[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF GEORGE'S SHOESHINE IN PEORIA, 
                                ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize George Manias of 
Peoria, Illinois on the 70th anniversary of his Peoria business, 
George's Shoeshine and Hatters World Headquarters, a fixture in the 
Peoria community since George began his shoeshine business 70 years 
ago.
  As a small child, George moved from America to Crete, a Greek isle, 
before World War II. George, his family, and their community worked 
tirelessly to fight off Nazi invasions, often having to shoot Nazi 
paratroopers before they could land on the island. Despite their 
gallant efforts, however, the Nazis did eventually invade the island. 
George's father, a U.S. citizen, was imprisoned numerous times 
throughout Nazi occupation during World War II. During this difficult 
time, young George went four years without a pair of shoes.
  In 1946, as a teenager, George returned to Peoria, Illinois, where he 
would become an integral member of our community. He started his 
shoeshine business with one seat, charging 25 cents a shine. A model of 
the American entrepreneur, George steadily grew his business, making it 
the national landmark it is today.
  During his 70 years of business in Peoria, countless public figures 
have walked through George's doors in hopes of meeting this industrious 
man and having the opportunity to place a signed photo in his place of 
business. Over the past 70 years, George has met various public 
figures, including four U.S. Presidents, numerous U.S. Vice Presidents, 
Governors, U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, White House Chiefs of 
Staff; Mayors, world champion athletes, CEOs, and local leaders.
  George's Shoeshine business is known throughout Central Illinois for 
the personal service, craftsmanship, and incredible attention to detail 
he puts into every shoe he shines. I am honored to share the same 
hometown as George, where a humble man can achieve the American dream 
through dedication, commitment, and hard work. I extend my sincere 
congratulations to George Manias on a successful 70 years and I look 
forward to seeing his legacy carry on in downtown Peoria.

                          ____________________