Advertisement trade card showing a woman seated using a clothes wringer while a man stands next to her holding a tennis racket and a cat stands at her feet. The caption reads "George: Come into the garden Maud. Maud: Wait George until I finish these clothes it won't take three minutes with this new Empire Wringer. "Verso reads ""You can do twice the work! And no more labor required. Our ""purchase gear"" reduces the labor one-half! By giving added power, and the strength thus saved every week is worth much more than the small additional cost. The gears and bearings of rolls need no oil, so cannot soil or grease the clothes the crank is not attached to either roll, as in other wringers, thus saving wear or rolls and cost of repairs. The rolls are solid white rubber. Empire wears longest and is warranted against defects. Look for brass bushing on the crank journal: our latest improvement. Use the Empire Wringer - will pay for itself. For sale by S.A. Ball, Le Roy, N.Y."""

French Laundry and Soapine advertisement trade card illustrated by Charlotte Perkins Gilman showing a young woman standing in a frame holding a washing board and a box of soap. The frame is held up on either side by two young men standing on upside down washing buckets that read Soapine. "Verso reads ""French Laundry is the best soap ever made for all purposes. It is the oldest popular soap, having outlived all its rivals. It has won its way into public favor solely on its merits, and thousands of families who are now using it would not be without it. One trial with convince you. Soapine is the best article known for the laundry and general household use. Use no soap, sal soda, borax, washing crystals or other preparations with it. For washing dishes, glassware, silverware, milk cans, dairy utensils, windows, marble, paint or oil cloth, and house cleaning, use Soapine. Kendall Mfg. Co. Established 1827 Providence, R.I."""

David's Prize Soap advertisement trade card showing an older woman standing at a washing bucket with a bar of David's Soap while two young women play the piano in another room. It reads "All got by using David's Prize Soap besides the excellent washing it does" as well as a caption under the women at the piano which reads "The prize pianoforte." Verso outlines details regarding incentives to try David's Prize products where users can exchange product wrappers for tickets that can be put toward a list of presents.

David's Prize Soap advertisement trade card showing a vital looking woman washing laundry in a washing bucket with David's Prize Soap while a young girl looks in. Looking in through the door way is a sallow looking older woman. The caption reads "Get David's Prize Soap if you want to avoid hard labor and save your health and strength in washing besides you may get a small fortune as a prize into the bargain." "Verso explains that prizes can be won by purchasing David's Prize Soap, including 2 grand pianos."

Universal Clothes Wringer puzzle advertisement showing a young woman using a clothes wringer while a man looks in from the window. When the advertisement is held up to the light you can see that the man is looking in with a gun while the young woman leans in to kiss a young man and an older woman comes towards them brandishing a broom. As well, a caption on the advertisement becomes clear which reads "Buy the universal clothes wringer."

Soapona trade card advertisement featuring an elephant looking on while two women hang laundry on a line. Verso reads "Saves times, expense and labor. Makes hard water soft. Does not injure the hands or clothes. Makes linen perfectly white. Is a great disinfectant. Each package contains a set of handsome picture cards. Manufactured only by R.W. Bell & Co. 77 to 89 Washington St., and 8 to 20 Beaver St., Buffalo, N.Y."

Pamphlet advertising L.I. Fisk & Co's Soaps. The cover shows three women washing and hanging out clothes with the caption "The suds is like velvet, I never used a soap like it. The water is settled and I find no grit in the tub. We never had such clothes they are whiter at every washing. L.I. Fisk & Co,'s Soaps for sale by all grocers who look to the interests of their customers by buying pure goods." The interior describes the qualities of the soap and gives examples of clothes washed in their soap and with others. The back cover shows a young woman and a caricature of a Japanese man holding a scroll which reads "All soaps bearing our name are warranted free from any of the many adulterations the best for economy, purity, cleanliness and washing quality of any in the world. L.I. Fisk and Co., Springfield, Mass." There are also testimonials on the back cover which read "It has cured my chapped hands. I'll use no other and keep them so. It is a delight to all in the bath. It is so soft and clean."

Advertisement for B.T. Babbitt's 99 soap showing a mother washing an infant with the soap while her daughter does laundry with it and her son blows soap bubbles in the kitchen. The advertisement reads "For the laundry or bath try B.T. Babbitt's 99 soap."

Die cut Lenox Soap advertisement showing a woman standing next to a washing tub with a large pile of soap suds coming out of it. The advertisement reads "Lenox Soap. Lather from 1 oz in hard water. Lathers freely in hard water."

