The Town Hall Cafe was opened by A.J. Lucas in 1894 in Swanston Street on the Capitol Theatre site. Lucas later opened the exclusive Paris Cafe on Collins Street (1904) and the famous Cafe Australia (1916) which was designed by Walter Burleigh Griffin. He became a highly successful businessman and was the founding president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. A.J. Lucas who was born in the village of Exoghi migrated to Australia from Ithaca in 1886.In 1920 Lucas formed a joint venture to redevelop the site of the Town Hall Cafe into Capitol House and Capitol Theatre. Lucas once again commissioned Walter Burley Griffin and wife Marion Mahony Griffin as architects for the project. The Chicago-Gothic-style theatre is considered their greatest interior design work. The Capitol was the first extravagant ‘picture palace’ to be built in Victoria. It originally seated over 2137 people. Renowned Australian architect Robyn Boyd described The Capitol as "The best cinema that was ever built or ever likely to be built.” Information about the refurbished Capitol http://thecapitol.tv/about/A sepia photograph of the exterior of a three storey Victorian style building including veranda. It was a cafe owned by A.J. Lucas. The words 'Lucas Town Hall Cafe' are formed in raised lettering across the top storey of the building. Two cars are parked in front of the building.

Stathi Raftopoulos is pictured at his home cinema at his residence in Sylvander Street North Balwyn. In 1949 Stathi Raftopoulos imported the first Greek film into Australia, entitled 'Voice of the Heart'. It was screened at Nicholas Hall in Lonsdale Street. Stathis went on to become a travelling picture show man showing Greek films to the Greeks in regional centres around Australia. He later established a film distribution and exhibition company, The Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures, in partnership with Mr Panayioti (Peter) Giannoudis. With the advent of television in the 1950, former suburban picture theatres were being closed down. Stathi and Peter took over many of these cinemas to show imported Greek films to the post WWII burgeoning Greek community.A coloured photograph of a man seated on a red theatre seat in a home cinema. Posters, photographs and film memorabilia are displayed on the three surrounding wallsWritten on the back : 520/BAhome theatres, greek movies

The 1953 catastrophic earthquakes on Ithaca and nearby Cephalonia caused extensive damage destroying many houses and buildings. The tremors reached 7.2 on the Richter Scale and the devastation was exacerbated by the quake occurring at midday when many people were cooking so fires spread rapidly across the island. The Holy Church of Taxiarchion, located in northern Ithaca on the hill overlooking the village of Platrithia and Afales Bay, was extensively damaged. A committee was formed to rebuild the church and its reconstruction following the earthquake is testament to the determination and resilience of the island's people to overcome hardship and disasters. A black and white photograph of scaffolding supporting a building destroyed in earthquake. A trench along the side of the structure is being prepared for further reinforcement with steel rods before the concrete is poured.The photo a has stamp on the back from the local committee overseeing the rebuilding of the church. It is written in Greek and states the following: REBUILDING COMMITTEE/ HOLY CHURCH OF TAXIARCHES/PLATRITHIA ITHACA.

The photo was taken on 'Oxi' Day 28 October 1951 which is commemorated throughout Greece and Cyprus and world-wide Greek communities. The day commemorates the rejection by the Greek prime minister, Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum presented to him by the Italian ambassador on the 28 October 1940 to allow the Axis forces, namely Italy, Germany and Bulgaria to occupy strategic locations of Greece or face war. A black and white photograph of a crowd of people - men, women and children - gathered around a Greek flag in an open area. A church is visible in the background. High mountains are also visible across the skyline.The original is handwritten across the bottom of the photo in Greek which translated reads: PLATRITHIA. ITHACA 28 OCTOBER 1951.world war 2

The Russell Collins Restaurant was located in the basement of the T&G Building on the south west corner of the Collins and Russell Streets intersection. It was a popular 'up-market' restaurant from the 1940s until the early 1970s when the T&G building underwent alterations. The restaurant, like its counterpart Elizabeth Collins, was renowned for its large platters of delicious salads. Nick (Naki) Raftopoulos operated the Russell Collins during the early 70s up until its closure.A black and white photograph of the interior of an Art Deco style restaurant fitted out around the walls with wooden 'shoulder high' cubicles which seated four people. Tables and chairs with various settings are arranged in the open areas of the restaurant. The floor is a wooden herringbone parquetry with a carpet on the floor in the reception area. Handwritten across the bottom of the photo: RUSSELL COLLINS RESTAURANT NICK RAFTOPOULOS.art deco, russell collins restaurant, restuarants

