Object ID
2011.7.232
Object Name
Box, Food Storage
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Measurements
7.9375 cm. H x 4.6050200000 cm. W x 6.6675 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Material
Cardboard
Object Entities
Rassogianis/Franks families, By (owned by)
Rassogianis, (is related to)
Franks, Paulina (is related to)
Object Description
This is an assembled single small, half pint cardboard ice cream container. The front and back of the container are identical and off-white in color. The background is a blue, grid pattern with a large white triangle in the middle. "Ice Cream" in large blue letters is printed on the triangle, with "one half pint" printed below it. There are three small, decorative stars running along the bottom of the container, on all four sides. The front top of the container has an outline of a triangle in blue which reads "1/2 Pint Liquid Minn. Serial No. 24, Fill To Top."

The top portion of the container is comprised of four flaps, that when folded, seal the container. On one of the flaps is a small triangle with printed information about the container itself printed inside.

There is a woven, string handle attached at two sides, significantly frayed.
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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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
Box, Food Storage, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8728. Accessed 03/28/24.