Object ID
2011.7.251
Object Name
Booklet
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Material
Paper
Object Entities
Object Description
This is a small informational booklet, entitled "History of Penicillin: The Wonder Drug," a small booklet commonly sold in the 1950s in stores such as Alex's Candy Shop. At the top of the front cover it says "The Latest Chicago Street Guide" with the title printed underneath it On the bottom of the cover is a small blurb about the booklet's contents, "Educational Information in Regard to Health Which Every Man and Woman Should Know." On the back cover is a 1950-1951 calendar.

The first few pages of the booklet provide information on the history of Penicillin, when to use it, how it works and where to go to find it. There are a few illustrations and pictures. The middle section of the booklet is a street guide to the city of Chicago. The last section of of the booklet is about the dangers and health risks associated with masturbation and sexually transmitted diseases, followed by information about where you can go to get help and treatment for these issues.
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
Booklet, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8799. Accessed 04/23/24.