The picture is of a Greek dance group, possible organised by the Olympic Club. Nina Black pictured in the middle row was an Australian born Ithacan who was very active in a variety of Greek community activities, including the performing arts and education. She was passionate about fostering Greek culture and language within the Ithacan, Greek and wider Australian community in Melbourne. She went on to establish her Greek dancing classes which were popular with both the Greek and broader Australian community. Her Greek dance group performed Greek dances at many social functions and dressed in traditional Greek costumes, the performances added colour to the events and were widely appreciated. Pictured, back row L-R: . . ? . ., Olympia Cecil, . . ? . . , ...... Green. Middle row L-R: ...... Green, . . . ? . . . , Michael Black, Nina Black, Marguerita Black. Front row L-R: Spiro Polites, Eleni Vrachna, Effie Cecil, Ellie Black, Harry NicholadesThe teaching of Greek dancing to the children of Greek immigrants ensured the maintenance of Greek cultural traditions in their adopted country. A black and white photograph of ten ladies and three men dressed in Greek national costume and posing on a staircase.

Dennis and Rita Viragos on the dance floor at a club dance.The Ithacan Philanthropic Society held regular dances in their clubrooms. They were held on Tuesday nights because the it was not a busy day on the following Wednesday morning as fruiterers and stall holders had a chance to relax on that night. A black and white photograph of a couple on a dance floor.

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.

Ithaca House, the home of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society, is located at 329 - 335 Elizabeth Street. The site was purchased in the mid 1950s to build the club rooms. The money for the venture was raised by the issue of non-redeemable 10 and 50 pound debentures to members. Nicholas Sofarnos, a young Ithacan architecture graduate, designed the building. Construction was completed in 1958. Up until 2020 Yamaha were long standing ground floor tenants. Prior to the building of Ithaca House, from 1917 up until 1958, the club rooms were located on the top floor of Michael's Building on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets. The Ithacan Philanthropic Society has been a focal point initially for expatriate Ithacans and as the years have passed it holds many happy memories for Australian born Ithacans through the generations.A coloured photograph of a three storey grey building in a city street with two cars being driven along the road. The Yamaha Motor Bicycle company occupies the ground floor, and in the adjacent building Honda motorbikes are sold. There are curtained windows across the width of the second floor and signage on the top floor windows indicates this level is used for social events such as receptions and dances.

The photograph was taken at an Ithacan Club annual picnic. The picnic were held on recreation grounds located on Melbourne's rural fringe. For many years Maddingley Reserve, Bacchus Marsh was the regular location; and more recently Ferny Creek Reserve. Running races continue to be run for all age groups are a popular activity during the day. In this photograph the children are lining up for the 75 yards race.A sepia photograph taken in the country of a row of children lining up at thew start of a race. Five men are standing behind them.

The seven women and little girl are lining up to begin the 75 yard women's race at the Ithacan Society's annual picnic, which took place at a picnic ground on Melbourne's rural fringe sometime in the 1930s. There annual picnic was a very popular outing amongst club members.A sepia photograph of seven ladies and a little girl standing in a line with a man on each side. There are trees and bushes growing behind the group.

The photograph was taken at an annual picnic organised by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in the ealry 1930s. The picnic remains an annual event on the club's calendar. Running races continue to be popular and in this photo the young women look to be preparing for their event. Pictured on the far right is Marguerite Panaretos (nee Black/Mavrokefalos) and next to her Fife Krizos. Fourth from the right is May Theordore, sister of Alma Theodore-Paizis, and behind her John Raftopoulos (Patakias). A sepia photograph of six young women lining up at the start of a race with three race officials standing behind the group in an open area.

The photograph is taken at an annual Ithacan picnic, c1940s. Several of the individuals in the photograph are wearing the medallion badges which were given to all attendees on arrival at the picnic. L-R: Dionysus Lecatsas, ----- , -----, Andreas Paizis, Georgia Raftopoulos, Katerina Lucas (Spot Cafe), -----, Athanasis Raftopoulos (Klapatzoura). The annual picnic organized by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society continues to be a popular event on the club's social calendar.A mounted sepia photograph of a group standing in a picnic ground. There are six men dressed in suits and two smartly dressed ladies. There is a small shed in the background in an open playing field.