Eight page booklet advertising the benefits of Pears Soap, specifically for use on women and children and in washing clothes. The cover shows a young girl holding a newspaper which reads "How to improve the complexion Soap" and the verso shows an illustration of a grandmother forcing a young boy into a bath with Pears Soap and the caption "You dirty boy."

Advertisement showing three women of different generations at a water pump with a washing bucket washing clothes and holding up a box of Ivorine. In the background are two men standing looking into the distance carrying farm implements. Verso reads "Ivorine the wonderful cleanser the best and purest article for all washing purposes that it is possible to produce; also, unequaled as a disinfectant. Use it, and clothes, money, and life will last longer. We use the same care in the selection of materials and the preparation of Ivorine, which, for almost half a century has given Williams' "Genuine Yankee" shaving soaps their wide popularity. A handsome silver plate tea-sponn is given with each one-pound package of Ivorine, and, with each two-pound package, either a substantial silver plated table spoon, knife, fork, butter knife, or sugar shell as the purchaser may prefer. By this way of advertising Ivorine and inducing the housekeeper to give it a trial, we are giving to them, directly, what others spend in newspapers and other expensive advertising from which the purchaser gets no benefit. As this plated-ware is made for us by the Williams Bros. M'f'g Co., of this town, under our direct supervision, we can guarantee each article to be of good quality and to wear well. Ask your grocer for Ivorine. The J.B. Williams Co., Established 1840, Glastonbury, Conn."

Conqueror wringer advertisement showing three women and one young girl ironing clothes titled "Ironing Day." The young girl is seated at a stool holding up a dress in front of a Conqueror wringer. Verso reads "The Conqueror excels all other wrings in having 1. A forged steel spring, tapered and tempered, and the temper not "drawn" by galvanizing. 2. The extension crank, which gives double power, without loss of speed. 3. Composition metal bearings, which neither rot, rust or wear out. 4. Patent solid white rubber rolls, fastened immovably to the shaft. 5. Malleable iron swivel clamps, which fit either round or stationary tubs. Foote & Gaskill dealers in hardware, agricultural implements, also stoves, hollow ware, house furnishing goods, &c. wringers repaired. Hamilton, New York."

Conqueror wringer advertisement showing three women and two children on washing day titled "Washing Day." The women are washing, wringing, and hanging out clothes to try while the children are playing with a boat and a doll near the wash bucket. Verso reads "The Conqueror excels all other wrings in having 1. A forged steel spring, tapered and tempered, and the temper not "drawn" by galvanizing. 2. The extension crank, which gives double power, without loss of speed. 3. Composition metal bearings, which neither rot, rust or wear out. 4. Patent solid white rubber rolls, fastened immovably to the shaft. 5. Malleable iron swivel clamps, which fit either round or stationary tubs. Foote & Gaskill dealers in hardware, agricultural implements, also stoves, hollow ware, house furnishing goods, &c. wringers repaired. Hamilton, New York." Includes illustrated depiction of the wringer.

Advertisement trade card for Bacon, Stickney, & Co., enterprise baking powder, coffee, spices, Albany, N.Y. depicting a young woman washing clothes in a wash bucket while a man with a riding crop looks on. Caption reads "The handsomest girl in town."

Soapine advertisement illustrated by Charlotte Perkins Gilman showing a woman hanging laundry out from a wash basket. The laundry on the line spells out "Soapine." Verso reads "Soapine the great dirt killer, will remove dirt of all descriptions! Without injury to hands or fabric. Kendall Mfg. Co. established 1827 Providence, R.I."

Advertisement trade card for the White Mop Wringer Company of Fultonville, N.Y. Serving as a business card for representative M.D. Alger. Recto shows a woman using a mop wringer and the verso shows illustrations of two mop wringers, one for family use and the other for hotel use.

Advertisement trade card for Sapolio showing three women washing dishes with the caption "Wash dishes with Sapolio." Verso reads "There is no one article known that will do so many kinds of work in and about the house and do it so well as Enoch Morgan's Sons Sapolio. (Each cake is wrapped in Tin Foil, and surrounded with Ultramarine Blue-Band, and bears the above device) always note this. A cake of Sapolio, a bowl of water and a brush, cloth or sponge will make house cleaning a quick and easy job, will clean paint and all painted surfaces, will clean marble, mantles, tables and statuary, will clean oil-cloths, floors, shelves, etc., will clear bath tubs, wash basins, etc., will clean crockery, glassware, etc., will clean kitchen utensils, of all kinds, will clean windows without splashing of water, will polish tin, brass and copperware, will polish knives as you wash them, will polish all metal surfaces and will clean all household articles and is better and cheaper than soap, emery, rotten stone, etc. John Wanamaker, Grad Depot, Phila."

