Prior to the election of female Councillor's and Mayors, the Mayoress role as wife of the Mayor, was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoress's played an important role in civic life through charity work, even stepping in on occasions to undertake Mayoral duties. Mayoress Pethard was born Hilda Robina Leed in Eaglehawk in 1889 and died in 1966. Mrs Pethard travelled extensively with her husband throughout their time in Office. Framed, convex, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. vincent kelly, studio photography, hilda leed, tarax, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo, city of bendigo mayoress

George Pethard (1885-1961) was born in Ballarat. His father, George, established a soft drink factory in Numurkah, producing "Taraxale". George Jnr., joined his fathers firm in 1898 and moved the factory to Bendigo in 1909. In 1909 he married Hilda Leed. His interests expanded and by 1918 he was an auctioneer in Rochester before becoming a real estate agent in Bendigo in 1921. His business empire expanded to include a Ford dealership and a service station in Bendigo in 1924. In 1938 he became a Bendigo councillor, a position he held for 20 years. During this time he served as Mayor in 1940,1947 and 1951.A black and white photograph and a colour drawing of Cr. George Pethard home in High Street, Golden Square. Date unknown. Both are glued to a piece of cardboard.private home, george pethard, high street, golden square