The Sims family collection encompasses records of the Sims and Cook, Davidson and Garden families retained by members of the two family branches that came together when Harvey James Sims and Florence Katherine Roos married in 1902. Their Sims and Davidson forbears were equally significant in the history of the Waterloo-Wellington area and in the growth and development of agriculture, education, business and government. Harvey James Sims and Florence Katherine Roos were deeply involved in their local community of Berlin, (later Kitchener) Ontario and their own records contain significant additions to our knowledge of local personalities and affairs. Harvey was a childhood and lifelong friend of William Lyon Mackenzie King; they wrote and visited each other regularly. King's sister Bella was also a close friend of Florence from school days on.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Toronto, November 7, 1915 to his grandson Kenneth Sims, congratulating him on passing first in his class (includes envelope).

Correspondence from P.H. and Jemima Sims to their son Harvey J. Sims on a trip to England and Scotland from June to September 1912.

Letter from Peter H. Sims to his son Harvey J. Sims on March 3, 1812 from Mayagues [i.e., Mayagüez] (Puerto Rico). Peter H. Sims writes about his trip to Puerto Rico to assess risks on behalf of his company: he summarizes and comments on Puerto Rico's climate, landscape, history, people, American interest, Catholic Church, Spanish rule, agriculture, sugar cane production: "I thought I had retired from active work but I am at is as hard as ever and I enjoy it. I do not know if the trip will do the Co. any good. The conditions are all new to me."

Eight letters from Peter H. Sims to Harvey J. Sims written between 1902 and 1910.

Thirteen letters from Peter H. Sims to Harvey J. Sims written before 1900.

Identity card issued on June 22, 1918 to Florence K. Sims by the Canada Registration Board, "for the national purposes," to be carried at all times.
Grand River Country Club membership card, 1919.
Trip ephemera: Florence Sims and Mrs. William Roos, London and Paris.

Typescript by Florence K. Sims with note on last page: "Read at the annual meeting of the Waterloo County Historical Society, Oct.1928."

Essays both typewritten and handwritten by Florence Sims, one dated October 30, 1905, on literary topics, possibly composed for "The Monday Club."

Constitution and by-laws of The Monday Club, formed for the purpose of "reading and general improvement" whose motto is taken from "The Princess" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: "Knowledge is now no more a fountain sealed, Drink Deep, until the sins of Emptiness, Gossip, spite and slander die"

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated London, Ontario, May 10, 1878 to his wife Jemima Sims; two court cases involving his business are being heard there.

Toronto: congratulating Harvey on finally getting his own room and on being appointed as secretary of the Berlin Board of Trade, advice about making the most of the opportunity: "Aim high, do your duty and you will get there. Do not neglect your reading: There is nothing more necessary in a young man, than that he read best current literature of the day and also the biographies of the world's great and good men."

Hartford, Conn.: family news.

From: Kent.

Photographic prints and negatives. Prints include a ca. 1885 portrait of Peter H. Sims, three photographs of W.L. Mackenzie King given to Harvey by King, as well as negatives of Chicopee house and grounds, and of the Sims family.

London, England: describing "Continental trip" (includes envelope).

Two letters and a drawing from Forsey Page, Architect, concerning a possible addition to Florence's bedroom:
1935 December 5: Forsey Page to Florence describing a sleeping porch or covered balcony off her bedroom
1936 May 13: Forsey Page is disappointed that she has decided against a sun room.
Includes a drawing in pencil dated January 23, 1934: "Sketch showing new door and porch off bed room #1."

Letter from Mary Elizabeth dated 48 Austin Terrace, Toronto, January 26, 1928, thanking her Aunt Florence for birthday gifts (includes stamped envelope).

Telegram from Irvine Kempt in Glasgow but postmarked Oban, July 30, 1923 to Florence Sims, regretting that he will be unable to meet her.

Letter from Bella King dated 4 Grange Road, Toronto, February 14, 1915 to Florence Sims, writing on her mother's behalf [Isabel King]. She thanks Florence for sending her mother "the very pretty little knitted wrap", also that it was good of her "to think of Max and his little family," and reports that Max's health is much better. She also mentions "this awful war" and how women have "worked and are working everywhere." She speaks of her mother's health as well. Signed Bella King.

Letter from Bella King dated 4 Grange Road, Toronto, June 28, 1908 to Florence Sims after the birth of William, her second child. She asks about the baby, mentions family, friends, and plans: "Willie is going to take [mother Isabel King] on a trip when he comes back from Quebec." Signed Isabel King.

