Typewritten letter marked "Personal, Private" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 23, 1938, commenting on Harvey's report of Florence's increased good health and on Harvey's opinion of John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir's biography of the Roman Emperor Augustus. King offers to send Buchan Harvey's comments. King is sending Harvey the Hansard he requested, "containing my speech on the Export of Power Bill. The communications from the United States, recently received, make it pretty clear that I have not been far wrong in my estimate of what the attitude of the United States would be, toward the attitude taken by the government of Ontario, and not far wrong in the strategy I have employed in not permitting Hepburn's behaviour either to embarrass me or Members of the Party in the Federal Parliament. He has only himself to thank for the door of the United States being shut so completely in his face." King comments that his own health is better due to his own determination not to take on more in a day than he can handle without fatigue.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With kindest remembrances and best of wishes to Florence and yourself, Believe me, as always, dear Peter [typewritten], Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 12, 1938, concerning his present to Harvey of an autographed copy of John Buchan's Augustus and his wishes for good health for Florence in the coming year.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "My best of wishes again to you both [typewritten], Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten.]"

Includes one letter dated Sept. 29, 1930 from S.C. Tweed in Waterloo, thanking Harvey for recommending Forsey Page as architect for a new school in Waterloo.
Includes eight letters from Lord Trenchard, Dancers Hill House, Barnet, Hertfordshire written between 1931 and 1937.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims and J.H. White, University of Toronto, author of Forest Trees of Ontario. Includes pencil notes and lists by Harvey, information about Tree Tanglefoot and an envelope labelled "Address – Forest Trees" containing pencilled notes by Harvey for a speech about the importance of forest trees.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 22, 1937, thanking him for the birthday letter and greetings, expressing sympathy and concern for Florence's health, and mentioning his own busy life, including "contentious problems that I have had to meet in the last ten days." In closing he sends Christmas wishes to the family and birthday wishes to Harvey.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "To one and all I send my good wishes [typewritten], Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated October 30, 1937, refusing an invitation from Harvey J. Sims to a banquet in Kitchener on the grounds of overwork: "The truth is, I am at present, once again played out. " He leaves it to Harvey to explain "to our friends" and to pass on King's appreciation of the thought.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "Love to Florence and to yourself [handwritten], Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."
Includes handwritten corrections and insertion.

Typewritten letter, carbon copy, from Harvey J. Sims to William Lyon Mackenzie King dated October 22, 1937, following up on King's letter of October 16 and replying that he has ordered two copies of Violet Markham's book; also that he had spoken to "Mr. Sanderson, the Chief Librarian of the Toronto Public Library." This letter is accompanied by a carbon copy dated the same day of Harvey J. Sims' letter to Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. In London, England, requesting copies of Violet Markham's book and mentioning that it had been suggested to him by "The Rt. Hon. Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada."
Salutation: "My Dear Billy [typewritten]"; Signature: "Yours very sincerely [typewritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated October 16, 1937, concerning Violet Markham's book Paxton and the Bachelor Duke and the possibility of obtaining extra copies. King also mentions his pleasure at Florence's improved health and strength.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With affectionate remembrances to you both, Believe me, as always, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated July 15, 1937, making arrangements for the forthcoming visit of Harvey to Kingsmere.
Salutation: "Dear Peter"; Signature: "Billy."

Typewritten letter from Alex R. Goldie dated May 13, 1937 to Harvey J. Sims, concerning the visit of the Governor-General to Kitchener on May 19, 1937.

