From its earliest days, the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has conducted an annual family picnic held at country towns on Melbourne's urban fringe. For many years Bacchus Marsh was a popular venue where this picnic group was photographed. Women would prepare delicious traditional Greek food and families would group together to enjoy a wonderful picnic spread. The annual Ithacan Picnic has been a very important event on the society's social calendar. In the early days, as many of the families ran family businesses such as fruit shops, fish shops and cafes, Sunday was the only break they had away from their work. The picnic gave them a chance to relax and to catch up with extended family and friends. Today the picnic continues to be an extremely popular day for the members where generations of Australian Ithacans get the opportunity to reunite. A black and white photograph of a large group at a picnic standing and sitting around and enjoying a picnic meal which has been spread out on the ground. Three cars are parked in the background under the trees.

The photograph was taken in Brisbane in June 2017 when seven Melbourne IPS members arrived in Brisbane on an interstate trip, during which they caught up with members of Brisbane's Ithacan community. Over the years the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has organised a number of interstate trips to visit fellow Ithacans who have settled in other Australian capital cities. Interstate trips have provided the opportunity for family reunions and also served to maintain the links of the Ithacan community across Australia. Soon after the establishment of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society was established in Melbourne in 1916, there was a move by the committee to expand their footprint and it established representatives in every capital city. Ultimately the vision of a national society was not realised.A coloured digital photograph of seven ladies sitting at a table in a cafe.

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

The Ithacan Philanthropic Society's annual picnic has been held at various locations over the years, including Mount Evelyn, Bacchus Marsh, and in latter years at the reserve at Ferny Creek at which this photo is taken. Running races have been a highlight of the picnics. Pictured on the left are Dennis Katsamas, Anthony Drakopoulos and Greg Varigos together with the place-getters displaying their medals. The annual Ithacan Picnic has always been an important and popular social event for members and friends of the Ithacan Society. The first picnic was held in 1918. A coloured photograph of a picnic scene.

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

Taken at the Ithacan Ball held at Earls Court, St. Kilda in 1948, the photograph is of members of the then Ladies Auxiliary. Pictured are from L-R: Loula Sikiotis-Kostos , Loulou Varvarigos, Ekaterini Sofianos (Pres.) Nancy Paxinos (Vice-president), Nina Varvarigos, Athanasia (Sia) Andrews, Effie Cominos-Raftopoulos. In 1991 Sia Andrews was the first woman to be elected president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. Although women were not permitted to become “Active Members” of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society until 1985, they played an important role in maintaining the social cohesion of the Ithacan community. Through organising social events such as the annual ball they also helped to connect the various generations of Ithacans to the Society.A black and white photograph of seven ladies dressed in evening attire and standing in front of a curtain. Stamped on the back : PHOTO CRAFT LABORATORIES PTY.LTD/ 99 NICHOLSON STREET/FOOTSCRAY, W.11./ Previous numbers have been hand written W254/1 S15

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.

Photographed from left, Evgenia Raftopoulos and Nina Black (Mavrokefalos) collecting money for the 1943 - 44 Lord Mayor's Bush Fire Appeal. The bush fires raged across Victoria and in particular in areas very close to Melbourne's rural fringe such as Beaumaris. Members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society joined other groups to collect funds for this worthy cause. Both ladies were very active in the community. Since it was established in 1917, the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has supported and continues to support many worthy causes both in Greece and Australia . A black and white photograph of two ladies dressed in Greek national costume collecting money for a cause. A little child is putting money in one of the tins while a lady watches on.

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 certificate and medal were presented to Kalypso Sofianos when she was made an honorary life member of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society (IPS) in recognition of her contribution to the society. The certificate is written in Greek. Kalypso was presented with the award at the 1995 Members' Christmas Luncheon held at Ithaca House. Nominations for Honorary Life Membership of the IPS must be approved at an Annual General Meeting and endorsed by the Executive Committee. A scanned copy of a framed certificate printed on blue paper with black printing which has been framed in a brown marbled pattern with gold trim. A gold medal on a blue and gold ribbon has been framed with the certificate.Written in upper case lletters in Greek: HONORARY LIFE MEMBER

Michael's Building was the club rooms for the Ithacan Philanthropic Society from its inception in 1916 until 1958 when the society acquired its own building at 329 Elizabeth Street.The Ithacan Club occupied the first and second floors of Michael's Building. A 'kafeneo' was located on the first floor and social activities such as dances, children's parties and Christmas and New Year's celebrations were held on the second floor. For many of the early Ithacan migrants to Melbourne, the Ithacan Philanthropic Society was like a home away from home. It gave them a sense of belonging and security within their community.A coloured photograph of a three storey building in Melbourne. It is a photographic retail shop as there are boards over the verandah advertising various photograph icx items.

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. town hall cafe, cafes, a.j. lucas, capitol theatre

Social functions were organised by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society at their club rooms from the early days of the club's inception. These functions were well attended and gave Ithacans a chance to relax and socialise away from their businesses and workplaces. During the 50s and 60s 'Tuesday night dances' were a regular event . They were held on Tuesday evenings as there was no market for fruiterers on Wednesday mornings. The couple on the dance floor are Arthur Papanikolaou and Mary Bouris. A glossy black and white photograph of a couple smartly dressed on a dance floor. The photograph has a white border.On the back in pencil: A Too98/ 5T80/6X

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.

