Object ID
2011.7.192
Object Name
Soap
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Measurements
22.5425 cm. H x 7.46252 cm. W x 15.71752 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Material
Cardboard; Plastic; Soap
Object Entities
Rassogianis/Franks families, By (owned by)
Rassogianis, (is related to)
Franks, Pauline (is related to)
Object Description
This is a box of Fairbank's Gold Dust Washing Powder. The box is bright orange and is encased in a plastic covering. The front of the box has two black figures, "the twins" under the Fairbank's logo, standing in a pile, of what appears to be, coins. On the right side panel, images of the same black figures are used to show the different purposes of the washing poweder like, brightening linoleum, removes bath tub ring, washed dirty work clothes and makes glassware sparkle. On the left side panel, "washes dishes quickly, removes grease easily, brightens woodwork and cleans paint brushes" is shown. The back of the box has "Gold Dust let the twins do your work" written in black, bold type across the back. Below this is a box that describes how to use Gold Dust to perform up to 34 cleaning jobs, with more images and illustrations of the twins in the background.
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
Soap, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8689. Accessed 04/18/24.