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

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 group pictured are young Ithacan girls who were taught by Olga Black and they are wearing the traditional Ithacan dress. The group performed at various IPS events including the annual ball, Christmas parties. Both Olga and her sister Nina, taught Greek dancing to many people over the years, both Greek and non Greek. Many young Australian born people of Ithacan descent develop a greater appreciation and awareness of the Greek and Ithacan culture through learning traditional dances.A coloured photograph of a dancing group dressed in a Greek costumes. In the group there are five older girls and a younger girl as well as one boy.

The Ithacan Philanthropic Society Executive Committee 1991. Pictured L-R: Back row - Dennis Katsamas, George Coutsouvelis, Anthony Drakopoulos, John Tscoucalas, Christos Lourantos. Front row - Antoni Razos, Maria Dellas, Sia Andrews (President), Helen Vlass, Nick LourantosAlthough women played a very active role in the organisation of social functions and fund raising activities, they were not eligible to become full members until 1985 after which they could also be elected to the executive committee. Prior to this there was a Ladies' Committee formed in 1944 which organised social events. Sia Andrews, Maria Dellas and Helen Vlass were the first women to be elected to the executive committee in 1985. In 1991, in the Society's 75th year, Sia Andrews became the first female president. A coloured photograph of the executive committee of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society photographed standing in front of an honour board. Five men are standing behind three women and two men who are seated.

Picture taken at a social function at the first floor clubrooms of the IPS. The musician is David Davidopoulos who regularly entertained members at club functions. Seated at table on the left is Nina Vlassopoulos, Mr & Mrs Panos Lekatsas (Lizis) and Spiro Vlassopoulos; opposite on the right - Bill Benias, Freda Lucas, Lula and Peter Black. Hector Petalas is pictured on the next table. A coloured photograph of nine people sitting around as table with a musician behind them who is singing. ithaca house

The architecture of Ithaca has been influenced by various cultures in particular by the Venetian and British periods of rule. The house pictured is typical of many of the dwellings found on Ithaca built of stone which is sourced locally. Stone buildings are ideal for the climate of the island, retaining the heat in winter and cooler in summer. Sadly the catastrophic earthquakes of 1953 resulted in the widespread destruction on the many of the island's old buildings. Being one of the smaller and less accessible islands of Greece Ithaca fortunately has been spared inappropriate development and thus able to retain its authenticity and beautiful character. A coloured photograph of a double storey stone house with a tiled roof. A flight of stairs leads from the road to the elevated front door. At the bottom of the stairway there is a single storey stone building. Three trees are growing at the street level across the front of the house. architecture, houses

Vathi is the main town of Ithaca where the municipal offices, local high school, medical centre and other services are located. It is one of the most natural ports in Greece. Ferries from the mainland used to dock at Vathi however, now arrive at the port of Piso Aetos. In middle of the harbour is the tiny islet of Lazaretos where the church of Ag Sotiros (the Saviour) stands. During the period of English rule, Lazaretos functioned as a quarantine station. The buildings erected by the British later served as a prison. However these were destroyed during the earthquakes of 1953 and later demolished. Lazaratos is now popular with young couples who chose to marry in the church. A coloured photograph overlooking the harbour of Vathi, the main town and port on Ithaca. Houses are built around the water's edge and along the lower slopes of the mountains. A small islet, known as Lazaretos, is visible in the middle of the harbour. harbours, vathi

June Black (left) and Eula Collins and Eula's granddaughter Eartha Collins-Plant at a function at Ithaca House.A coloured photograph of three ladies at a function.

The top floor of Michael's Building situated on the corner of Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets in Melbourne served as the club rooms for the Ithacan Philanthropic Society for forty years from 1918 to 1958, up until when the society built their own club rooms, Ithaca House, at 327 Elizabeth Street. Ithaca House has been the permanent home of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society since 1958.A black and white photograph of a two storey building with a cantilever verandah at street level on a corner in the CBD. The upper two storeys have casement windows around the two sides of the building with a round protruding structure at the corner of the building.

The photograph was taken in a the kitchen at the Acropol Reception Hall, on the top level of Ithaca House. Jim Kandiliotis is on the LHS with Dimos and Uncle Jerry.A black and white photograph with a crinkled edge of three men standing in a commercial kitchen.

Pano ( Peter) Paxinos pictured filming an annual children's Christmas party held at the Ithaca House clubrooms. Pano has captured many Ithacan events on video. The children's Christmas Tree party together with the annual picnic are the two events that continue to draw young families and each new generation to the Ithacan club. Adults all have fond memories of the annual Christmas Tree and picnic.A coloured photograph of a man sitting on a chair and photographing people in the room at an event.

