Congratulating the Crystal Restaurant on its Designation As A Historic Business

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Crystal Restaurant in Watertown on its rich history and its special designation as a historic business. The Crystal has been named to the New York State Historic Preservation Registry as they have been operating for over fifty years and contribute tremendously to the Watertown community.

The Crystal Restaurant is Watertown's oldest restaurant, opening in 1925 under the ownership of brothers Dennis and Jerry Valanos. In 1928, The Crystal hired Otto Dephtereos as chef. Fifteen years later, Otto and his brother Nicholas, took over and purchased The Crystal. After Otto's son, Joseph, a radio gunner on a B-24 bomber during World War II, returned from England, he and his brother, Leo, took over The Crystal. Today, Peter Dephtereos, along with his wife and brother, manage the restaurant and maintain the beloved traditions of The Crystal.

For many decades, the Dephtereos family has stewarded the oldest restaurant in Watertown and preserved timeless traditions, like the ``Tom and Jerry'' cocktail. The Crystal remains a thriving tribute to the history of Watertown. It is home to one of the last stand-up bars in the country and even boasts a cash register that rang up President Franklin Roosevelt's bill in the 1930s. Few things have changed at the restaurant, and The Crystal prides itself on being a fixture in Watertown's history.

The Crystal is an incredible North Country establishment and has been an important asset to the Watertown community for over nine decades. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am proud to celebrate the rich history of The Crystal Restaurant and congratulate it on its designation as a historic business on the New York State Historic Preservation Registry.

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