Polly, the Gleitz family abandoned those plans 
and decided to turn the property into an ice cream shop and food stand. 
Sixty-two years later, Polly's Freeze stands as a model for excellent 
service and delicious ice cream that attracts large crowds all season 
long.
  After opening in 1952, Elmer and Polly ran the business for several 
years until they passed it on to their children George, Donna, and 
Delores. Donna and her husband Paul continued the tradition until their 
retirement in 2009. Subsequently, Polly's was left to Penny Bodner, an 
employee of thirty-two years and friend of the family. The business is 
now under the direction of Cara and Mike Rothrock, also longtime 
employees, who are dedicated to sustaining Polly's reputation for 
quality products and service in a family-friendly environment.
  From all across southern Indiana, residents can identify the iconic 
neon Polly-the-Parrot sign resting just to the side of Highway 62. It 
serves as a guide to Hoosiers who are looking for some good food or a 
cool treat on a hot summer's evening. Polly's has long been the 
gathering spot for youth sports teams who stop by after games to 
celebrate with Polly's famous upside-down banana split or their 
legendary orange sherbet. Polly's also provides patrons with a variety 
of food items such as the Pollyburger and their ground beef barbecue--a 
secret recipe known by only a few employees. Kids and adults alike are 
attracted to Polly's for its comfortable 1950's-like atmosphere, 
creating the perfect place to reconnect with old friends or even make 
new ones.
  Polly's Freeze has become a landmark in Southern Indiana, 
exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit that has built this great 
nation. For over six decades, Polly's has provided generations of loyal 
patrons with lasting memories, as well as great food and cool treats. I 
would like to congratulate Polly's Freeze for their dedication to both 
their customers and the community--and I wish them continued success 
for many years to come.

                          ____________________