The photograph is of an early Ithacan Philanthropic Society committee. Some of the members were also in the inaugral committee of the Society, which was formed in Melbourne in 1916. It became affectionately known as 'The Club' and provided the early Ithacan Greeks a place of belonging in a strange and at times a hostile environment. A black and white photograph of men dressed in suits, standing and seated in two rows in a studio. There are seven men standing behind four men who are seated.

The photograph was taken at the Ithacan Philanthropic Society's16th annual picnic. All who attended the picnic on that day were included in the photograph. The first picnic took place in 1918 at South Morang where 200 people attended. The picnics continue to be a popular social event on the club's social calendar attracting large numbers of the generations of Ithacan Australians in Melbourne.A mounted sepia photograph of a large group of men women and children gathered together in a large sports ground. There are two buildings behind them with trees growing in the background.

The photograph was taken after one of the foot races at an Ithacan Philanthropic Society's annual picnic which took place in the 1920s-1930s. Since the first picnic was organised it is still a popular social event on the club's calendar. A black and white photograph of eleven men standing in front of a grand stand at a sports ground. A man in a suit is congratulating another man who has completed a race. The man standing on the extreme right of the line is holding a little girl and four boys are sitting cross-legged on the ground in front of the men.

The photograph was taken at an annual Ithacan Club picnic in the 1930s. Sitting on the ground in the centre is Dimitri Sofianos.A mounted sepia photograph of ten men and a boy at a picnic. Most of the men are wearing neat casual clothes and two are wearing suits. The photograph is mounted on grey board with a darker grey border.Written in pen on the back: AGP 6

The photograph was taken at an Ithacan Club picnic some time during the late 1930s. Races have always been a popular feature of the picnic. The then president, Andreas Papadopoulos is congratulating the three place-getters, from L-R unknown, unknown, Hector Anagnostatos (Andrews). Andreas Papadopoulos was president from 1934 - 1939. Hector Anagnostatos was president from 1953-1955.A sepia photograph mounted on grey board which has a darker grey border. Three men dressed in singlets and trousers are standing in sports arena and a man in a suit is shaking the hand of one of the men. Some people are seated in a grandstand behind the group on the oval. Written on the back: AGP - 8

The president, Andreas Papadopoulos, is congratulating the winners of the men's open, race a feature event of the annual Ithacan Club picnic. He is shaking hands with George Mavrokefalos (Black). Gentleman in the centre is unknown. Andreas Papadopoulos was a foundation member of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in 1916 and secretary on the first Executive Committee. He recorded the minutes in 'katharevousa', the formal Greek language used in the judicial system, official documents, newspaper and publications at the time. He served as president from 1934-1939. A sepia photograph mounted on a grey board with a darker grey border. Two men dressed in light shorts and singlets and standing in a sports ground, are being congratulated by a man dressed in a dark suit.Written on the back: AGP - 7

Races were popular events at the Ithacan Philanthropic Society's annual picnic. The men's foot race was the highlight of the day. Pictured centre front of runners is the president, Andreas Papadopoulos. Since the first picnic in 1918, the event has been held at sporting grounds situated around Melbourne's urban fringe and remain a popular event on the club's social calendar.A sepia photograph mounted on a grey board with a darker grey border of five men preparing to race with four officials waiting for the race to start. The men are standing in a sports ground with a small rotunda and trees on the other side of the fence in the background.Written on the back: AGP - 4

