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Ashgrove Historical Society
The Ashgrove Historical Society meets at the Ashgrove Library on the first Saturday of the month at 10am. All meetings are bound by Queensland Government COVID-19 regulations.
Before McDonald’s, there was the Greek café! During the 1890s, a small number of Greek migrants were trading in oyster saloons in Brisbane. By the 1920s a vibrant café society flourished in the Queensland capital with more than seventy Greek proprietors.
From the city to country towns, almost everywhere had a Greek café. They focussed on British and American food and were open from 7am till late. With plenty of affordable food AT ALL HOURS from a menu that was the same countrywide, the Greek café was the McDonald’s of its time.
The cafes served banana splits, fish and chips, mixed grills, malted milks, ice-cream sodas and toasted sandwiches. The soda, ice cream and the confectionery were usually made on the premises.
Toni Risson is the society’s April guest speaker. She has delved deep into Greek café culture and history and published a book, Brisbane’s Greek Cafes: A Million Malted Milkshakes. Her presentation on Saturday 1 April at 10am is sure to bring back many fond memories. Bookings are essential and can be made contacting the AHS secretary, Julie, by email: ahs.secretary@bigpond.com or phone 3366 4621.
Speakers and topics for this year can be found on the society’s website and Facebook page. Members will be notified via the newsletter and email. If you would like to become a member, please contact the secretary (see above) and she will send you a membership form and EFT details. The fees are $10 single per annum, or $15 couple/family.
Income from memberships and book sales assist the society in its aims of researching, preserving, recording and publishing Ashgrove’s history. Books can be viewed on our website and purchased at meetings or by contacting the secretary. PayPal is no longer active on the website. To protect our volunteers, our stalls outside Woolworths Ashgrove are in recess until COVID-19 infection rates are resolved.
Memberships available! Quality Family Recreation in a Safe, Relaxed Environment
2 Floodlit Tennis Courts
Numerous Gas Barbecue Areas 3 Swimming Pools
4 Glass-Backed Squash Courts
