[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 83]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE CLOSING OF THE ICE CREAM PALACE IN SILVIS, ILLINOIS 
                       AFTER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2015

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ice Cream 
Palace in Silvis, Illinois, owned by Mr. Umberto ``Red'' Ponce, which 
closed on December 27th after 50 years of business and service to our 
community.
  The Ice Cream Palace has been a staple for the community of Silvis 
for the past five decades. Despite its name, Ice Cream Palace is known 
for serving favorite traditional Mexican cuisine dishes like the 
popular carne-de-res burritos since 1965. The dishes served come from 
authentic recipes from Mr. Ponce's mother, Celia Ponce, who was 
initially a partner in the business and worked there for the 
restaurants' first 25 years.
  Locals who began frequenting the restaurant as children now bring 
their own families to enjoy both the food and the close-knit 
relationships between staff and regulars. Some can even remember the 
days that the Ice Cream Palace served up chilly treats and say that the 
great tasting food has not changed a bit over 50 years thanks to Mr. 
Ponce's loyalty to his mother's original recipes. Locals young and old 
alike have all expressed sadness for the end of such a long-lasting 
part of their community. Mr. Ponce is looking forward to spending more 
time with his children and grandchildren during his retirement and says 
he will miss the friends he has made over the years in his staff and 
customers.
  Mr. Speaker, I again want to recognize the Ice Cream Palace, and am 
glad that places like this exist, helping to create traditions and 
bonds within our communities and families.

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