Toula Kandiliotis and her daughter Alex attended the art exhibition organized by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in 1991 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the club. The event took place at Ithaca House. A coloured photograph of two ladies standing in from of a display of art works.

Carol and Nick Lourantos pictured right and Carol's sister and Maria Lourantos on the left, were attending an art exhibition organized by the Ithacan Philanthropic Society to celebrate the club's 75th anniversary in 1991. The event took place at Ithaca House. A coloured photograph or three ladies and a man standing in front of some art works at an exhibition.

The Karametos family at the Year 12 Awards function at Ithaca House. Standing at the back from L-R: Anna Maria Megalogenis, Barbara and Jason Karametos and Ioakeim Megalogenis. Seated in the front from L-R: Stavros and Froso Karametos, and Eleni and George Karametos.Since its inception the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has held many functions throughout each year, some with a philanthropic purpose while others have been social functions. These events have given the members a sense of belonging and keep family and friendship groups together.A coloured photograph of a family group of three generations. There are four men and four women in the group. Two men and two ladies are seated in the front and the others are standing behind them.

The group were photographed at a dance held at Ithaca House some time in the late 1960s. Photographd from L-R: .?. Razos and Maria Lourantos, Athena Zafiratos (nee Mavrokefalos) and Nick Zafiratos and one of their daughters, unknown, unknow, Nina Raftopoulos, John Raftopoulos and John Razos.The building of Ithaca House, clubrooms of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society, was completed in 1958 and continues to be the meeting place and for members of the Society. Over the years the club has held many successful social functions for members at Ithaca House. During 1960s the Ithacan Philanthropic Society held regular dances on Tuesday nights at their club rooms which were very popular. The dances were held on Tuesday nights because many of the members were either stall holders in local markets or had fruit shops in the suburbs and they did not have to start early the following morning because the retail market was closed on Wednesdays.A black and white photograph of four ladies and four men with three girls seated around a table at a social function.

George Papadopoulos and Sia Andrews, president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society, pictured at an art exhibition which was organised by the Society in 1991 as part of the its 75th anniversary celebrations. The event took place at Ithaca House and featured the works of Ithacan artists. Sia Andrews was the first woman president of the IPS.A coloured photograph of a lady and a man standing in front of a painting which is hanging on a wall.

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

A group of family and friends at an Ithacan dinner dance function held on 12 October 1960 at the Rex function centre which was on the top floor of Ithaca House in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Seated around the table from left to right: ...?... Evangelos Drakopoulos, Loula Anagnostatou, Kassiani Raftopoulos, Mihali Kostopoulos, ....?... , Antoni Servos, Poppy Kostopoulos, Andreas Anagnostatos, Stathis Raftopoulos, ....?... Katina Kostopulos, Omiros Dellaportas. Black & white photograph of a group of 9 men and 5 women seated around a table at a function, dressed in formal wear. Photo has white border.Written in Greek on the back; AFTER 46 YEARS.

The event was held to celebrate the launch of a book written by Andreas Anagnostatos. His book, Λαογραφικα 'Ανἁλεκτα της Ιθἁκης', written in Greek, documents Ithacan cultural and folkloric heritage. The launch was held at Ithaca House in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Andreas was born in Ithaca and migrated to Australia in 1957 to join his brothers Hector and George Anagnostatos (Andrews). He eventually retired in Ithaca where he wrote and published several books about Ithaca. A coloured photograph of a group of people at a social function and enjoying refreshments in a large room.Information about the event has been written in Greek on the back of the photograph.

The photograph of the all male committee of the IPS was taken at Ithaca House in 1976, sixty years after the establishment of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. At the time, in accordance with the constitution, women were ineligible to be full members and therefore committee members. Pictured L-R, back: Petros Kouratos, Dennis Lourantos, J. Mavromatis, Dennis Katsamas, Naki Raftopoulos, Parry Gabriel; front: Michael Black, (Mavrokefalos) Evangelos Metaxas, Nick Varigos (Varvarigos), Sotiris Sikiotis, Stathy Raftopoulos. A black and white photograph of eleven men, members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society Committee 1976. They are seated and standing in front of a wall which has a large photograph on it and coat hooks along the wall.

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.