Advertisement trade card for Sapolio showing a woman scrubbing a tub while a baby bathes in a smaller tub with the caption "clean baths with Sapolio." Verso reads "1809 1880 Enoch Morgan's Sons' Sapolio for cleaning & polishing. Hand Sapolio for the toilet and bath. Sapolio being put up in an attractive style some persons think is a fancy article but the fact is that one cake is equal to three cakes of any 'mineral soap' and will do more and better work."

Advertisement trade card for Sapolio showing three women polishing glassware with the caption "clean glass with Sapolio." Verso reads "1809 1880 Enoch Morgan's Sons' Sapolio for cleaning & polishing. Hand Sapolio for the toilet and bath. Sapolio being put up in an attractive style some persons think is a fancy article but the fact is that one cake is equal to three cakes of any 'mineral soap' and will do more and better work."

Advertisement trade card for Sapolio showing two women cleaning marble statues with the caption "clean marble with Sapolio." Verso reads "1809 1880 Enoch Morgan's Sons' Sapolio for cleaning & polishing. Hand Sapolio for the toilet and bath. Sapolio being put up in an attractive style some persons think is a fancy article but the fact is that one cake is equal to three cakes of any 'mineral soap' and will do more and better work."

Advertisement trade card for Sapolio showing a woman scrubbing a tin pan while a young girl shows a cat its reflection in another. Caption reads "clean tins with Sapolio." Verso reads "1809 1880 Enoch Morgan's Sons' Sapolio for cleaning & polishing. Hand Sapolio for the toilet and bath. Sapolio being put up in an attractive style some persons think is a fancy article but the fact is that one cake is equal to three cakes of any 'mineral soap' and will do more and better work."

Advertisement trade card for Agate Iron Ware showing a group of women holding hands in a circle around an iron tea pot. The caption reads "The growing triumph." Verso reads "For sale by Davis, Wright & Co., 41 Main Street, Keene, N.H."

Advertisement trade card showing a girl holding the tail of a cat as it tries to scratch a bird in a cage. The caption reads "Cats can but Bon Ami can not scratch for it lacks grit." Verso reads "Bon Ami is a modern improvement in the list of household necessities, doing the work of a metal polish, a scouring soap and all powders used for cleaning purposes (not for washing of clothes). It will clean anything cleanable and polish anything that can be polished. It contains no grit to scratch or acid to corrode; neither is there any alkali to redden or roughen the hands; on the contrary, it leaves them soft. It is always used in the form of a lather, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned. It requires so little water for this that slops and muss are avoided. It is made of the best and finest materials, and is so constituted that while it is too fine to scratch, it is coarse enough to clean. Coarser cleaners gradually and surely wear out the article cleaned, but Bon Ami removes the dirt without injuring or wearing off the surface. Don't fail to try the sample. Read carefully directions with each package. For sale by all grocers. The Bon Ami Company, 66 Maiden Lane, New York City."

Die cut card showing five women behind a fence with a caption reading "The look well on the fence! Much better on the other side. This road leads to success used by the million." The verso shows the backs of the women, each of whom are holding a Sweeperette sweeper. Verso reads "always in the push our Sweeperette. Sweeperette Company 76 5th Ave. New York Grand Rapids, Mich."

Puzzle card postcard advertising Bissell Carpet Sweepers showing an unhappy couple with a regular broom and a happy couple with a Bissell Carpet Sweeper. Recto reads "Why is this gentleman so perplexed, why is this lady sorely vexed? Why does this gentleman now smile. and she be happy all the while? The reason will be plain, if you can but this puzzle card see through."

File consists of paper doll advertisements. The first is a stand up paper doll of a sheep wearing a dress holding a duster advertising Enameline stove cleaner. The verso reads "Look out for imitations and parties who claim to have something 'just as good.' It is not as good. There's but one Enameline that's the best. For sale by all dealers. Manufactured by J.L. Prescott & Co. 11 Jay Street New York."; a set of six double sided paper dolls with two interchangeable heads, advertising Clark's O.N.T. Spool Cotton. The interiors of the dolls reads "if the child who receives this doll is sent to the store for thread she should ask for Clark's O.N.T. Spool Cotton and see that she gets it. Double Dolls "work and play" 12 in a set. By sending three 2 cent stamps, with name and address, to Clark's O.N.T. Spool Cotton Factory. Newark, N.J. a complete set will be sent by mail be careful to state that the double dolls are wanted."