The photograph is of members of the Governing Council of Greek Women in Melbourne in 1917. A number of the women were from Ithaca. The organisation was created to offer social interaction for Greek women who had settled in Australia in the early years of the twentieth century and was part of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Back row L-R: Mrs. A Raftopoulou, Miss Sigala, Mrs. E. Peppa. Middle row L-R: Miss E. Nomikou, Mrs. K. Kyriazopoulou, (President), Mrs. K Mavrokefalou (Vice-president), Mrs. N. Mari. Front: Mrs. B. Zografou. A black and white portrait style photograph of eight young women. The translated caption is printed below the photograph in Greek: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF GREEK WOMEN, MELBOURNE 1917 gocv, committee, auxilliary

The photograph was taken in 1947 at Rousano, an area located close to the village of Exoghi, Ithaca during the Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday celebrations at which the roasting of lamb on the spit is a tradition. A black and white photograph of a group of people in an outdoor rural setting, gathered around three men who are sitting next to a spit upon which meat is being roasted over an open fire. The photograph is one of a pair which have been mounted on cream board and laminated. celebrations, easter

The Ithacan Philanthropic Society, 'The Ulysses' celebrated its 80th Anniversary at the Debutante Ball on Saturday 21 September 1996 at the Carlton Crest Hotel Grand Waldorf Ballroom. Much loved Ithacan actress Irini Papas was MC for the evening and guest of honour was the Consul of Greece, Mr. George Veis. Dance instructor and coordinator of the debutante group was Olga Black who worked with the fourteen debutantes and their escorts and the young flower girl to prepare for the memorable night. Pictured (above left) are debutantes Faye Baker and Angela Thomas. For the Ithacan Philanthropic Society to endure as an active organisation for eighty years was a memorable achievement. Debutante balls was an Anglo tradition that was taken up by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society and were particularly popular in the period 1940 - 1960. There was a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s - 2000. A black and white newspaper photograph of five debutants and one flower girl on the dance floor. The photograph has been backed onto white cardboard and laminated. The photograph is one of a pair which was published in the 'Neos Kosmos' newspaper.

From the outset the Ithacan Philanthropic held at least one family picnic a year. They either took place at a popular seaside locations or at popular picnic sites in the nearby hills around Melbourne. The first annual picnic was held in 1918. The Ithacan Greeks worked long hours in family food and restaurant businesses in Melbourne. On Sundays the shops were closed so it was seen as an opportunity to relax outdoors away from the city. The Ithacan Philanthropic Society continues this tradition holding an annual picnic in late summer.A black and white panoramic photograph of a large picnic group of men, women and children standing in an open area with trees around the perimeter. Eight children are sitting on the ground in front of the adults and a group of ladies are sitting on a bench to the left of the group. Some of the party are holding long walking sticks which must have been used when they went on a hike or walk.families, picnics, leisure time.

This is a photo of a sewing class for young girls in Ithaca. The women are proud to show off their sewing machines as the acquisition of these items would allow them to make many personal and household items more quickly and efficiently than they could be made by hand. Sewing was considered an important skill for young women and dressmaking was also a means to earn money to help support their families. A black and white scanned photograph taken outdoors of fourteen women sitting behind their treadle machines and posing with their needlework. Three women and a man are standing behind the group and two boys and a girl are sitting in the front on stools. A building with four large security windows/entrances in the background. 29 pas 7 is written on the back

At an altitude of 340m, the picturesque village of Exogh in northern Ithaca, lies on the Homeric mountain of Neion. The village overlooks Aphales Bay and across the water the neighbouring island of Lefkada. During the Middle Ages and at the beginning of the Venetian rule, it was one of the most populated villages of the island, offering safety from the pirates, and an excellent view of the channel, the sea and the bays around the northern Ithaca.Some of the earliest Ithacan settlers in Melbourne were from the mountain village of Exoghi, including the founding president AJ.J. Lekatsas (Lucas). The village now has very few permanent residents with most having migrated or moved to the cities of Greece. A coloured photograph of a view overlooking the village of Exoghi and Aphales Bay on the island of Ithaca. The photograph was taken from the bell tower of the church of Panagias (the Virgin/Our Lady) sta Pernarakia located at the top of the mountain. The mountains which are visible across the skyline are the neighbouring island of Lefkada. mountain villages, ithaca