Letter from Bella King (sister of W.L. Mackenzie King) dated July 17, [1904] to her friend Florence Sims, who has just given birth to her first child. After asking about the baby and Florence's health, Bella announces that "the house question" has finally been settled and that they are to move to 4 Grange Road in the middle of September, talks about holidays, and reports on going to "the Dundonald reception" with her Father John King. Signed Bella.

Photographic postcard from Harvey J. Sims postmarked Berlin, Ont., July 25 1906: "Old Opera House, London, Canada". Handwritten message: "We won our first two games. Am just going out with Buck & Harry Pope – Sam, Irvin Woelfle. Tell Mrs Woelfle they are all well at home. Love to all including Kenneth, Harvey."

Postcard from Norman Nicholson postmarked Berlin, December 24, 1904 to Florence Sims, with Christmas wishes to the family. Postcard is Raphael Tuck & Sons "Write Away" Postcard Series 288 IV: conductor with baton.

Handwritten information about the Cook family in Pennsylvania: "Information from Mrs. Andrew Markle", transcriber unidentified but probably Florence Sims.

Two compositions by Florence Roos, with comments by the teacher, dated 1892.

Printed Christmas and New Year's greeting (includes envelope).

Lugano, Switzerland (includes envelope).

From: Kent.

Toronto: advice about saving, not spending (includes envelope).

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 15, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal. He counsels her not to take too much exercise as she is not strong, and that the Exhibition will be in Montreal that week. "I would like to see my dear wife and I count the days now wishing Tuesday next to [swing?] around as at that time I hope to see you again and clasp you to my heart."

Kitchener: carbon typescript concerning J. Ross Stewart's disability insurance.

Files created and maintained by Harvey J. Sims in the course of daily household business relating to household expenses, personal expenses, and expenses incurred in planning and maintaining his property at Chicopee. These files were also used by Harvey for his personal interests and activities, such as clubs, memberships, investments, and circular letters. They contain correspondence, invoices, receipts, ephemera, and hand-written notes. Many invoices from nurseries or seed suppliers present here relate to those in series 6.

Report cards for Florence Roos dated June 1890 and June 1891 from Rolleston House, Toronto, signed by Mrs. Neville.

Letter from Margaret Davidson dated Toronto, June 30, 1890 to her granddaughter Florence Roos, sending the news of family doings in Toronto. She says she received and encloses a letter from Mrs. Argo for Florence's mother to read, and that if she is well she will be there on Tuesday (includes envelope).

Letter from Margaret Davidson dated Toronto, November 19, 1886 to her granddaughter Florence Roos, sending the news of family doings in Toronto (includes envelope).

Certificate of life membership in the Canadian Red Cross Society presented to Mrs. William Roos, dated August 26, 1915.

Letter from William Davidson dated Toronto, December 23, 1925 to his sister Elizabeth Roos, sending Christmas wishes and fond memories (includes stamped envelope)

Photographic postcard (damaged) from Florence Sims dated Prince Rupert B.C. August 18, 1922, to her mother Elizabeth Roos, showing a totem pole in Alert Bay, B.C. The postcard is accompanied by handwritten notes and observations made on a trip.

Handwritten draft of a letter by Elizabeth Roos in response to a newspaper advertisement seeking relatives of John Davidson on behalf of the estate of Minnie B. Davidson, providing details of their relationship to the deceased. Attached is the advertisement "Are there heirs here?" Includes a carbon copy of a letter to the same Charles White Mortimer from James Davidson, M.A., M.B., Burnside House, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, describing his knowledge of the John Davidson who had been lost to his family, and also the family genealogy.
Includes a carte de visite, head and shoulders portrait, sepia-toned, signed John Davidson, taken by Caswell & Davy, Duluth, Minnesota.

The History of the children in the wood, published by Lumsden & Sons, Glasgow. This is a single sheet with eight hand-coloured woodcuts with verses beneath; versions of which circulated in Great Britain and the United States, most often in chapbook form. A note on the back says "This was given to Catharine as a prize at school at Berlin."

Ephemera including greeting cards, tracts, memorial cards, trade cards, and envelopes.

Album of custom bound piano music belonging to Elizabeth Davidson, some with lyrics in both German and English, some with illustrated title pages. The volume is ¾ bound with cloth covers and gold-tooled leather lozenges pasted on both front and back covers: the front cover lozenge is red leather with "Miss E. Davidson" in gold; the back cover lozenge is dark brown leather with decorative gold tooling. The spine and corners have some gold tooling; spine has raised bands.

London, England (includes envelope).

