The photograph was taken at a conference of expatriate Ithacan Greeks which took place in Vathi, Ithaca on 17 July 1976. Stathi Raftopoulos attended the conference and is seated at the table, second from the right.A conference of expatriate Ithacan Greeks indicates the close ties which remained between the Ithacans who remained in Greece and those who had settled in other countries. Many Greeks who settled in Melbourne in the early years of last century were from Ithaca. A black and white photograph of seven men and a lady sitting around a table at a meeting in a hall. There is an audience of fourteen people sitting on chairs. The speaker is barely visible in the extreme LHS of the photographThe details of the photographer and the event have been stamped on the back of the photograph in Greek.

The photograph was taken at an Ithacan picnic during the running races. IPS committee members, L-R Stathi Raftopoulos, Michael Black and Nick Varigos are presenting prizes of tennis rackets to race winners.The annual Ithacan picnic which is held towards the end of summer is a popular event allowing friends and families to mingle and relax. The running races are a popular feature for the young.A black and white photograph of a crowd of people outdoors. Two men are holding wrapped tennis rackets while another man is talking to a child in the group.

Panayotis Raftopoulos is standing outside his fish shop and café, the Leura Café in Camperdown. He was one of a number of Ithacans who moved into a regional area in that state and opened a retail food business.While a lot of the Ithacans who settled in Victoria established themselves in fruit retailing and/or cafes, some worked in fish wholesale and retail businesses and a number of them moved out into the regional towns in that state and opened shops and cafes in those towns. The Leura Cafe was one example of this. A black and white photograph of a man wearing a white apron stranding outside a fish and chip shop and cafe.

Stathi Raftopoulos presents Koula Megalogenis with an award from the running races held at annual picnic. The awards were presented at a function which took place in the Ithacan Philanthropic Society's club rooms.A coloured photograph of a man shaking the hands of a young girl s, who is holding a trophy. Another lady is standing in the background.

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.

The photograph was taken at arrival of the champion Greek wrestler, Jim Londros at Moorabin Airport on 26 November 1946. He was welcomed by members of the Greek community in Melbourne which included Stathi Raftopoulos, B. Dervenis, Spiro Raftopoulo -President of Greek Returned Soldierss, Mr Hatzis, Dr. Haralambos Paroulakis and Ioannis Panagiotopoulos. Jim Londros visited Australia after his retirement from wrestling in 1946. In retirement he worked for various charitable organizations especially for the Greek orphans of World War II. The photograph was published in the Greek newspaper 'Fos'.Greeks have enjoyed the sport of wrestling since ancient times. So the visit to Australia of a former Greek wrestling champion, and one who also devoted his time to helping others, would have been an important event for members of Melbourne's Greek community in 1946. Mr Ioannis Panagiotopoulos was publisher of the 'Fos' newspaper, the only Greek newspaper at the time. Dr Paroulakis arrived in Australia late 1930s and practised 55 Collins Street till 1987. He was Head of Outpatients and Physician at St, Vincent's Hospital for 22 years. Born in Crete he also served as President of Melbourne's Cretan Brotherhood, A black and white photograph of six men standing outdoors. All the men are dressed in suits. One is also wearing a tweed coat and four are wearing hats. Written under the photograph in Greek: MEMBERS OF THE GREEK COMMUNITY AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF JIM LONDROS/ WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPION/ AT MOORABIN AIRPORT IN 1946. (PH. BY THE AUTHOR)wrestling, jim londros

