Stathi Raftopoulos was passionate about film and often showed movies to family and friends in his home cinema. He was a keen promoter of Greek film which he screened to the wider public as a travelling picture show man and later through the chain of Greek cinemas he was a partner in.A coloured photograph of a man standing next to a film projector in his home cinema. Two Greek film posters are on the wall behind him.

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

Part of the Tsolia traditional Costume worn by soldiers in the 16th to 19th century in the mountains of Greece. It has 400 creases depicting the 400 years Greece was under occupation by the Turks.White linen cloth dress worn by soldiers from the 16th to 19th century AD. It has 400 creases depicting the 400 years Greece was under occupation by the Turks.φουστανέλα, tsolia, costume, foustanela, dress, στολή

The photograph is of the open courtyard of the Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa which is situated on the south-eastern peak of Homeric Mt. Niritos at approx 600 metres above sea level on the Greek island of Ithaca. Panagia Kathariotissa is the patron saint of the island. The monastery is a place of great spiritual significance for the people of Ithaca. A coloured photograph of a paved courtyard in front of a double storey building with potted plants and trees around the perimeter of the yard.panagia, kathara

Severe earthquakes struck across the Ionian Islands in Greece in 1953, causing widespread devastation. Some villages were totally destroyed resulting in many people forced to relocate and a further wave of emigration to other countries, including Australia.Following the post WW2 migration from Ithaca, the earthquakes brought about yet another wave of migration from the island. It was the last most significant period of migration from the island.A black and white photograph of ruins caused by the earthquake which occurred in the Ionian Islands in 1953.

The three Lucas (Lekatsas) siblings, Peter, Nina and Andrew are photographed wearing Greek traditional costumes. The boys are wearing the uniform of the Greek Evzone soldiers, and the girl the traditional dress. They are children of Gerasimos and Kaliope (nee Zavistanos) Lekatsas.Children often wore national costumes at special Greek national day events which were usually organised by the Greek Community in conjunction with the Greek language schools. Most children of Greek background attended Greek school after hours to learn Greek language, history and culture. The national day events were an important way for Australian born children of Greek background to develop a deeper understanding of Greek history and an appreciation of their cultural heritage.A black and white studio photograph of a girl and two boys dressed in traditional Greek costumes. The girl is seated on a chair and the two boys are standing on either side of her.

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 two women photographed in traditional Greek dress are Katerini Lucas (nee Paxinos) and ? Lekatsas. The women may have been dressed as part of Greek national day celebration or concert. A sepia photograph of two women standing and dressed in identical Greek national costumes. The photograph is in post card format with an undivided back although headings indicate the message and address sides.Stamped on the back is a blue oval stamp with the photographer's details. Printed across the top: POST CARD/ BRITISH MADE.

Vathi is the main town on the Island of Ithaca, built around the natural harbour. The architecture of the town shows the influence of Venetians who ruled the island from c1500 till 1797, following which the island was ruled briefly by the French and then became a British Protectorate until unification with Greece in 1864. The original venetian style buildings were mainly destroyed in the devastating earthquakes of 1953. However, the style of building has been retained and building regulations on the island require all new buildings to adhere to the traditional architecture of the island. A coloured panoramic view of the port of Vathi. The buildings have been built along a narrow strip of coastal land at the foot of the mountain range.

Greek folk dance group in traditional Ithacan costume.A black and white photograph of group dressed in Greek traditional costume. There are four men and six women as well as a little girl and boy who are on the right hand side of the photograph.

Golden Greek style medallion featuring an image of a trireme at sea. Sitting in a black box with blue felt.On box: "ΠOΛEMIKO/ NAVTIKO" "PMA 0266/2" On medallion- "Olympias/ 1988/ Navtikh EBΔOMAΔA" on verso: "Θ/K Γ. ABEPΩΦ/ ΠOΛEMIKO NAVTIKO" "PMA 0266/1" Attached post it note: "19-9-88/ Commander of H.S Aris/ Greece"

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.

Costa and Helen Vlassopoulos (Kopela) on board a ferry in 1962 when they were holidaying in Greece with their daughters Eugenia and Anna. It was Costa's first trip back to Ithaca since he migrated to Melbourne in 1937. Costa was reunited with his parents, Dimitri and Eugenia Vlassopoulos, who had returned to Ithaca in 1958 for their retirement. Up until the 1960s very few Ithacans travelled back to Greece. However, as air travel became more common and affordable travel became more common. Today descendants of early Ithacan immigrants return to the island on a regular basis. Some have restored family homes. A black and white photograph of a lady and a man sitting on the deck of a ferry.

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

Angelika Raftopoulos is the young woman wearing a traditional Greek costume. The costume is very much in the style of the Ithacan traditional dress, with apron and headscarf. A black and white studio photograph of a young woman seated on a settee in front of a curtain. She is dressed in a traditional Greek costume from the Ionian Islands.

Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain. Colour slide in a mount. Erechtheion, Acropolis, Athens, Greece13 (Handwritten)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide

Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.Colour slide in a mount. Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens, GreeceParthenon Column (Handwritten)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide

Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.Colour slide in a mount. Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens, GreeceParthenon W.Port (Handwritten)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide

Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.Colour slide in a mount. Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens, GreeceFile No / Title / Encircled 1 (Handwritten) / START (Handwritten) / Encircled 2 (Handwritten) / 3 (Handwritten-Cancelled)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide

John Eric Wiles VX16067, refer Cat No 5410P for his service details..1) Medallion round, one side has a Greek style building depiction with date under, enscription around outside, opposite side depiction of Greece & Crete islands with flag depiction. .2) case with folding lid blue felt outer covering, inside white felt for medallion, lid has typed stuck on note. .3) Note folded over with hand writing on..1) On medallion, “Commemorate 50th anniversary of Battle of Mainland Greece & Crete 1941 - 1991” .3) Hand written, “Presented to J. E. Wiles 2/7th INF BTN, We were there”medallions, greece crete, wiles

Pictured left are Pano and Joyce Vlass (Vlassopoulos, Kopela) who are entertaining Nick Lucas (Lekatsas Spiliatsos) from Melbourne and another guest on the terrace of their Ithacan home at Akrovoulia/Krouvoulia. Pano and Joyce returned to live in Greece in the 1970s and built their family home on the island in a stunning location overlooking Frikes Bay. Many Australian Ithacans visiting the island in the summer months enjoyed Pano and Joyce's generous hospitality.A number of Ithacans, although relatively not many, made the decision to return to Greece in their retirement years. For the Vlassopoulos (Kopela) family it was common. Parents Dimitri and Eugenia returned in the late 1950s and all their children, Stathi, Pano, Niko and Erigoni all eventually retired in Athens and Ithaca. Costa was the only sibling who did not return permanently.A square coloured photograph with rounded edges of four people sitting at a table on a terrace enjoying a meal under a pergola with grape vines. kopella, peter

The photograph is taken on board an ocean liner heading for Greece. Those in Greek costumes are paseengers; the two men in civilian clothes crew members. Fourth and fifth from the left respectively are cousins Penelope Billiter (nee Kallinikos) and Athena Sikiotis. Penelope 's father Spiro Kallinikos and Athena's mother Chrisoula were siblings.Many Australian born people of Greek heritage have made trips back to their parents' homeland in a bid to learn more about their heritage and to meet family. A black and white photograph of a group some of whom are dressed in Greek national dress. The 10 women in the photograph are all in national costume; of the five men three are wearing traditional dress.

The wedding photograph of Nicholas Kakogianis to Helen Raftopoulos (Trianti) in Sydney was taken in 1937 and was later published in a Greek/Australian publication some time after 1946.A black and white photograph taken from a magazine of a large group made up of family and friends, posing on the church steps.Printed in Greek and English under the photograph:THE WEDDING OF NICHOLAS/KAKOGIANIS TO HELEN RAFTOPOULOS IN SYDNEY IN 1937 weddings, families

The photo taken in Ithaca Greece was sent to Jim Kandiliotis in Australis from his sibling Sotiris Sikiotis who was a solicitor on the island. Back row from left, Kosta Skiotis, Odysseas Sikiotis, Irini Varvarigos Sikiotis, Gerasimos Sikiotis, Panos Steriopoulos (Martha's son). Seated left Galatia Sikiotis, Nona Kalliopi Sikiotis. Kneeling left Panos Sikiotis (Gerasimo's son), Martha Sikiotis. Missing from the photo is sibling Sotiris Sikiotis.A sepia photograph with a white crinkled border of a family group. There are four men and four ladies and a young boy in the group. They are standing in a garden next to a house.Written on the back in pencil: In the picture from left Back row. Dad, Uncle Oddessey, Mum, Yiatros. Panos 2, son of Martha, M.Row. Aunty Yalateia, Nona Front row. Panos (son of Yia & Pa), Aunty Martha. With love all of us. If I send you photos don't throw away.

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

Following World War 2, Greece descended into civil war which lasted from 1946 - 1949. Young men from Ithaca fought in this war, including Nikos Vlassopoulos (Kopela) pictured centre back row. Following the war Niko together with his mother, Eugenia, migrated to Australia in 1950 where he joined his father Demetri who had been in Australia since 1922 and brothers, Stathi, Pano and Costa who had left Ithaca for Australia in the 1930s. In the early years of Ithacan migration, many husbands left their families and migrated to various countries that offered opportunities. Demetri and Eugenia had been separated for almost 30 years before they reunited in 1950. Prior to leaving for Australia Demetri had also spent time in America. Women were left to bring up children on their own during times of hardship and periods of war. A black and white photograph with crimped edges of eight young men sitting amongst low growing shrubbery having a meal break. Two men are standing each end of the group holding guns.kopella

Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.Colour slide in a mount. King George Hotel, Athens, Greece, 1930Athens / Hotel / King George V Hotel / Constitution Square (All Handwritten)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide

The identity card was issued to Speros Defteros who was a participant in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. He was a member of the Greek wrestling team and competed in the light heavy weight freestyle event. Although at the time of the Games Spiros was residing in Australia (Bentleigh Victoria) he was still a Greek national and therefore could compete in the Greek team. A coloured photograph of a competitor's card for the Greek Olympic team for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. The card includes a photograph of the competitor, his details and the sport he is competing in.

A photograph on the wedding day of Erigoni (Nitsa) Vlassopoulos (Kopela) and Kyriakos Kyriakakis in Ithaca. Freda Lucas (nee Benias) pictured on the left is the flower girl. The couple migrated to Australia in the 1950s and settled in Red Cliffs near Mildura where they ran the Vlass family business, The Golden Key café. Erigoni is the daughter of Dimitri and Eugenia Vlassopoulos and sister of Stathis, Panos, Costas and Nikos. Nitsa and Kyriako had three children, George and Eugenia born in Ithaca and Dimitri (Jim) born in Red Cliffs. Nitsa and Kyriako eventually retired in Greece.A black and white photograph edged with a crinkle cut white border of bride and her flower girls with a man and a lady standing on each side of her. They are standing in an open area with shrubs growing behind them