Eleni Raftopoulos is sitting on the terrace of house in Ithaca together with a young female.A scanned photograph of two ladies sitting in a garden

Anthi Chilianis and her husband George lived in this house at 4 Hotham Street, South Melbourne for fourteen years from 1945 to 1959. They left the house when the family went to live in Ithaca. The house now houses a printing business. It was Anthi's favourite house and she and George often sat on the balcony drinking Greek coffee. Four photos showing different views of a terrace house in a narrow street. Clockwise from L-R: A lady standing in front of a verandah which is level with the street, A full view of the double fronted terrace house, Sitting on a seat on the narrow verandah, Standing in the kitchen inside the house. chillianis

Members of the Raftopoulos (Bourlotos) family are pictured in a rowing boat on the bay in Kioni Ithaca. Yianni Raftopoulos is rowing and seated closest to him is his wife Diamando (Manto). Seated at the front of the boat is Panoyiannis Raftopoulos. This photo would have been before Panoyiannis migrated to Australia in 1937. Peter was elected Secretary of the IPS only about a year after he came to Melbourne. A black and white photograph of two men and ladies seated towards the stern of a rowing boat near a small port in Ithaca. There are some houses along the shore line. The group are well dressed which seems to indicate that they may have been heading to a celebratory event.

The wedding of Nicholas Kavadeas and Marigo Raftopoulos at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, East Melbourne in 1934. Wedding party pictured from left Andrew Moraites, Stathi Kavadeas, Tom Gabriel, the bride and groom Nicholas Spiro Kavadeas and Marigo (Maria) Raftopoulos Kavadeas, John Michael Raftopoulos, Gerasimos John Raftopoulos, Peter John Raftopoulos, front left Barbara Moraites Kavadeas, William (Billy) Black (Koutsouvelis), Aspasia Paxinos, Nina Black.Black and white studio portrait seven gentlemen including groom in tuxedos all with boutonnieres, bride in wedding dress and veil with wedding bouquet, one lady in evening attire, one bridesmaid with bouquet, flower girl with posy and one page boy

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 seafood and oyster business was owned by a C. Raftopulos, possibly located in NSW. Many Greeks who migrated to Australia from Ithaca during the first half of the twentieth century either established or worked in family owned businesses mostly involved with the food industry, including oyster bars and fish shops. A faded sepia photograph mounted on cardboard. Four men are standing outside the shop, a seafood and oyster business. The signage suggests the oysters were supplied by the New South Wales Oyster Company. The number 195 is above the door. raftopoulos, nsw oyster company

The blouse was made in Greece about 1945. The method used to create this fine embroidery was to copy a design from a cross stitch embroidery book guided by fine white tapestry threads tacked onto the yolk; when the design was finished, the embroiderer would pull out each fine white tapestry thread until only the embroidery remained around the yolk of the blouse.Throughout the centuries and up until the 1970s-80s, the women of Ithaca spun, wove, embroidered and knitted. Mothers prepared their daughters' 'glory boxes' trousseau (prikia), weaving bedspreads, rag mats (koureloudes) for everyday use, finer wool rugs for formal use, as well as linen sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels and tablecloths. Linen was also woven to make the mattress that the young brides would take to their future homes. Mothers also wove and embroidered the fabric for their daughters' underwear and petticoats, nightgowns, etc. Sewing of the garments was also done by hand. The girls embroidered handicrafts using various stitches, they crocheted lace, netted pillows and even linen carpets. The handicrafts were usually embroidered by hand in cross-stitch using linen and cotton fabric. At the time there were merchants who travelled to the villages to sell machine made goods for the trousseaus, but most of the dowries consisted of the beautifully crafted work of the women. In the 30's the SINGER Company came to Ithaca and taught the girls sewing on the machine. A handwoven silk blouse. Colour - ecru. Hand embroidered, hand sewn, very fine white tapestry was tacked round the yolk; a gusset was sewn under each short puff sleeve at the armpit; two-tone hand made silk thread cords were passed through the hollow border of the sleeves and neckline.

Pictured is Stathi Raftopoulos at Raft's Cafe which was located at 301 Swanston Street, Melbourne and was typical of many such businesses owned and operated by Greek migrants from Ithaca who had arrived in Australia before World War II. Stathi's family owned a business in Merbein in north-west Victoria before moving to Melbourne. Stathi eventually went into partnership and established the Cosmopolitan Picture Company which brought Greek films to Melbourne's Greek community during the 1960s through to the early 1980s. Ithacan Greeks who arrived in Australia during the first half of the twentieth century honed their entrepreneurial skills and found employment opportunities in various areas of the food service industry. Before the end of the Second World War many of the eating places in Melbourne, which included fish and grill rooms, tea rooms and milk bars, were owned by Ithacan Greeks. A black and white photograph with a white surround. A young man is standing behind a counter in a milk bar. There is a poster advertising a Greek film as well as crates of coca cola stacked in the background. The counter is finished in wood veneer. Boxes of assorted lollies are on the shelves behind. On the counter there is a container of straws .

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