Hartford, Conn.: concerning his father's disability insurance.

Records relating to Harvey J. Sims' development of a library of books at his Chicopee home, in which he was aided by Adam Strohm, Librarian at the Detroit Public Library and Charles R. Sanderson, Chief Librarian of the Toronto Public Library. Harvey turned his planned billiard room into a library instead and set about filling it with books. Although this series contains only two files, it represents a significant activity in Harvey's life.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 13, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal: "I was glad to hear you are seeing the great sights of the largest city in the Dominion and one of the best built cities on this continent." He gives news of Harvey, family, and friends. Includes envelope.

Describes facial swelling suffered frequently and use of antiphlogistine, also at Harvey's request writes as much as he knows of the life of his father the Rev. James Sims.

Invitation to a quilting.

Toronto: nervousness concerning Harvey's arranged yachting trip with "the boys": "You are a daring venturesome boy with not any too much precaution or forethought" (includes envelope and enclosed letter from Mr. Ruby).

Handwritten poem "to a parting friend" by M.E.W. Crawford, Toronto, addressed to "Miss Davidson, Toronto." Includes pressed leaf.

Letter from Hattie A. Bruce dated Waterloo June 16, 1892 on behalf of the Ladies' Aid Society, thanking Margaret for her donation and giving her news of friends and family: "I had the pleasure of spending Tuesday evening at Mr. Davidson's watching Emma and a number of her friends going through their Delsarte exercises" (Includes envelope addressed c/o Dr. Davidson, 207 College St., Toronto.)

Letter from Anne Argo, Eden Mills, [date illegible: 1890?] in response to one from Margaret, calling her an old friend and sympathizing in her widowhood. She gives all the news of illnesses and doctoring of family and friends. This letter was enclosed with one to Florence, June 30 1890.

Invitation from the aunt and uncle of Fannie M. Thorold to the wedding of their niece to Alexander Davidson, to be held September 16, 1886, in Port Rowan (includes envelope)

Letter from Florence Kempt dated Glasgow, December 13, 1882 to her grandmother Margaret Davidson, written in pencil in capital letters.

Invitation from the parents of Maggie Rennie Struthers to the wedding of their daughter to Robert Garden Davidson, to be held October 3, 1882 in St. Catharines (includes envelope).

Invitation from the parents of Wilhemina Topp to her wedding to William Davidson, son of George and Margaret Davidson, to be held September 20, 1877 in Toronto

Memorial card for George Davidson's brother, John, who died in Aberdeen Scotland, March 26, 1884.

Letter from Margaret Davidson's sister-in-law Catherine Davidson from 5 Ann Place, Aberdeen, July 30, 1884 reporting the death of her brother and Margaret's brother-in-law John Davidson (includes envelope addressed to Mrs. Sheriff Davidson at 272 King Street, Toronto).

Letter from George Davidson's sister Catherine from 5 Ann Place, Aberdeen, April 13, 1881: she is sorry for his protracted illness, and relates news of all the family.

Hartford, Conn.: intention to follow in his footsteps.

Records relating to the Harvey J. Sims' development of Chicopee, a 45-acre estate near Kitchener, Ont., where he built a home designed by Forsey Page and Steele, Architects, and designed and landscaped the grounds with the help of Carl Borgstrom of Carl Borgstrom and H.M.S. Carver, Landscape Architects. He was instrumental in the reforestation of the contiguous properties in Chicopee Hills, and in only a few years planted on his property more than 700 varieties of trees and shrubs.
Includes correspondence to and from architects, landscape planners, nurseries, and government agencies concerning the development of Harvey's house and grounds, also the reforestation of the surrounding area, dated 1927 to 1941. The correspondence files described in this series are together as found. Harvey's Personal Business Files in Series 8 contain a great deal of supplementary material in the way of correspondence, invoices, lists, time sheets, etc., with seed houses, nurseries, companies, and individuals supplying material and furnishings for the home and grounds, from water heaters and wiring to billiard table lights.
Harvey was particularly interested in collecting as many native species of trees and shrubs as would grow in this climate and his collecting activities are documented by correspondence with arboreta, university horticulture departments, government nurseries, and government officials and employees who were at that time developing botanical garden plans in Hamilton and Niagara.

From: Waterloo.

Toronto: advice on beginning independent life (includes envelope).

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 12, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal: "My Dear Wife, I expected a letter from you yesterday and was much disappointed at not receiving one. However I conclude you are enjoying yourself so much that you can scarcely get time to write me. Yet I have no doubt that Harvey and Pa are the chief objects of your loving heart."