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.

Pictured in Ithaca are Stathi and Spiro Alexandratos who are the brothers of Yianni Alexandratos who lived in Melbourne until returning to live permanently in Greece with his wife Zoi and children Penny and George in the early 1970s. In the early 1900s their father Giorgos Alexandratos was a partner in the 'Alexandra Bros' London Café at 25 Elizabeth Street. Giorgos was a founding member of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. He eventually returned permanently to Ithaca where his three sons were born.A small black and white photograph of two men dressed in suits standing in a rock garden and in front of a tall prickly pear cactus. The small photograph is surrounded with a white frame.Written in Greek on the back: STATHIS ALEXANDROS SPIROS ALEXANDROScafes, alexandratos brothers

The photograph was taken at a gathering held at the Victoria Theatre in Victoria Street Richmond in 1961. The function was held to celebrate 25th March Greek National Day. Seated in the front row second from the left with other dignitaries is Stathi Vlass who was Secretary of Melbourne's Greek Community during the 60s. He was also president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society 1957 - 1959. Fifth from the left is Stathi's uncle, Spiros Raftopoulos who was the President of the Greek Returned Soldiers. Important national days for the Greek community are the 25 March and 28 October. 25 March commemorates the start of the Greek Revolution of 1821; it honors the Greeks' fight for freedom after being occupied by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. The 28th of October, known as OXI day (NO day) commemorates the rejection by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28 October 1940 with a resounding NO. Subsequently Italy invaded Greece but were successfully repelled by the Greeks, delivering one of the first allied victories. However, this was met with a forceful and immediate response when In April 1941 Germany invaded Greece. Greek resistance fighters — a combination of right and left wing partisan groups — mounted a sustained guerrilla war throughout the 4 year occupation. Greece suffered 400,000 casualties during the occupation.A copied black and white photograph of a group of people seated in a large auditorium. CELEBRATION OF THE GREEK NATIONAL DAY HELD IN THE VICTORIA THEATRE/ VICTORIA ST. RICHMOND IN 1661(incorrect date) vlassopoulos

The photograph was taken in Platrithia one of the northern villages on the island of Ithaca. The people identified are: back right G. Digaletos, the coach, and beside him Stathi Raftopoulos who was in Ithaca at the time; third from the right is D. Paizis and I. Kalis. The Platrithia football no longer exists due to the declining population. The Northern Ithaca Football team now represents all the villages of the north. Since 2014 the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has sponsored the junior Northern Ithaca Football club.A black and white photograph of the Platrithia Football team taken in 1951. Seventeen men are photographed in the team with four of them crouched in the front and the other thirteen members standing behind them.Marking in Greek: Footbal team of Platrithia, 1951. Right: Coach G. Digaletos.

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

The Ithacan Philanthropic Society has been donating to the Royal Children's Hospital since 1922. Easter fundraiser functions have been held at the clubrooms to support the annual Children's Hospital Appeal. The photo shows a group of IPS members presenting a cheque for $10000 to the hospital's Good Friday Appeal. Pictured presenting the cheque to the appeal organisers are committee members Dennis Katsamas, Paul Karavias, Tony Drakopoulos (President) and Kristalenia Collins, together with young three young members.The Ithacan Philanthropic Society is proud of its long held tradition of being a truly philanthropic society and every year donates to worthy causes.A coloured photograph of a lady, three men, a girl and two boys holding a large cheque to the value of $ 10 000 made out to the Royal Children's Hospital. A crowd of people are standing behind there group in a large hallway.

The photograph was taken at an Ithacan Philanthropic Society annual picnic held at Bacchus Marsh. The men picture are all wearing badges. People attending the picnics received a medallion shaped badge which they wore while at the picnic. Race officials also wore a special badge (with ribbon) to identify them. Pictured standing from left to right, Alkinos Paizes, Gerasimos Raftopoulos (Bourlotos) and Spiros Paizis-Danias; seated from left to right Orpheas (?), Andreas Papadopoulos, Andreas Zavitsanos, Stathi Kallinikos and Con Zervos. A sepia photograph of eight men photographed in a park. Three are standing behind five men who are seated. The names of the men are written in Greek on the back of the photograph. vendouras, alkinoos

The 'Alexandra Bros' London Café at 25 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (close to Flinders Street Station) was owned by brothers John and George Alexandratos (Alexander) who migrated to Australia from the village of Frikes in Ithaca, Greece in the early years of the twentieth century. As well as selling fruit and confectionery, afternoon teas were served and wedding parties were catered for. The London Café became one of Melbourne's fashionable cafes at the time. George and John Alexandratos were founding members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society which was formed in October 1916.Many Greeks who migrated from Ithaca during the first half of the twentieth century and settled in Melbourne opened cafes in the city. Many of these cafes employed fellow Ithacans upon their arrival in Melbourne.A non-digital black and white photograph of the interior of the London Cafe at 25 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Written on the photograph: Interior of/ Alexandra Bros/ London Cafe/ 25 Elizabeth St. Melbourne Fruit, confectionery, afternoon tea /Wedding parties a speciality/Attention and civility assured.london cafe, alexandros bros, cafes, businesses

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.

