Object ID
2011.7.160
Object Name
Mold, Candy
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Measurements
13.4950200000 cm. H x 12.8600200000 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Material
Metal
Object Entities
Rassogianis/Franks families, By (owned by)
Rassogianis, (is related to)
Franks, Paulina (is related to)
Object Description
Medium, triangular sized, candy/chocolate mold in the shape of a rabbit. The item is comprised of two sides with nothing holding them together. The top of the mold is bent around the ears of the rabbit. The rabbit is sitting down on some grass. Detail can be seen in its fur. There are three concave circles on one side of the mold, which correspond to three convex circles on the other side.
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
Mold, Candy, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8658. Accessed 04/19/24.