Vathi is the main town of Ithaca where the municipal offices, local high school, medical centre and other services are located. It is one of the most natural ports in Greece. Ferries from the mainland used to dock at Vathi however, now arrive at the port of Piso Aetos. In middle of the harbour is the tiny islet of Lazaretos where the church of Ag Sotiros (the Saviour) stands. During the period of English rule, Lazaretos functioned as a quarantine station. The buildings erected by the British later served as a prison. However these were destroyed during the earthquakes of 1953 and later demolished. Lazaratos is now popular with young couples who chose to marry in the church. A coloured photograph overlooking the harbour of Vathi, the main town and port on Ithaca. Houses are built around the water's edge and along the lower slopes of the mountains. A small islet, known as Lazaretos, is visible in the middle of the harbour. harbours, vathi

The photograph is of a music ensemble from the Greek island of Ithaca, taken sometime between 1938 - 1941. Mandolin and guitar music and cantades singing was popular with the people of Ithaca and across the Ionian Islands. The preference for this style of music and song was a result of the influence of the Venetian rule of the Ionian islands for almost 300 years. The uniforms of the young men photographed suggest they may have been members of the National Youth Organization established in Greece during the years of the Metaxas dictatorship (1936–1941) with the stated goals of helping the youth in the productive spending of their free time and cultivating their national values and cooperative spirit. Membership was made compulsory, for all young people, despite the views of families. A range of coercive tactics were used for those who were reluctant to join. The youth movement disintegrated after the regime’s ending in April 1941. Many of its members joined the Greek resistance movement. Despite the regime being a right wing dictatorship, Metaxas refusal to submit to imperialist and fascist Italy resulted in Greece entering WWII on the side of allies. Many Ithacans who settled in Australia brought with them their instruments and their love of cantades and the Ionian style of music. At family gatherings and celebrations they would play their mandolins and guitars and sing their beloved cantades.A black and white photograph in postcard format of sixteen young men, members of a mandolin and guitar orchestra. They are all dressed in dark trousers and shirts with light ties. The Ithacan Historical Society has been stamped on the back.

The photograph features many prominent members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society during the early 1920s a number of whom were founding members of the Society, including A. J. Lucas (Lekatsas) the founding president and Angelos Lekatsas (Lucas) who was the second president. Archimandrite Irineos Kassimatis is pictured with the group. Most of the group are wearing a buttonhole pin on their jacket lapels which indicates the photo was taken at gathering to celebrate a baptism. It was traditional that following the baptismal service a small icon or cross was pinned on each of the guests to symbolise they were witnesses to the baptism. This pin is called a 'martiriki' derived from the Greek word 'martiras', which translated means a witness. A black and white photograph of eighteen men gathered together in a garden and posing in front of a weatherboard building. Three of the men are sitting on the ground in front of the group. Hand written signature - ? Varvarigos - written in Greek in the bottom left hand corner. Written on the back: STRONG MEN OF THE ITHACAN COMMUNITY

This is a photograph of early members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. Back from L-R: Andreas Zavitsanos, Nikiforos Lekatsas Front from L-R: Dimitri Paxinos, Panagiotis Lekatsas. A.J. Lucas, Panayiotis Lokaris The Society was formed in October 1916 to support and assist Ithacan Greeks, at the time mainly men, who settled in Melbourne in the early years of the twentieth century. The Ithacan Philanthropic Society was a home away from home for the early Ithacan migrants who in the early years were predominantly men. As many worked in the city area in cafes, the market or as fruit vendors they would regularly go to the club rooms at lunch times and after work where they would catch up with fellow Ithacans and learn news from back home. A black and white photograph of six men photographed in front of a brick wall. Two of the men are standing behind the other four who are seated on a wooden bench.Stamped on the back: PROPERTY OF / STATHI RAFTOPOULOS / POET

An advertising poster for the 1955 All Nations Festival which was presented by the Australia Red Cross Society, Victorian Branch. Nina and Olga Black participated in the festival and were featured on the poster (seated at front first and second from left) wearing Greek traditional costumes. Other recognisable national costumes are Scottish Piper and Dutch.The event held in 1955 by the Australian Red Cross promoted multicultural Australia and members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Club participated. It was the period of post WW2 mass migration which saw many nationalities making Australia their home.Photocopy of a poster for the 1955 All Nations Festival. Consisting of a group 3 men and 6 women dressed in different national traditional dress. There is a Red Cross symbol either side of the group.THE AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY / VICTORIAN DIVISION/PRESENTS THE / 1955 ALL NATIONS FESTIVAL / ST. KILDA CRICKET GROUND - SUNDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY 1955folk dancing, national costimes

A group of school pupils from the school at Platrithia, Ithaca, Greece with teacher Mrs Tetta Andrianatos. Pictured to the left of Mrs Andrianatos is Freda Lucas (Benias) who migrated to Melbourne in 1953. Black & White photograph of a school group in Platrithia Ithaca Greece of 39 students and an adult (teacher) in an outdoor setting.

