Object ID
2011.7.258
Object Name
Menu
Object Collection
Alex's Candy Shop (is part of)
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Material
Leather; Paper; Plastic
Object Entities
Object Description
This a fountain menu from Alex's Candy Shop. The menu is bound in green leather, with "Menu" printed on the front, contained in a decorative border. The corners are reinforced with small metal edges. It is a two paged menu, printed on bright orange paper, under a protective plastic covering. The left page lists prices for menu items under the headings: "Crushed Fruit," "Fruit Nut Sundaes," "Fancy Sundaes," and "Specials." There is a hole burned into the plastic covering right above the "Specials" section. The right page contains the "Frappe," "Beverages," and "Hot Drinks in Season" sections in addtion to a hand written specials section. There are also certain menu items crossed out in pen.
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
Menu, 1920 – 1940, Alex's Candy Shop, National Hellenic Museum, https://hellenic.whirlihost.com/Detail/objects/8806. Accessed 04/20/24.