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

Typewritten letter from A.S. Redfern, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, replying to Harvey J. Sims on behalf of the Governor-General (John Buchan), thanking Harvey for his letter and publication sent.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 13, 1937, thanking Harvey for sending him a framed photograph of Chicopee, and also for sending a copy of The Rotarian containing a picture of King and Mr. Hull. He expresses happiness at Florence's improvement but says of the Coronation: "I am well nigh terrified at what I know will be expected in this particular on the part of the Canadian delegation, and of its head in particular."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With every good wish, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 26, 1937, sending Easter greetings to Florence and Harvey and best of wishes for Florence's continuing recovery. He regrets having missed the exhibition of Homer Watson's paintings in order to rest before beginning preparations for the Coronation and the Imperial Conference.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With all good wishes, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated February 20, 1937, thanking Harvey for his suggestion of Colonel H. Ballantyne as "the representative of the Second Brigade Area on the Coronation contingent" and that the Honourable Ian Mackenzie has promised to consider Ballantyne's credentials when the time comes for selecting the contingent members.
Includes a postscript in Mackenzie King's handwriting concerning Florence's health.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Yours very sincerely, Billy [handwritten.]"

Includes invitation to the Cook family reunion, correspondence about peafowl and other wild stock available, and a postcard showing Hialeah Park Race Track, Florida.

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."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 22, 1936, thanking Harvey for his birthday letter and for sending a copy of his "most recent treatise on life insurance legislation," which King confesses he has not attempted to read. He expresses delight that Harvey has changed his billiard room into a library. He sends birthday and Christmas wishes to the family.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Your old friend, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 2, 1936, thanking Harvey for information, describing the pressure of his work: "The problems are far and away beyond anything the like of which we have had hitherto to consider," and expressing sympathy for Euler and his wife in their "great bereavement."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated August 31, 1936, making arrangements for the forthcoming visit of Harvey and Florence Sims and Borgstrom to Kingsmere.
Salutation: none; Signature: "Billy."

Typewritten letter from Carl A. Borgstrom, landscape architect, to Harvey J. Sims, expressing gratitude to Harvey for his assistance in arranging for him to be able to visit Kingsmere, and enclosing a copy of the letter he had written to Mackenzie King with thanks for putting his name before the National Employment Commission.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated August 12, 1936, apologizing for not having been able to visit Chicopee due to pressure of work, and to preparing for his forthcoming trip to Geneva where he is to head the Canadian delegation to the League of Nations. He makes reference to a photograph of himself and "The President" sent to him by Harvey. King tells Harvey that he has received two letter from "your friend Borgstrom" and says he has written again to the Minister of Labour and the National Employment Commission on his behalf. He asks Harvey bring Florence and Carl Borgstrom to visit Kingsmere so that he might "sound him out" before possibly obtaining his professional opinion about improvements at Kingsmere.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten] ; Signature: "Yours as ever, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated May 19, 1936, thanking him for having visited Kingsmere, describing his current workload, and sending regrets for not being able to be in Kitchener to greet Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir, due to prior obligations.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 23, 1935, concerning Harvey's presence in Ottawa "this week" and the semi-official functions and meetings that will prevent King from seeing Harvey until Saturday, also the "arrears of work" that have been caused by his absences in the United States. He sends sympathy to Harvey's son Kenneth whose wife has been in a car accident, Christmas greetings to the family, and thanks to Florence and Harvey for sending a copy of E. Stanley Jones' Christ's alternative to communism. He comments on the current struggle as between Christianity and materialism, "which the future will regard as one of transition accompanied by great suffering of mankind."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]" ; Signature: "With affectionate good wishes, Believe me, as always, dear Peter, Your very sincere friend [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated April 18, 1935, sending Easter wishes to Florence, "the boys", and Harvey, "if he is at home with you." King declares himself very busy, pleased with Harvey's progress, and hoping to be able to travel. In a handwritten postscript he adds: "In Harvey's letters he has spoken with great enthusiasm of yourself, of how brave you have been, and how glad he is that you are so strong and well again. He feels that you have helped him immensely to get back into good shape."
Salutation: "My dear Florence [handwritten]"; Signature: "With love to you all, Yours affectionately, Willie [handwritten]."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated December 23, 1934, affirming Florence's decision to stay home at Christmas but to let her two sons travel to Hartford, CT, where Harvey is in hospital. King offers to help in any way and offers to see Florence should she wish to come to Ottawa and talk: "If you thought a chaperone necessary, it would be well to bring one of the boys along, or Madge Gibson, or Mrs. Patteson would I am sure be glad to make a second or have you stay with her."
Salutation: "My dear Florence [handwritten]" ; Signature: "With every affectionate good wish to yourself, Believe me, as always, Very sincerely yours, Willie [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated May 14, 1934, in reply to Harvey's letter of May 12 outlining the difficulties in the way of digging up plants at Woodside. King replies that he will try to settle the matter himself on a future visit to Kitchener. He notes that Kingsmere is looking lovely and commends Harvey for travelling to England on holiday: "There will be plenty of time to rest and reflect, and recall the past, when you get your new library into shape!"
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With kindest remembrances and regards, and very many thanks, Believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours affectionately [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter, green carbon copy, from Harvey J. Sims to William Lyon Mackenzie King dated May 12, 1934, in reply to King's letter of May 10 requesting plants and shrubs from Woodside. Harvey replies that he was unable to make the request due to the health of the owner and says he will let King know when it might be possible.
Salutation: "My dear Billy"; Signature: "With the kindest regards from the both of us, I am, Yours most sincerely."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated May 10, 1934, in which he passes thanks to Mr. Burden for a clipping sent through Harvey, and expressing interest in obtaining plants and shrubs from his old home Woodside to re-plant at Kingsmere. He asks Harvey to be his middle-man in finding a way to accomplish this while also releasing him from any feeling of obligation. King notes that Kingsmere is looking beautiful and that he has a good gardener, and adds a handwritten postscript emphasizing that Harvey need not take any trouble unless he knows "just the person."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]" ; Signature: "With affectionate remembrances to you both, Believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]." Includes corrections and postscript in Mackenzie King's handwriting.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated April 25, 1934, thanking her for her hospitality on his most recent visit to Chicopee, expressing satisfaction with the by-election results in South Oxford, and hoping that Florence and Harvey will be able to visit Kingsmere in return: "There are no friends like the old friends, and the talks which I have of the old days when I meet you both always awaken memories that are precious and life-giving as well."
Salutation: "My dear Florence [handwritten]"; Signature: "Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]." Includes handwritten corrections.

