Object ID
2011.7.41
Object Name
Box, Candy
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1910 – 1940
Measurements
3.3350200000 cm. H x 18.25752 cm. W x 31.2750200000 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Material
Cardstock; Paper
Object Entities
Rassogianis/Franks families, By (owned by)
Rassogianis, (is related to)
Franks, Pauline (is related to)
Object Description
A large, Christmas-themed candy box. This one is in the shape of Santa Claus holding his bag of toys and a wreath of Mistletoe while standing on a rooftop. The bag has white boxes with red bowties, along with a green drum. The roof is covered in snow, and there are brick rectangles on either side. The figure of Santa is wearing a white belt with a green buckle. The back of the box is cut in the same shape. The box itself is red. It is stored in a cardboard box with red writing that says "XMas" as well as black writing that reads "One 1 lb. No. 802"
Origin
Paulina Franks' grandfather, John Rassogianis, came to Chicago in the 1890s. He began his life in the new city by peddling fruits and later, with the help of his sons Alex and George, would open a candy store. In the 1920s Paulina Franks' father Constantine became a part of the family business and the store was able to prosper. When the second business closed Paulina Rassogianis chose to hold as many of the candy store's items as possible and, later, donate them to the National Hellenic Museum.

The Rassogianis family began their candy business in Chicago proper, working out of their own shop named "St. Louis Ice Cream Parlor." Eventually, the shop was closed and the Rassogianis' chose to continue their candy store venture in Berwyn, Illinois. The new shop they chose to open was named Alex's Sweet Shop.

Paulina Franks' father was a key contributor to the success of the Rassogianis candy stores. While Constantine Rassogianis was a noteworthy entrepeneur, he also had many other accomplishments. Among these was his four years of involvment in the Greek national military during World War I wherein he obtained the rank of sergeant. Also, he was a published author and poet, an experienced mandolin player, a church officer and had extensive knowledge of psalti.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Box, Candy, 1910 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8549. Accessed 04/25/24.