The photograph was taken at an annual Ithacan Philanthropic Society picnic some time in the mid to late 1930s. The men appear to be lined up for a running race, a highlight of the picnic. First on the left is Andreas Papadopoulos president at the time (president from 1934-39); man in suit in the background unknown; Diogenes Cominos, Hector Andrews (Anagnostatos); George Kouvalias (behind him is Nick Fatouros (Fisher)); Spiros Digaletos, a keen wrestler as a a young man; Peter Zavitsanos (Shanos); Peter Drakopoulos; Stratos Paizis; Nick Mavrokefalos (Black).The Ithacan Greeks who settled in Melbourne between the two world wars worked long hours in their family businesses, however, Sunday was a day set aside for socialising within their community. A much anticipated event was the annual picnic where families gathered for the day at a picnic ground on the outskirts of Melbourne, such as Bacchus Marsh, Werribee and Mount Evelyn. The picnic today is still an important event in the club's social calendar. A scanned bl;ack and white photograph of eight men and the starter lined up before the start of a race at an outdoor function with onlookers behind the group. two of the men are dressed in shorts and singlet while some others in the group have rolled up their suit trousers and are wearing running shoes.

The photograph was taken when Kalypso Sofianos (nee Raftopoulos), seated in the front, was presented with her Honorary Life Membership of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society on the 4 June 1995. She is surrounded by her family: Front, her son and daughter Spiros (Pip) Sofianos and Nina Mills. At the back from L-R: Theone Sofianos, Kevin Mills, Eva Mills and Nick and Lynne Sofarnos. Kalypso arrived in Australia in 1936 from Ithaca and in 1937 she married Dimitrios Sofianos, also from Ithaca.The Honorary Membership is awarded to long time active members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in recognition of their years of service they have given to the Society and the wider community. A coloured photograph of five women and three men standing and seated in a room. A table with refreshments can be seen behind the group and there are some decorations on the wall behind them. One of the men and two of the women are seated in front and the rest of the group are standing behind them.

The photograph was taken at the Ithacan Philanthropic Society's Year 12 Awards functions. Children of Ithacan Club members who have successfully completed Year 12 are awarded a bursary to assist them in their further studies Pictured is one of the award recipients, Bianca Levis, who is displaying her certificate. Also in the photo from L-R: Dimitri Dollis, a member of the Victorian Parliament at the time, Bianca's parents - Helen (nee Stratos) and Bill Levis, Bianca Levis, Tony Drakopoulos IPS President and Koula Stratos (Bianca's grandmother).The awarding of bursaries to successful Year 12 students reflects the importance the Ithacan Philanthropic Society places on education and further study.A coloured photograph of three men and three women standing in front of a photograph at a function. The youngest lady is holding a certificate in her hand. There is a potted plant at the far RHS of the photo.

The photograph was taken at the 1976 Annual Ithacan Philanthropic Society Ball which celebrated 60 years since the formation of the society. This group of loyal supporters of the IPS are about to blow out the 60 candles to mark the occasion. Most of the ladies in the photograph arrived in Australia from Ithaca during the first half of the twentieth century. They are photographed with Peter Lucas, who served on the IPS Committee for many years. The ladies are from L-R: Dora Callis, Kalypso Sofianos, Anthoula (Anthi) Chilianis, Matina Dracoulis, Ioulia Raftopoulos, Kassiana Raftopoulos, Aspasia Flocas. A coloured photograph of eight ladies and a man in evening attire standing around a large decorated cake. Two musicians are standing on a dais behind the group.

Arthur and Aspasia (Sia) Koutsouvelis and Aspasia's mother, Ioulia Raftopoulos along with Helen and Andrew Yiannis, Arthur's sister and brother-in-law pictured outside the Evangelismos Orthodox Church in East Melbourne in 1956. Ioulia Raftopoulos nee Sicotis arrived in Australia from South Africa in 1926. She married George Raftopoulos, who migrated to Australia in 1908 from Frikes and was a founding member of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. He and his brother Arthur worked in the Spot Cafe in the 1940s and 1950s. George and Ioulia had two daughters, Effie and Aspasia (Sia). Family celebrations were a very important part of Ithacan social life especially weddings and baptisms. A black and white photograph of three smartly ladies and two men standing outside a brick building. They are all wearing overcoats.

In the early days of Ithacan Philanthropic Society most of the men, many of whom were single, worked around the CBD. The would gather at the club rooms at lunch times and after work to socialise, learn news from back home and sometimes enjoy a game of cards. The 'Club' was a home away from home for these men. Decades later, in the 1990s retired members often met at the clubrooms to play a social game of cards. The men photographed are from L-R: Bill Benias, Stathi Raftopoulos and Nicholas Raftopoulos; all were long time members of the Ithacan Club.A black and white photograph of three men sitting around a table and playing cards.

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.