Ithaca House located at 329 Elizabeth Street Melbourne has been the site of the clubrooms of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society since 1958. Over the decades the club rooms have served as a meeting place and a venue for many social, cultural and fundraising activities. Prior to the building of Ithaca House, the clubrooms been located at Michael's Building, corner Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets since 1917.In 1956, the Ithacans of Melbourne purchased a site, formerly two shops, at 329-335 Elizabeth Street for £35,000, with a view to building their own club rooms. A three storey building, a stone's throw from the old Michael's clubrooms, was finally erected in 1958 at a cost of £25,000. This was achieved by capital raising from the membership in the form of non-redeemable £10 and £50 debentures (1957-58). Plans were drawn up by the Australian born and newly qualified Ithacan architect, Nicholas Sofarnos (Sofianos). The then President Eustathios (Stathis) Vlassopoulos was key driver of the project. A colour photograph of the front upper stories of Ithaca House

The group were at an annual Ithacan Club picnic at a country location outside of Melbourne. The adults in the photograph are all from the village of Kioni. Most have been identified and they are: Standing at the back - Nick Vasilopoulos and Loula Ventouras. Back row kneeling L-R: Tatsi and Thalia Pappas, . ? . , Mando Raftopoulos Middle row L-R: Alkino Paizis, Poppy Vasilopoulos, Eleni Raftopoulos, ...?.., Vasili Raftopoulos, Hariklia Paizis (Dellas), ..?.., Kalypso Sofianos, Themistokli Paizis. Children in front row L-R: Tasia Paizis (Tsilimidos), Stella Karanges (Dimopoulos), Lula Vasilopoulos (Psiliakos), Nina Sofianos (MIlls)The Ithacan picnics were a popular annual event on the club's calendar and gave families and friends the chance to socialise and relax away from the arduous work of their shops and cafes. Attendees would gather with the fellow villages and share their picnic lunches. A black and white photograph of twenty people having a picnic in the country . A house and hills are visible in the background as well a some trees.

Kalypso Sofianos is picutred with her granddaughter, Eva Mills at the Ithacan Philanthropic Society club rooms on the occasion of Kalypso being awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in recognition of her many years of service and involvement with the Society.The IPS award long serving members with the Honorary Life membership in recognition ofd their contribution to the club over their years of membership.A coloured photograph of an elderly lady seated with her arm around a young girl. The lady is wearing a gold medallion on a blue and gold ribbon around her neck.

Dimitri Sofianos is seated in foreground of the photograph with his two children, Nina and Spiro (Pip). They are at an annual Ithacan picnic which they always attended as a family. The annual Ithacan Philanthropic Society's picnic is a very popular event on the club's social calendar as has been the case for many years. A partly faded black and white photograph of a group of people at a picnic. In the foreground a man has his arms around a little boy and girl. A table set out with food is in the background on the RHS of the phoptograph

Anthi Chilianis and Kalypso Sofianos photographed when awarded Honorary Life membership of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in 1995. They received the medals in recognition of their years of involvement and service to the Society. Anthi Chilianis migrated from Exoghi and arrived in 1921; and Kalypso migrated from Kioni and arrived in 1936. The photograph was published in the the 'Odysseus', the newsletter of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society.The Ithacan Philanthropic Society (IPS) was formed in 1916 to support the Ithacan Greeks who had settled in Melbourne. The Club was a focal point for those early migrants and over the years. It continues to support and connect Ithacans and their families who have grown up in Australia. Honorary Life Membership is awarded to members who have made significant contribution to the IPS.A scanned black and white photograph of two ladies one is seated and the other lady is standing beside her. They are both wearing medals around their necks. Caption: Honorary Life Members, Mrs Anthi Chilianis and Mrs Kalypso Sofianos (seated), loyal IPS supporters and an inspiration to us all, after the presentation of their medals. Mrs Chilianis migrated from Exoghi in 1921 and Mrs Sofianos arrived from Kioni in 1936.

Anastasia Coutsouvelis with her two sons, 20 year old Speros and 17 year old George attended the Ithacan Ball in 1957. The function was held at the Exhibition Building in Carlton.The annual ball has been a regular and popular social event on the Ithacan Club calendar since the 1950s, where members and their families and friends have an enjoyable night. A black and white photograph with a surrounding white border of a lady and two young men standing in front of a large white urn at a formal function.