The photograph features Anastasios Vlassopoulos (Kioukiouris) with his three daughters-in-law, Ekaterini, Korina and Elena, and three little grandsons. They are from L-R: Ekaterina (nee Paxinos), Korina (nee Raftopoulos), John, Anastasios, baby Aleko held by his grandfather Anastasios, Elena (nee Raftopoulos) and Peter. The photograph was taken in the village of Lahos shortly before Ekaterina and son Peter emigrated to Australia to be reunited with her husband, John. Elena remained in Ithaca, as did Korina whose son Aleko Vlassopoulos migrated to Australia following World War 2. Ithacan migration to Australia before World War 2 was unassisted. Generally it followed a pattern of chain migration with family members following one another. The men arrived first with the intention of either returning or saving enough money to bring their wives and families out when they had become financially established. Most men did not return. Some families were reunited while some wives and children never saw their husbands and fathers again.A black and white photograph of a family group of seven people - an elderly man, three young women, two little boys and and a baby.chain. migration

Pictued on the right is Eugenia Vlass-Tsalikis at a function held at the MacRobertson Girls' High school in honour of former student, the late Loula Rodopoulos (nee Raftopoulos) who was a member of the Victorian Women's Trust Board. A coloured photograph of three women at a function.

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.

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.

Eula Collins (nee Flocas) and Nina Mills (nee Sofianos) at a function at MacRobertson Girls' High School to honour past student, the late Loula Rodopoulos (nee Raftopoulos). Nina Mills and Loula Rodopoulos were cousins. Loula Rodopoulos was one of the earliest women of Ithacan Greek descent to become active in the academic world within the broader Australian community. A coloured photograph of two ladies chatting and enjoying a drink at a function.

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 people in the wedding group photograph are back L-R: Aspasia (Sia) Koutsouvelis nee Raftopoulos, Bride and Groom - unknown, Arthur Koutsouvelis. Front L-R: First cousins Harry Koutsouvelis and Mary Iannis and the bridesmaid unknown.A black and white studio photograph of a wedding group comprising the bride and groom, best man and matron of honour, junior bridesmaid and a page boy and flower girl. Some of the names of the people in the photograph have been written across the bottom of the mounted photograph.

This is the marriage certificate of Dimitri and Kalypso (nee Raftopoulos) Sofianos. The marriage took place in 1937 at the only Greek Orthodox Church in Victoria, the 'Evangelismos' in Victoria Parade, East Melbourne. The couple met following Kalypso's arrival in Australia in 1936.A scanned copy of a marriage certificate which contains details of the bride and groom including place of marriage, age, place of birth, occupations , residence, parents details, the priest/celebrant, the date of the marriage and the signatures of the witnesses.

Harry Koutsouvelis was photographed with his mother, Aspasia (Sia) Koutsouvelis nee Raftopoulos at his wedding reception which was held at Lincoln Receptions in Toorak Road, Toorak. Harry and Kris Yaramanis were married on 19 January 1991. A coloured photograph of a lady and man sitting at a table at a social function in a reception venue.

The soldiers are pictured at Camp Pell, Royal Park Melbourne where a large military camp was located during World War 2. On the right is Naki Raftopoulos who served with the Australian Civilian Military Forces during World War 2. 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. Royal Park was used as a temporary army camp during both world wars. Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour and the entry of the United States into World War II, the camp was used to house some of the 250,000 Americans stationed in Australia. A black and white photograph of two soldiers standing behind a fallen tree trunk at a camp and shaving.army

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.

Iris Lucas was a guest at a function at MacRobertson Girls' High School organised to honour the late Loula Rodopoulos (nee Raftopoulos). Both Loula and Iris grew up in the Ithacan community and were also students at MacRobertson Girls' High School.A coloured photograph of two ladies who have attended a function,

The photo is of the Paizis family taken in 1915 in Perth Western Australia. Picture standing is Nikolaos Paizis (business name N. Black); seated l-r: Thalia Paizis (Papadopoulos), Maria Paizis (Kezos), Chrysaida Paizis, Diamanto Paizis (Raftopoulos).A mounted sepia studio family photograph of a man, 2 ladies and two young girls. The man is standing whilst the two ladies and young girls are seated.

