Object ID
2011.7.184
Object Name
Server, Ice-cream
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
circa 1936
Material
Metal
Object Entities
Object Description
This ice cream scoop is most likely made of Stainless Steel. Inside the scoop itself there is some pitting along the upper portion. It is in the shap of both line scratches and more circular indentations. The metal is silver but in the spots where there is pitting the metal is a tanish color. The inside of the scoop also has a flat piece of metal attached at two points to provide easier scooping abilities because it moves back and forth along the interior. It still works as it would have then because the moveable pieces are still attached and functioning.

The back of the scoop has a small metal attachment for where it holds the sliding piece on the interior. There is also discolorations on the back of the piece. There is a large tan section near the top that follows the curve of the scoop, the other areas of antiquing are smaller but in areas of high concentration the texture is no longer smooth.

The back ot the handle aspect is where the attachment is to move the sliding piece in the scoop. It is triangular in shape and has an offshoot for the thumb to press it. Written on this area is "Myers de luxe Disher" Directly below this title there are more descripters written in smaller writing " Pat. No. 1903791 Pat. No.2041200 Other pats. Pend." Above the words is a bolt with a metal coil wrapped around it. Opposite the moveable part is a little area that sticks out which has the number 20 printed on it to note its size.

Looking at the scoop from the side, the mechanism to operate the sliding piece can be seen. A pole in the middle has gears on the bottom which are turned by small spikes attached to the piece the user's thumb operates.

The area of the handle used for holding is cylindrical and has a knurled handle for added grip. It is in a diamond like pattern and has a goldish tint on the back from use. The very end of the scoop has an orange attachment to note its size of scoop at a glance.
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.

This scoop in particular was made by Myers de luxe Disher, a company that made many ice cream scoopers in the 1930's. They made many of different sizes and they would put colored bases on the scoops to indicate the various sizes. Many of these scoops are now found at online auctions or for sale as vintage collectors items.

The patents indicated on the back of the scoop were both invented by Louis Myers himself and are for how the scoops are made and function due to new adaptations. They are easy to take apart for washing and cleaning purposes as well as easy assembly which makes it cheaper to produce than other brands of the time.
Rights and Reproduction
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Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

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Citation
Server, Ice-cream, circa 1936, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8688. Accessed 05/02/24.