Stathi Raftopoulos (middle) and Angelo Petalas (left) and a Mr Palaris are pictured filming at Madden Grove Kew. Both Stathi and Angelo were passionate about cinema. Stathi brought Greek cinema to Melbourne and Angelo ran the Melbourne University Cinema. Angelo's son Kim Petalas has carried on his father's passion and is the National Programming Director for Palace Cinemas.Black & white photograph with white crinkled border of 3 men with a movie camera.

The local 'philharmonic orchestra/band' playing at a civic/national day function in the 1950s in Vathi, Ithaca. Music plays an important role in many aspects of life, both civic and social, on the island. During the summer months locals and tourists enjoy a variety of musical and cultural events.Founded in 1904, the Ithaki Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest musical group on the island. The band is a private, non-profit entity and its goal is to offer free musical training to the young of the region and provide them with a broader musical education. The philharmonic orchestra performs concerts and participates in a range of educational, municipal, religious and national day events. A black & white photograph of a brass band of men dressed in dark uniforms and flat hats and women wearing dark skirts and white blouses. In the second row are males in civilian suits. The conductor is standing in the front on the extreme right hand side holding a baton.

Some Ithacans on arrival in Melbourne moved to the larger regional country towns and opened food vending businesses. John (Ioannis) Raftopoulos (Fiakas) was one such Ithacan who established himself in Mildura. He opened the Sport Cafe in Langtree Avenue. The Spot was an elegant and sophisticated establishment and as well as serving meals, also served the latest sundaes and cool fountain drinks. By the late 1930s he had also opened a milk bar in Mildura’s Astor Theatre. Raftopoulos was a true entrepreneur and ran a number of business in the Mildura and Red Cliffs. John's father, Efstathios Raftopoulos (Levendis) arrived in Australia in 1895 and John soon followed. John's brother-in-law Dimitrios Vlassopoulos arrived from Ithaca in 1922 and opened the Golden Key Café in Red Cliffs. Dimitrios had previously spent about 10 years in America where he gain knowledge and experience in the food and hospitality business. The Golden Key Café shared similarities with the Spot Sundae ‘Parlor’. Ithacan settlement in Mildura area dates back to the early 1900s. A black and white photograph of the interior of a cafe. There are five waitresses and two waiters; three of the women are behind a counter and the other two are standing beside the tables which are lined up on either side of the restaurant. One of the waiters is at the rear is behind a counter while the other is in the background. The restaurant is adorned with Christmas decorations and potted plants.

The photo is taken at a Grecian Ball held in 1947 at the St Kilda town Hall. Grecian balls were organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne. Pictured is a large party of Ithacans in attendance: Anastasia Kostopulos and her daughter Katina pictured in the foreground; and behind left to right - lady in white unknown, Nathalia Vlassopoulos (Laoretis), Thalia Lekatsas, Angelos Lekatsas (Kalfas), Nina Ventouras (Sikiotis), Nick Ventouras, Sophia Kostopoulos (her son Leo Kostos behind her), Helen Fatouros (Vlass ) Panagioti Paxinos, Rita Paxinos (nee Fatouros), A black and white photograph of a group of people at a social function

The photograph was taken at the wedding of Poppy Lekatsas and Floros Demetriades at the 'Evangelismos' Greek Orthodox Church in East Melbourne on 19th April 1936. The photograph is an excellent image of the interior of the church at that time. Along with baptisms, the wedding ceremony (which also incorporates the betrothal) is a very important occasion within the Orthodox community. The service is rich with symbolism. The Evangelismos Greek Church is the oldest Greek church in Melbourne, established in the early 1900s. A copy of an original photograph of a wedding ceremony which took place at 'Evangelismos' church. The photograph is surrounded with a wide black border and part of the RH corner has been cut off in the reproduction. lekatsas, poppy, evangelismos church, demetriadis floros

Ithacan Greeks have a musical tradition influenced by the Italian cantanda style that is very melodic. The bands featured in the photographs were well-known entertainers on Ithaca. The mandolin, violin and piano accordion were popular instruments. As part of the Ionian Islands, Ithaca was under Venetian control for many years and as such a Venetian influence in evident in the islands musical tradition.A collage of four photographs, mounted and white board and laminated. Each photograph features a musical group made up of a variety of musical instruments which include accordions, violins, guitars, mandolins, wind instruments and drums. There is a caption under each photograph which gives information about the groups.