From: Parkdale Place. Letter writer is declining an invitation.

Postcard, colour photo showing New Bath House, Ocean Park, California, with handwritten note "Had a swim there Monday, PHS."

London, England.

Letter from John Davidson, Fraserburgh, Scotland on October 16, 1848 to his nephew George Davidson, commiserating on the death of George's infant child: "I know that you are of tender heart and will be much affected." John is Assessor and Collector of Road Money in Fraserburgh and as such was out on business when George left for home.

Letter from Maggie Kempt dated Forest-Hill, Glasgow, December 22, 1886 to her mother Margaret Davidson, containing news of the family, her son George's impressions of Canada and that his health has improved (includes envelope).

Letter from Maggie Kempt dated Wiston Manre [Manor?], Wiston, by Biggar, July 1, 1886 to her mother Margaret Davidson describing her daughter Florence's asthma, and thanking her mother for looking after her son George on his trip to Canada. She sends all the news of visitors from Canada and says of George: "I hope George will be able to go and see our old home when he is in Berlin. Do you know the people that have Forest-Hill? He has heard so much about it that he will be disappointed if he cannot get into the house. You will find George a great politician and a fearful Tory, but I hope he won't display his views too much among a lot of radicals. He says the Canadians are nearly all Radicals." In closing she says "this courting through the telephone must be a novel arrangement."

Letter from Maggie Kempt dated Glasgow, April 28, 1881 to her mother Margaret Davidson written after she had received her mother's telegram reporting George Davidson's death the day before: "Your telegram telling us of dear Papa's death, came this morning about eight-o'clock when Irvine and I were dressing, and has made us all very downcast." She expresses her sorrow and sympathy, and also the effects of the technology of the telegram on her feelings: "This is the first telegram I have received across the Atlantic and somehow it seems to bring me nearer home than I have ever felt before. To think that I know today what happened with you yesterday and though the message brought sad news we are pleased you thought of telegraphing."

Letter from Alexander Davidson, Port Elphinstone, dated July 22, 1856, to his niece Margaret Davidson, thanking her for presents sent. He reports on the growth and changes in Aberdeen and area since she had last been there, and lists all his children and what they are doing.

Letter from George Davidson in New York, dated May 16, 1880 to his wife Margaret, commenting on the number of "pleasure seekers" passing his window on a Sabbath. He mentions that "other people from Berlin are here." He complains that he will be confined to his room as the elevator is out of order, recounts an accident with a chamber pot and complains that his appetite is not good (Includes envelope addressed to Margaret at "Forest Hill, Berlin, Ontario").

Letter from George Davidson at 100-West 53 St., New York dated May 7, 1880 to his wife Margaret, thanking her for letters received: "I am glad you are well and more than glad that Lizzie has got those ugly teeth out & hope she will now be free from that horrid disease neuralgia." He is having treatments of various sorts for his legs in the hope that he can walk without crutches, treatments that he describes in great detail and mentions that he is rooming with his son Sandy, who adds a page at the end of the letter.

Letter from George Davidson in Toronto, dated June 26, 1879, to his wife Margaret, reporting on treatment he has received in Toronto on his leg, people he has seen and visited, and arrangements for getting home. He underlines "slang" words such as "chimbly" and "cracks" (jokes).

Letter from George Davidson in Aberdeen, Scotland to his wife Margaret in New Aberdeen, C.W., responding to the news of the death of their infant son: "The intelligence was painful, more so than had I been present with you, for altho' my friends here feel deeply with me, still you were awaiting." He speaks of the comfort that their belief offers, and continues: "I thank God that you are living & that I have so near a prospect of meeting you again – how happy I shall be to see you & this feeling is strengthened from the fact that you will be the same regarding me." He will be on the steamer Europa from Liverpool to New York and lists in detail the amount of time it will take to be back in New Aberdeen. (includes envelope sealed with family crest)

Letter from George Davidson in Berlin, Ont. Dated 9 ½ o'clock, May 5, 1863 to his wife Margaret who is in Toronto: "The children have gone to bed, and so I sit down – all alone – to write you the promised letter – you will be enjoying yourself with Mrs. Manning over Schedam Sch[illegible] while I poor unfortunate am enjoying myself in thinking how comfortable it will be to go up to a cold bed, and nobody in it. I have just been up stairs Bob & Sandy are in bed the former at the front the latter at the back with space and an extra pillow between for Lizzie who has been managing the children and the affairs of the household at a great rate." He gives Margaret a list of cash payments to make – boys' board, clothes, but also ask her to bring home seed catalogues and stock. A postscript the next morning describes the state of affairs: "Wednesday morning 7 ½ O.C. we have slept and waked – thank God – Lizzie was up about ½ hour ago went down and put [kettle on], is however still in her nightgown sitting on the floor with Sandy playing Jackstones or something of that sort – Bob is up and takes this to the P.O. Very cold rainy morning GD."

