Historical information

The minute book was compiled by committee members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society and is a record of the club's activities from its inception in October 1916 to January 1927. The entries are written in the Greek language as most of the members of then committee during the club's early were more fluent in Greek than English.

Significance

The first minute book has a record of the inaugural meeting of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society in October 1916 and subsequent meetings until January 1927. Through these records it is possible to gain information about the club's philanthropic objectives, its members and activities during those early decades of the twentieth century. The records also provide an insight into the settlement in Melbourne of Ithacan Greek community and the settlers' determination to succeed in their adopted country while retaining the ties with their homeland.

Physical description

A foolscap size bound book with a tan leather binding and green marbled cloth on the front and back covers. The four corners have been finished in tan leather. There is a white label with blue borders stuck on the top of the fron cover. The inside front and back covers have been finished with mauve, blue and white marbled paper. White cotton cloth tape is along the inner side of the back and front binding. there are 472 pages in the book.

Inscriptions & markings

On the spine in gold on a red background: MINUTE/BOOK