Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9 inch round baking pans.
In a large bowl, beat shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar with an electric mixer.
Stir in vanilla, lemon juice and lemon peel.
Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition.
In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add flour mixture and milk alternately to batter, blending until smooth.
In a clean, medium bowl, beat egg whites until frothy,
gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter.
Pour batter into prepared baking pans.
Bake at 350 degree F for about 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool cake for 5 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack and cool.