Object ID
2011.7.176
Object Name
Dish
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Material
Ceramic
Object Entities
Object Description
This white plate is smaller and circular. It is completely plain with no design except for the maker's notation on the back. This reads " Cook China Co. Trenton, N.J." and is merely an indentation in the plate, there is no color in the lines. The finish is a shiny white.

Due to age and storage there are discolorations and wear on the plates as well as dirt. The top part of the outer rim on this one has less finish and therefore is not as smooth as other parts of the item. It is a little darker in color and is textured in certain parts. The top of the plate does have some rougher parts because of wear and dirt.

The bottom also shows some wear. The supporting rim of the base also has dicoloration and texture due to use wearing away the finish. There are three darker yellow circles that are ground into the plate and are spread out evenly on the curving part of the plate. There is also a bigger area that has a sandy texture, also from use of the plate.
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.

Trenton, New Jersey, where the mark on the back of the plate indicates it was made, is responsible for the introduction of wide scale production of white graniteware. This product enabled American potters to compete successfully with foreign producers due to the low cost to make and easy marketability. The production of sanitary ware originated in Trenton and greatly assisted the growth of the American pottery industry overall. Trenton also pioneered the development of art porcelain through the introduction in 1882 of “Belleek” china. Using techniques developed at the Irish Belleek works, Trenton became the base for high quality art porcelains.

Charles H. Cook purchased the Ott & Brewer Pottery in 1894, to start the company and they made many types of porcelain throught their years. Unfortunately the Cook company closed during the Great Depression. Although this plate is quite plain they were known for Nipur Ware and Metalline Ware which were more detailed, intricate, and sought after than the basic everyday cermaics.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Dish, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8675. Accessed 03/28/24.