Peter John Lucas is the man in the photograph. He was born in 1929 and died in 1985. He was married to Iris Lucas (nee Flocas) and father of Geremy, Dean and Kaylene. He was passionate about his Greek Ithacan heritage and was a great supporter and valued member of the Club. Peter held the position of Vice President in the 1970s. In 1984 he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in recognition of his contribution.A black and white portrait photograph of a man in a light striped suit.

Peter and Iris Lucas attended the Ithacan Dinner Dance in 1979 when this photograph was taken. Peter was a staunch supporter of the club and in 1984 was made an Honorary Life member for his contribution to the Society.A black and white photograph of a couple at a social function.ithacan dances

The photograph is taken in the kitchen of the IPS club rooms. Left to right: Ioakeim Megalgennis Jim Kandiliotis, Antoni Razos, unknown, Tatsi Lourantos. Jim Kandiliotis was the president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society from 1965 - 66 and an Honorary Life Member. Members of the committee volunteered their time to help in the organising and catering for IPS functions held at the clubrooms.A coloured photograph of four men and a lady standing in a kitchen in front of a large range hood.

IPS committee members and special guest Spiros Arion (seated with his partner) at an Ithacan dinner dance held a The Acropol. Spiros was a well known wrestler in Australia. The Acropol was a reception business located on the top of floor of Ithaca House (level 2). The IPS club rooms were located on the first floor. Dinner dances were held at the Acropol. From L-R: Jim Kandiliotis, Stathi Raftopoulos, Alkinos Paizis (IPS president), Anastasia (Sia) Fatouros-Beasley (president of the social committee), Evangelos Metaxas?, Kiki Razos, Dennis Lourantos. Spiros arrived in Australia in July 1964 and was know in the wrestling scene under the name of 'The Golden Greek'. He joined f World Championship Wrestling where he wrestled until its end in 1978. He was a favorite among Greek wrestling fans.A black and white photograph with a crinkled edge of seven men and two ladies at a social gathering. A couple are seated at a table and the others are standing behind.

Rini Sikiotis (nee Varvarigos) and her daughter Leah at a formal function, most likely an Ithacan ball, which was an annual event on the club's social calendar. A black and white photograph with a white border of two ladies in evening dress standing in front of a double doorway.

The photo is taken at the home of Jim and Leah Kandiliotis in 1996 during the preparations for an Ithacan New Years Eve barbeque function. The tables are set up for the guests and Jim Kandiliotis is carving the meat with help from Nick Lourantos and Stathi Raftopoulos looks to be sampling the fare.Cooking meat on a spit is popular fare in Greek celebrations. A coloured photograph of three men cooking a side of lamb on a spit which is on a patio.

The photograph was taken at a function at the clubrooms held to recognize the contributions to the club over many years of several members. Pictured are members of the then Ithacan Philanthropic Society Committee and individuals being honoured. Aaron Vlass, pictured centre back row, received the award on behalf of his grandfather the late Nicholas Lucas (Lekatsas). Front L-R: Dennis Varigos, Peter (Panogiannis) Raftopoulos, Stratos Paizis, Nick Varigos, Stathi Raftopoulos. Back L-R: Dennis Katsamas, Jim Kandiliotis, Nick Sofarnos, Aaron Vlass, Nick Lourantos, Anthony Drakopoulos, Antoni RazosThe men photographed had been very active in the club in various capacities. A number are past committee members and presidents of the IPS. A coloured photograph in a brown folder of 12 men photograph in front of two honour boards. Five men are seated in the front and the remaining twelve are standing behind them. One man seated in the centre is holding a certificate.

The photograph is taken at an Ithacan Club barbeque at the home of Jim and Leah Kandiliotis. Jim is pictured wearing the hat together with friends Des Kostopoulos (left), and to the right Taki Anagnostou and Niko Vlassopoulos. A coloured photograph of four men at a backyard barbecue. They are standing in front of a brick barbecue which is near a fence.