A 23 page booklet titled "How to wash and iron a man's shirt...perfectly" published by General Electric and Manhattan men's wear.

An 11 page booklet titled "Home service" published by The Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Boston with information on course on home cooking and lighting using electricity. Published before 1936.

Bendix Automatic Home Laundry pamphlet detailing uses for the housewife, worker, nurse or chief. The advertisement makes reference to the use of Bendix during the Second World War.

Pamphlet from The National Federation of Bureaus of Occupations for Trained Women Workers, Organized April, 1917. Gives information on joining the organization as well as on types of careers for women.

File consists of various newspaper and magazine clippings on the personal and professional life of Martha Black.

Correspondence between various members of the Sommer family including letters that describe Cornelius Sommer’s European vacation and Angelika Sommer’s political involvement in Germany, her Marxist beliefs and her plans to pursue post-secondary education in Germany. Some letters also indicate that Angelika Sommer met and was dating Uwe Schriever, who later becomes her husband. Also includes greeting cards, postcards, a pamphlet, and photographs of Uwe Schriever, and the wedding of Friedemann and Petra (surnames unknown) in March 1970.

Correspondence primarily between members of the Sommer family. Includes letters interspersed with details about family life such as Ulrich Sommer and his wife Gisela Sommer’s immigration to Canada with their two children Cornelius Sommer and Angelika Sommer in 1954. Also contains letters confirming Ulrich and Gisela Sommer passed an exam designed for new Canadians that was established by the Government of Ontario’s Department of Education Information Branch. Records include letters, greeting cards, postcards, children’s drawings, pamphlets, hand-drawn floor plans, wallpaper samples, a cross-stitch sampler, and photographs of family members.

Correspondence primarily between members of the Sommer family. Includes letters interspersed with details about family life such as Ulrich Sommer and Cornelius Sommer’s studies in university, Angelika Sommer’s pending visit with her grandparents, and Lina Neumeyer Raatz’s declining health. Lina Neumeyer Raatz was Ulrich Sommer’s aunt and she lived in Germany. Also contains correspondence between the Sommer family and the Altenmueller family from Cooksville, Ontario. Records include letters, postcards, and pamphlets.

One handbill advertising the publication of James Redpath's "The Public Life of Capt John Brown." Redpath and Brown were contemporaries and abolitionists and Redpath wrote this work the year after Brown's execution.

Leaflet detailing an account of torture while imprisoned for Suffrage actions, written by Mary Richardson.

One in memoriam leaflet for Miss Emily Wilding Davison, BA. Emily was a suffragette who was killed by King George V's horse at a derby, possibly while attempting to put a suffrage sash on the horse.

Letter to the officers and members of societies of the National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenship addressing the resignation of 11 officers.

Memorandum on the position of women in the civil service. Some of the topics covered in the memorandum include pay equity and the dismissal of women from their jobs upon marriage.

Leaflet of facts about the suffrage movement and the government, especially in Ireland.

Letterhead of the National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenship.

Programme for Clara Butt's provincial tour of January-March 1917. A portion of the proceeds of the tour went to a fund for artists adversely affected by the First World War.

Leaflet distributed by the National Women's Social & Political Union of a satirical letter about the methods of the suffragettes versus the methods of men who wanted enfranchisement.

Clippings reporting on the death of Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett.

Leaflet on what the vote has done published by the National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenship. The leaflet discusses the changes that have happened since the enfranchisement of women over 30 with land holdings.

Envelopes addressed to Irene Hancock without accompanying correspondence. These are likely all from Ray Strachey. Also includes an envelope with Irene's handwritting indicating that a group of letters from Ray Strachey and regarding her leaving the National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenship were kept in it.

Programme for the equal franchise service of thanksgiving and dedication, July 1928, at St. Martin-in-the-fields, London. The service occurred upon the granting of equal suffrage for women.

February 7, 1986 issue of the Kitchener-Waterloo Record. The front-page features an article about the life of Harry Huehnergard printed for his retirement. It also showcases three of his photographs he took for the Record during his career with the newspaper.

