Object ID
2011.7.237
Object Name
Piece, Display
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Measurements
22.3850200000 cm. H x 9.36752 cm. W x 38.57752 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 a 3D display piece of an elderly riding in a mule drawn cart. The man is wearing a yellow hat, white collared shirt with overalls and appears to be holding a large pink object. The cart is drawn by a running mule and is on one large red wheel, with one wheel missing. The mule has ared harness. There are two flaps on the inside that fold down to hold the cart in place.

On the back of the cart is printed, in very small print, "Game Makers. Inc. NY, USA."
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.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Piece, Display, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8733. Accessed 05/09/24.