Photograph, Ithacan picnic, men's races, c 1930s

Historical information

The photograph was taken at an annual Ithacan Philanthropic Society picnic some time in the mid to late 1930s. The men appear to be lined up for a running race, a highlight of the picnic. First on the left is Andreas Papadopoulos president at the time (president from 1934-39); man in suit in the background unknown; Diogenes Cominos, Hector Andrews (Anagnostatos); George Kouvalias (behind him is Nick Fatouros (Fisher)); Spiros Digaletos, a keen wrestler as a a young man; Peter Zavitsanos (Shanos); Peter Drakopoulos; Stratos Paizis; Nick Mavrokefalos (Black).

Significance

The Ithacan Greeks who settled in Melbourne between the two world wars worked long hours in their family businesses, however, Sunday was a day set aside for socialising within their community. A much anticipated event was the annual picnic where families gathered for the day at a picnic ground on the outskirts of Melbourne, such as Bacchus Marsh, Werribee and Mount Evelyn. The picnic today is still an important event in the club's social calendar.

Physical description

A scanned bl;ack and white photograph of eight men and the starter lined up before the start of a race at an outdoor function with onlookers behind the group. two of the men are dressed in shorts and singlet while some others in the group have rolled up their suit trousers and are wearing running shoes.

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