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.

Young Greek born men who had migrated to Australia were recruited to the defence forces during World War 2. Pictured is a group belonging to Civilian Military Forces. Standing, second from the right, is Nakis (Nick) Raftopoulos.During the period of the second world war, Ithacans who were unnaturalised were recruited into the Civilian Military Forces as 'Allied Aliens' and served the war effort on the home front. Naturalised Ithacans saw active service.A black and white photograph of nine men in army uniform at a camp. Five men are standing behind the other four who are sitting in front.

Ithaca along with other Ionian Islands experienced catastrophic earthquakes in 1953 resulting in widespread devastation across the island. After the damage was assessed many of the island's residents emigrated to join family in Australia, which brought about another wave of Ithacan migration.The damage on Ithaca as a result of the earthquake caused the largest ever wave of immigration from the island which resulted in the most significant decline in the island's population.A black and white photograph showing the damage caused by the earthquake which occurred across the Ionian Islands in 1953. The interior of an entire building along with an exterior wall has collapsed. There is a tent partly visible on the LHS of the photograph and three chairs are scattered around in front of the wrecked building.

The photograph was taken after the massive earthquakes of 1953 which caused widespread destruction across Ithaca and other Ionian Islands. Many of the buildings destroyed in the earthquake could not be rebuilt and some parts of the villages became uninhabitable. This event brought about the largest mass migration from the island and a further wave of Ithacan migration to countries, such as Australia and South Africa, where relatives had already settled. The Ithacan Philanthropic Society established an Earthquake Appeal to assist their compatriots.A black and white photograph showing widespread damage done in the aftermath of an earthquake. Many houses are in ruins and there are two heaps of rubble comprising timber and metal and concrete in the foreground. Two men are walking along a track looking at the destruction in the village.

Many young men, both Ithacan born and Australian born of Ithacan descent joined the Australian Defence Forces in various capacities during World War 2. Pictured is a group of army recruits to the Civilian Military Forces with a young Stathi Raftopoulos seated in the centre - he is the only one not wearing a cap.Ithacans who were not naturalised were recruited to the Civilian Military Forces as 'Allied Aliens'.A black and white photograph of thirteen men inn army uniform sitting and relaxing in a shed.

The first official dance was held on April 23 1918, two years after the establishment of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. The celebration depicted may have been a New Years Eve function. New Year's Eve celebrations were a very popular event through to the 1990s. Dances were popular social events for the Ithacan community and an opportunity for Ithacans to socialise and enjoy Greek music and dancing. A mounted sepia photograph of a crowd of people gathered for a celebration in a dance hall which has balloons hanging from the decorative ceiling.

The photograph was taken at an annual picnic organized by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society some time during the 1940s.Taking place annually for over 100 years, the picnic is one of the oldest and most enduring events on the Ithacan Philanthropic Society's social calendar. It continues to attract large numbers and is an opportunity for the generations of Ithacans to reunite. A mounted black and white photograph of a group of men at a picnic.

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 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 photo is taken of the Northern Ithaca Platrethia school in 1932. Compulsory school education was introduced to Ithaca and the other Ionian Islands during the second half of the nineteenth century resulting in children gaining a basic education in literacy and numeracy. This is indicative of the value Greeks have placed on education.A black and white school photograph of a group of girls and boys of various ages standing in five rows. The boys are wearing striped shirts which seems to suggest they are wearing a school uniform while thew girls are not dressed in uniform.

The photograph was taken at an Ithacan picnic held at Mentone Racecourse in 1935. Members of the IPS Committee are pictured with their families together with two official guests, Father Theophylaktos Papathanasopoulos from the Melbourne Orthodox Parish, and Father Timotheos Evangelimides, the Archbishop of the Greek Church in Australia, both pictured standing in the centre of the group. Vicki Raftopoulos(Black) is seated 3rd from the left and Arthur Raftopoulos is standing 3rd from right and Stathi Trohoulas is standing far right. Melbourne's first Greek Orthodox Church 'Evangelismos' in Victoria Parade East Melbourne was consecrated in 1901. Ithacans, as members of the Greek Orthodox Community, were directly involved in its establishment. A.J.Lucas the founding president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society was one of a number of prominent Greeks who advanced funds to help with the purchase of the East Melbourne site upon which the church was built. The building of the church was financed through the contributions of funds from the local Greek community.A black and white photograph mounted on grey board of a picnic group sitting and standing around a table set out with food and drinks under trees. A bus is parked and just visible behind the group. Detail of the people in the photograph and other information is written in Greek on the back of the pghotograph.

The Greek Orthodox Community with the support of the Ithacan Community in Melbourne established a Greek Language School in the early 1930s. The teaching of the Greek language to the Australian born children of Greek parents ensured that the language and culture was maintained within the Greek community. A sepia photograph mounted on grey board of the children and teachers at the Greek language school. The people are standing and seated in five rows in front of a stage.

Bill Florence (Florias) is standing behind the counter of his Quality Lunch Service located at 3 Manchester Lane off Collins Street which he ran from 1937 - 1970. This is an example of the type of businesses, mainly food related, which Ithacan Greeks owned and ran in Melbourne's CBD from the early 1900s through to the early 1970s. They ranged from restaurants, cafes, milk bars, fruit shops and fruit barrows, flower shops, as well as fruit stalls in the Queen Victoria Market. A black and white photograph of a man dressed in a white dust coat standing behind a counter in a small sandwich bar. Behind him are the cash register and various food items and on the wall are printed cards listing the sandwiches and other snacks available. The prices are in the old imperial currency of pounds shillings and pence.

This photograph was taken when Bill Florence (Vasilis Florias) arrived in Melbourne in 1922. Many migrants on their arrival in Australia were photographed within this backdrop. Copies of these photos were often sent to their families back in their homeland.A sepia photograph of a portrait view of a man framed within a map of Australia with the words 'Welcome To' across the top of the map. Around the map are sketches of Australian bush scenes, animals and the sea.immigration

The reproduction print is of artwork depicting 'old' Vathi. Vathi is the main town and the largest settlement on the island of Ithaca in Greece, possibly established during the period of Venetian rule. The town resembles an amphitheatre, built around the coastline of one of the most natural ports of Greece. Many of the old buildings were destroyed in the catastrophic earthquakes of 1953. The length of the port is 926 m. with an entrance of 300 m. in width. It was once the main port for ferries transporting goods and people to and from the mainland. Ferries now dock at Piso Aetos. In the summer the harbour of Vathi is filled with sailing boats and yachts. During the periods of Venetian (c1500 - 1797) and English (1809 - 1864) rule, the population of Vathi grew significantly, reaching a total of 5,000 residents. During this period Vathi became an important centre for trade and commerce, political activities and legal proceedings.A black and white drawing of the harbour of Vathi . The drawing has a white surround. Printed in Italian across the top of the drawing: LUDRO LITTORICO Printed in Italian underneath the drawing: VISTA DE VATHI IN ITACAlittoricio, luadro