Kalypso Sofianos (nee Raftopoulos) is standing 3rd from the left in the back row. The others in the group have not been identified. The ladies are all smartly dressed, wearing overcoats and some also wearing hats, indicating that are attending a special function in Ithaca.A black and white photograph off seven ladies dressed in overcoats while some are also wearing hats and standing on a paved area. A priest is standing with the group. They have been photographed in front of a house.

The soldiers are pictured at Camp Pell, Royal Park Melbourne where a large military camp was located during World War 2. On the left is Stathi Raftopoulos, one of a number Ithacans who served in the Civilian Military Forces during World War 2.A number of Ithacan Greek men and Australian born men of Ithacan descent served in the Australian defence forces during World War 2. 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 photograph of two soldiers standing in from of a tent at an army camp.

Pictured left to right are: Stathi Raftopoulos, Sotiris Sikiotis, Anthi Chilianis and Stratos Paizis all of whom are Honorary Life Member of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. The photo is taken at the clubrooms at a New Year's Eve function and they are cutting the traditional New Year 'Vasilopita' cake. A coloured photograph of a lady and three men standing behind a table. One of the men is preparing to cut a traditional New Year's cake. Hanging on the wall behind is a large photograph of Vathi.

Pictured are Dimitrios and Kalypso (nee Raftopoulos) Sofianos following their engagement or soon after their wedding in 1937. They were both from the same village of Kioni and became engaged soon after Kalypso's arrival in 1936. Dimitrios was well settled in Melbourne having arrived in 1914. A black and white photograph of a young lady and man standing in a garden.

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 three ladies are from L-R: Parthenope Raftoppoulos (nee Kostopoulos) and her sisters-in-law, Ivy Kostopoulos (nee Peake) married to Spero Kostopoulos, and Sophia Kostopoulos (nee Vrettos) who was married to Othon Kostopoulos. Parthenope lived in Sydney and was married to Gerasimos Raftopoulos. A coloured photograph of three ladies at a social function.

Nikolaos Paizis and Stathi Raftopoulos photographed by the Yarra River in Kew. Both men were much loved poets in Melbourne's Ithacan community and would be called upon to recite at various social functions. Nikolaos was known as 'the Poet' (Ο Ποιητής) amongst Melbourne's Ithacan community.A scanned black and white photograph of two men standing in a garden.

The photograph of Kalypso Raftopoulos (on the RHS of the group) is taken in Ithaca before she emigrated to Australia in 1936. In 1937 she married Dimitrios Sofianos and they had two children, Spiro and Nina. Kalypso and Dimitrios owned and operated a fish shop in Burwood, Melbourne for close to 30 years. A photograph of three women sitting on a rocky hillside overlooking a village and church in the distance. The girl in the middle of the group is waving to someone. There are mountains in the distance.

Toula Black (Mavrokefalou) is seated with her 2 year old daughter Rita on her knee. Her older daughter, Nina, is crouched down beside her. Toula's brother, John Raftopoulos, is standing behind them. John came from America and eventually settled in Brisbane.A black and white photograph of a man and lady with two little girls. They are in a garden and the man is standing behind the seated group.

The Spot Cafe at 281 Elizabeth Street was established in 1912 and was owned by Athanasios Raftopoulos, Michalis Mavrokefalos ands Anastasios Flocas. The waiter standing second from the left is Hector Andrews. It was one of the many cafes owned and operated by Ithacans in the Melbourne CBD during the first half of the twentieth century.A black and white photograph mounted on grey board with a darker grey border.Three men and a lady, who are employees, are standing outside a cafe. Two of the men are waiters, the lady is in a white uniform and the other man is wearing a white apron over his trousers and shirt.restaurants, ithacan businesses

Michael Black (Mavrokefalos) is the soldier photographed leaning against the car. During WWII young Ithacan Greek men living in Australia enlisted with the Australian Defence Forces in various capacities. Michael was president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society from 1981 - 1985. He was married to Vicki Black (nee Raftopoulos). Young Ithacan born men 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 a man dressed in army trousers, webbed belt and jumper standing beside a motor vehicle.world war 2