The top of this small white ceramic dish has a very simple design. There are two green lines. The thickest runs along the plate closest to the outer edge. The second line is around the very inside of the bowl, it is the width of a pen line. There are marks of wear along the edges of the dish from age and use. There are also several littler marks along on the inside of the plate at random intervals. There is a large chip along the edge of the plate. It is not just color that is missing but part of the plate itself. It is rectangular but follows the curve of the plate. There is dirt in the crevices and it has a rough texture. The plate iteslf is a glossy white color everywhere that the green is not.

The back of the plate is completely plain except for the makers mark on the flat part of the base. It reads "The Bailey-Walker Vitrified China" inside of a little book and below the book it says 5-29, all in a light green ink that has faded over time. There is a litte green spot below the words that is probably from the machine dripping ink. There are orange stains on the back that also have a rougher texture because they have worn away the finish. They are larger than the ones on the front but are fewer in number. They appear at even intervals around the plate and were probably made by whatever was holding it in the Ice Cream Shop.

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.


The Bailey-Walker Vitrified China Company was based in Bedford, Ohio. It was originally Bedford China Works but that was out of service for a while. On May 3, 1923 The Bedford Herald announced the good news that manufacturing would resume on Monday, May 7. With a reported $150,000 in capital, the Bailey Walker China Company was incorporated into the Bailey-Walker Company, with Mr. Walker as president of the company, and Mr. Bailey as vice president and general manager.

An advertisement in the 1924 Bedford Directory stated that Bailey-Walker manufactured "Vitrified China, Hotel Ware, White and Underglazed decorated, for Hotels, Restaurants, Clubs, Churches, etc. In addition to normal dinnerware, the company produced many commemorative plates and a number of specialty items. In 1939 the product line was expanded further with the addition of vitrified china for tea rooms. A 1963 article in Ceramic Aqe noted that versatility, quality, and fast delivery was what was keeping Walker China Co. competitive.

As was the case with other Bedford industries, ownership eventually changed from the founding families to outside interests. And so, in 1967, ownership changed from the Walker family, and the company became a Division of Alco Standard Corp. Then, on November 16, 1976 the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Walker China Co. had been sold to Jeannette Corp. In 1981 the company was listed as Mayer China Plant Two Inc. In 1982 there was no listing for the former china plant.

The vitrification process makes the ceramic ware durable and long lasting. It is fired at a higher temperature and fired twice in order to give it a glossy finish.

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