Ephemera belonging to Arthur King and relating to the funeral of William Lyon Mackenzie King, former Prime Minister of Canada. Includes two invitations for Arthur King and his wife Kathleen King to attend the state funeral to be held in Ottawa, Wednesday, July 26, 1950, a card allocating places on the special train from Ottawa to Toronto, and places in a car from Union Station to the cemetery, as well as two luggage tags for the special train. Also includes pre-printed thank you cards.

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.

Three paper lace valentines, possibly handmade:
Paper lace and coloured floral valentine with lift-up flowers hiding three heart-shapes to write messages on. Inside the card is a hand-written poem to the "Belle" of the ball, signed "Valentine"
Paper lace overlay of bird's nest and flowers over second layer with a two-piece embossed lift up figure of a woman with cherub on her shoulder, purple ribbon and coloured floral decoration applied on her skirt, under this is a third layer with a coloured metallic bird flying into pasted-on coloured floral decorations. A gold and white banner is pasted at the bottom of the page, with "A Token of True Love" printed in blue.The back of this card is signed "from Jemima." Maker's name embossed on back: "Meek"
Pink paper folded valentine with embossed gold floral design surrounding pasted-on die-cut flowers and leaves, below this a white and gold banner reading "A Pledge of Love" in blue. Inside the card is signed" Miss Mary Jemima Cook"

Empty envelopes addressed to Jemima Cook, postmarked 1864-1867.

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.

• 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.

Printed Christmas card signed on the back Margaret Washburn, envelope addressed "Kenneth."

Agenda and list of officers for the Chicopee Tennis Club annual meeting, September 15, 1946. Kenneth Sims is listed as president.

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

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

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

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."

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

Wide range of ephemera retained by Harvey J. Sims between 1886 and 1912. Includes invitations to "at homes" and organized social events, dance cards, dinner menu, also a copy of the The Second Annual Meeting of the Ontario Associated Boards of Trade, Toronto, Feb. 22-23, 1912.
Some ephemera is associated with local clubs, most of which Harvey was a member: Berlin H.S. Musical and Literary Society, The Beavers' Club, Grand River Lodge, Bachelors of Berlin and Waterloo, The Berlin Club and Young Men of the Ark.
Includes an 1896 curling scorecard with heavily illustrated covers, advertising the Dominion Brewery, Toronto, and Harvey J.'s Trinity University convocation program, June 27, 1896.

Membership cards signed by Harvey J. Sims for the Rangers Football Club dated 1890 and 1899, listing officers and executive, club grounds and colours. In 1890, Harvey J. Sims is listed as on the Committee of Management; in 1899, he is on the executive committee. The 1899 card includes the W.F.A (Western Football Association) schedule for the spring season. These cards are in addition to a copy of the Western Football Association Annual for 1900, edited by D. Forsyth, Secretary Western Football Association and printed in Berlin. This volume contains the constitution and rules, hints for referees and players, as well as detailed lists of champion teams from 1880 to 1899. The pages for 1900, printed in red, appear to have been pasted in at the front and end of the 1899.

Ephemera including lists of names, invitations, menus, itineraries relating to a special meeting of the British, Canadian, and American Bar Associations held in London, England, July 1924.

Menu for the Restaurant Nimb Tivoli, Copenhagen, August 24, 1934. Menu is in French and Norwegian.

Program of a memorial service held at All Saints Church, Pasadena, California, February 2, 1936 for the late King George V, who had died on January 20 of that year. Harvey and Florence were in California at the time.

Christmas card from the Scots Fusiliers of Canada with photograph (printed on coated paper) tipped in: "Their Majesties at Kitchener, June 6th, 1939." Left to right: William Lyon Mackenzie King, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, standing on the reception platform at the Kitchener railway station.

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.

One leaflet promoting the Royal Opera's 1912 season at Covent Garden

Pamphlet in green and red type. Includes menu, list of toasts, and Berlin Board of Trade officers and council.

One pamphlet containing menu, list of toasts, and list of officers of the Canadian, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs' Officers. Cover includes a portrait of Mackenzie King and gives the location of the luncheon as Kitchener Auditorium, Tuesday, August 4, 1925.

One pamphlet containing the text of Mackenzie King's address at the luncheon held in his honour by the Canadian, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs, "printed for distribution among members."

Leaflet with the text of a speech by Mackenzie King broadcast on November 11, 1936

Calling card from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims, accompanied by a newspaper clipping showing King George VI, Mackenzie King, and [unnamed] Hertzog. King's handwritten note on the card: "Dear Peter, My love and best wishes go to you with this little reminder of an historic event. My best of wishes for your birthday and Christmas and the New Year, Billy. Xmas 1939."