Ithacan Naki Raftopoulos (centre) served in the Civilian Military Forces during WW 2 and is pictured with Arthur Pantatzis (left) and Theo Spirakos (Spirason). A number of Ithacan Greek men and Australian born men of Ithacan descent served in the Australian defence forces during World War 2. Some saw active service whilst those who had not become naturalised were recruited into the Civilian Military Forces as 'Allied Aliens' and served the war effort on the home front.A black and white head and shoulders photograph of three men in Australian army uniform, wearing peaked caps. army

The Classic Restaurant, located in Swanson Street next to Young and Jacksons Hotel, was one of the many businesses owned by Ithacans in Melbourne's CBD. Nakis Raftopoulos ran the business during the 70 & 80s up until the property was sold and became a fast food chain outlet. The building has since been demolished as part of Melbourne's Metro Tunnel project. Many Ithacans who settled in Melbourne in the early years of the twentieth century opened restaurants In the CBD. From the 1950s onwards the number of these Ithacan owned businesses gradually declined and by the 1970s very few remained. The Classic Restaurant was one of the last remaining establishments in the CBD owned and operated by an Ithacan. A black and white photograph of the Classic Restaurant. It is a two storey building large printed letters spelling out the name of the business on the first floor of the building. Three sedans are in front of the building and two people are standing at the tram stop opposite the building.Painted on the second storey of the building: CLASSIC RESTAURANT/ GROUND FLOOR/ COFFEE LOUNGE.

The group photo was taken at the annual Ithacan Philanthropic Society picnic at Bacchus Marsh. The first picnic was held in 1918 at South Morang. The picnics were usually held at location on the outskirts of Melbourne and for many years Bacchus Marsh's Maddingley Park was a popular location for the picnicThe annual picnic has been held annually since 1918, except for 1919 when it was postponed due to outbreak of the Spanish Influenza in Melbourne, and in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. In the early years the annual picnic gave families a chance to spend time in the countryside and to socialize with other Ithacans. It remains a popular event on the society's social calendar where families of generations with Ithacan ancestry catch up.A black and white photograph with a thin white border of a large group of people standing and sitting together in a large open area. There are trees in the background. Stamped on the back in black: 45 49.

Prior to the advent of the ferry service Ithacans who wished to travel to the mainland sailed by ship. The 'Angelika', photographed in Ithaca's port harbour of Vathi, transported most of the post WWII Ithacan migrants to the main Greek port of Piraeus to embark for their journey to Australia. Migration from Ithaca to Australia ceased during the second world war years. A second wave commenced in the post war years, particular following the 1953 earthquakes which caused catastrophic damage to the island. Today travel between Ithaca and the mainland is by ferry boats. Ships and ferry boats no longer enter the harbour at Vathi, but rather dock at Piso Aetos. A black and white photograph with a thin white border of a ship steaming out of a harbour with smaller craft in the water. People are standing on the wharf watching the boat depart; behind them are buildings and mountains across the skyline.

In 1953 an major earthquake caused catastrophic damage across the islands of Ithaca and Cephalonia, which are part of Greece's Heptanesian group of islands located in the Ionian Sea. Many towns and villages were left uninhabitable and resulted in another wave of Ithacan migration to Australia. The Ithacan Philanthropic Society initiated an Earthquake Appeal which was generously supported by Melbourne's Ithacan community, all of whom were affected by the earthquakes in one way or another.A black and white photograph of damage caused by an earthquake. The buildings which were built along the edge of a harbour have been ruined. There are mountains in the background.

The annual picnic organised by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has been a popular event on the club's calendar every year since its inception in 1916. It was a chance for families and friends to meet together in a relaxed atmosphere where races were also organised for all age groups. The picnics were held at recreation grounds on Melbourne's rural fringe and for many years Bacchus Marsh was a popular venue.A black and white photograph of eight men, seven ladies and three children sitting around a picnic table laid out for a meal in a large outdoor area. There are large trees in the background.

The violinist is Bill Florence (Florias), performing at a concert for Ithacan Club members. Along with the mandolin and the guitar, the violin was also a popular musical instrument with many Ithacans. Those instruments leant themselves to the melodic style of music from the Eptanesian island. A coloured photograph of a man, standing in front of a microphone and playing a violin. There is a red and white striped curtain behind him.