Object ID
2011.7.271
Object Name
Windowpane
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Medium
Paint
Material
Glass; Metal; Wood
Object Entities
Object Description
This is a section of the window along the front facade of Alex's Candy shop in Berwyn, Illinois. This window was along the north facade of the building, along Roosevelt Rd. This window was removed from the building upon destruction and still has the original store's paint on the reverse side.

The frame for the window is thin with one side painted a salmon color, and the other painted green.

The glass has a large etching of a curtain on it and there are two metal mounts for curtain rods at the top.
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
Windowpane, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/8831. Accessed 04/25/24.