From: Toronto. Letter writer is accepting an invitation. The envelope is addressed to 86 Jameson Ave., Toronto.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 8, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal. He is pleased to have received a letter, also that she enjoyed the trip but wants a better description when she gets home. He tells her that Harvey is doing well and that he himself is coping: "I am enjoying myself and have plenty of work to keep me busy. I go down to the place in the evening and am taking up the potatoes, but when night comes and I find I am alone and my thoughts are on you my dear wife. I send you a dozen kisses and I will kiss Harvey for you." Includes envelope.

London, England (includes envelope).

Jemima advises Harvey not to accept a judgeship "with such a small salary" so early in his career. She is lonely "way up here" and it is too cold to run the car.

From: At Home, Blair.

New York (includes envelope).

Postcard, colour photo showing Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena.

Carbon typescript transcription of a diary by J. Ross Stewart of a trip on the Mauritania to the Carribbean.

Correspondence to and from Harvey J. Sims and friends, acquaintances, and family connections written between 1927 and 1945.

Letter to Margaret, Jane, and Jessie dated London, September 11, 1835 from their brother John Garden, in which he reports on the sad state of his health and wardrobe, asks for shirts and collars, but particularly for "flannel drawers and a surcoat." He reports that on reading Jessie's letter "an overpowering sort of sensation thrilled through me, such as I have not felt since I came here … never did I wish so much to be home" (includes envelope).

Letter from Margaret Forbes dated Inverury, October 4, 1835 addressed to Miss Garden, 204 Gallowgate, Aberdeen, hoping that Margaret will visit after the communion: "It always gives me pleasure to know that you have been favoured with such a Minister, who is likely to be zealous, in the cause of Christ … while God gives much grace to your young minister, he also will be the means of comforting you." She goes on to say, "We at present are well supplied with Gospel ministers, I pray for us, that the Spirit may accompany their labours," and ends by sending love to Jane and Jessy and hopes all can visit or write.

Partial letter from [Robert?] Garden dated London, 31 October, 1833, to "Dear Sisters," followed by a long disquisition on the proper response of women to changes in their circumstances: "It is the smile of contentment which ought to be on your lips even in the midst of the greatest difficulty." It is not made clear whether actual changes in circumstance in the financial or social standing Garden family are behind this well-meaning attempt to stave off discontent in the sisters. This is possibly from Garden sisters' brother Robert Garden.

• Birthday party invitation to Peter and Jemima Sims from Mrs. Hilliard, May 6, 1875.
• Memorial card: William John Roat, died at Berlin, December 23, 1887 (includes envelope).
• Memorial card: James McFeiggan, died in Galt, May 23, 1888.
• Memorial card: Harvey James Cook, November 12, 1930.
• Wedding invitations, 1895-1898.

Resolution passed and entered into the minutes of the Board of Directors recognizing Peter H. Sims' worth and achievement.

Letter to Harvey J. Sims dated August 4, 1930 from John R. Connon of Elora, enclosing advertisements for what he describes as "relating to your father's unfortunate venture in the Salem Woollen Mill." Includes an original manuscript copy of an advertisement for the Sims Bros. Salem Woollen Works, and the advertisement as published in the Elora Observer, no. 39 Friday April 17, 1868.

Return of marriages solemnized by Rev. T.A. Ferguson for the half-year ending June 30, 1869, which register page contains an entry for the marriage of Peter Harvey Sims of Glenelg Township, age 25, and Mary Jemima Cook of Waterloo Township, age 22, that took place May 18, 1869. This record was retained by Rev. James Sims.

One sheet recording marriages solemnized before James Sim [sic], Baptist minister, for the year ending December 31, 1858, among whose effects it was found. "Peter Sim" is listed as witness for the marriage of William Parker, age 21, and Sarah Jane Harris, age 15, both of Wellesley, that took place in Wellesley May 10, 1858.

Blueprint, undated for Kenneth Sims.

Agenda and guest lists for the North Waterloo Liberal Association meeting of March 15, 1963.

The K-W Rotary Club International Service Committee minutes list Kenneth Sims as a member.

Documents relating to mortgage on Con. 13, lot 2, east side, dated 1865, abstract and discharge of same.