Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. The Bendigo Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. The medallion was passed on to each subsequent Mayoress when the new Mayor was appointed. The Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. The drop and chain have been hand crafted n 18ct yellow gold and engraved by a master engraver also by hand. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. Front; Progress / BENDIGO. Verso; PRESENTED / TO THE / BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL / by / SIR GEORGE LANSELL, / TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF / LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BENDIGO / 10 - 1 - 56george lansell jnr, mayoress chain, bendigo centenary, mayoress snell, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, lansell pendant

MESSRS. PRESCOTT AND DAWE. THEIR NEW PREMISES. Article The Bendigo Independent (Vic. 1891 1918)Thursday 15 December 1910 Page 2 MESSRS. PRESCOTT AND DAWE. Messrs. Prescott and Dawe, jewellers and opticians, established business in Mitchell street, Bendigo, in 1887, and so rapidly did their clients increase that they soon gained a top reptation for introducing the best workmanship in every branch. The firm’s goods are always unique and artistic. They have manufactured endless presents, notable amongst which are the civic gifts presented annually to the mayor and mayoress for the time being, the mayoral chain and the late Mr. George Lansell’s medallion, and presents to leading citizens throughout the State. Their new business premises at the corner of Mitchell and Hargreaves streets are now ready. They make an imposing addition to the architecture of the city. The elevations to Mitchell and Hargreaves street have been well treated in every detail and carried out in the renaissance style. Order book used by Prescott & Dawe, Jeweller's of Bendigo. Black cover. Account book with 66pp with ruled blue lines and red column lines. The book contains handwritten quotes for production of medals and badges. The pages include details of colours, materials and words. Quotes accompanied by hand drawn designs drawn onto the pages or on separate pieces of paper or card pasted into the book. Several loose designs also included. The last two pages include list of suppliers and manufacturers. First entry April 1925 for Quarry Hill Golf Club badges. Last entry 1963 for St Mary's College enamelled badges with brooch pins. Neville King Collectionjewellers, medals, badges, prescott & dawe, designs

Harry Montague Marks was born at Pall Mall Bendigo on the 1st October 1855. At age 18 he worked for Goldsborough & Co in Melbourne learning land, wool and banking business. He returned to Bendigo aged 22 to open an auctioneers business which operated on the corner of Williamson and Hargraves Streets. Councillor Marks was elected to the seat of Darling in May 1893 and remained serving until 1902. He served as Mayor once only from 1896-97. It was noted in the Bendigo Advertiser on July 3rd 1897 that Mayor Marks appeared in new robes .. made to council order by Messrs Henderson and Goodisson who dealt in highly fashionable goods in the Beehive. (fn https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/9088966). It is not know if these robes are still in existence. Harry Marks married Mary Leech in 1881and together they had four sons and one daughter. Harry Marks died in February 1916 aged 60. After his death Mary Marks became the senior partner in the firm HM Marks and Sons auctioneers. Mary died in 1919.Oval black and white silver gelatin print mounted on card. Studio portrait of Mayor Marks. Photograph mounted on card. Front facing seated portrait wearing mayoral robes and chain, clutching a rolled document. Original rectangular shaped photograph has been trimmed to fit into oval frame.Bartlett Bros. lower left on photograph.councillor h m marks, mayor marks, mayoress marks

A folder containing newspaper cuttings of the visit in 1952 by The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochester in the U.K. to Bendigo and Rochester. Sources are 'The Sun,' 'The Bendigo Advertiser' and 'Melbourne.' Also included is a black and white photo (see accompanying news clipping) of The Mayor of Bendigo (Cr. G.A. Pethard) and the Mayor of Rochester - both wearing Mayoral Robes. (U.K.) On the back is written Visit of mayor and mayoress of Rochester England to 'Rob Roy ' home of Mr. & Mrs. McGlyn Rochester Vic Australia. The photo shows them holding a certificate with the words' City of Rochester' at the top' Another photo dated 9.8.1952 appears to show both Mayoresses -one is examining the other's Mayoral chainVisit to Bendigo Mayor and Mayoress of Rochester (U.K.).bendigo, tourism, lydia chancellor, rochester (victoria), rochester (u.k.), cr. g.a. pethard