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 16, 1934: "The memories of Kitchener visit and South Oxford campaign more delightful than ever, never mind the IOU, I can never repay all your kindness to me."
Salutation: none; Signature: "Affectionate remembrance to all, Billy."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 9, 1934, in response to one from Harvey, confirming meeting.
Salutation: none; Signature: "W L Mackenzie King."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 6, 1934, concerning King's travels in the South Oxford by-election, allowing him to consider visiting Homer Watson again, with whom he has "one or two matters" to discuss. He refers to his previous visit in Harvey's company and reiterates that he wants to see Harvey again on the same visit. The bulk of the letter concerns organizing the trip to suit King's wishes.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With kindest regards, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]." Includes handwritten insertion and handwritten P.S.: "Please do not think of this above for a moment if you have other engagements or should it not be wholly convenient. This is just a [illegible] shot. K."

Correspondence to and from Harvey J. Sims and Carl A. Borgstrom of Carl Borgstrom & H.S.M. Carver, Landscape Architects and Town Planners, relating to nursery stock supplied through Lorne Park Nurseries. Includes a hand-drawn orchard plan.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated November 9, 1933, concerning publication of the proceedings of the Port Hope Conference as The Liberal Way and the picture of King that appears in it. King submitted to the publication committee a picture that had been taken at Chicopee, not at the conference. He is asking, after the fact, for permission and thanks to the actual photographer.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]" ; Signature: "With all good wishes, believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours affectionately [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated November 6, 1933, expressing satisfaction at by-election results for Liberal candidates, but concerned that Bennett might call an election too soon. He comments on his own health and that of his dog Pat, and on bringing his sister Jennie and family to Kitchener. King's plan for visiting Kitchener before the end of the year is partly because he wants to talk to Homer Watson: "I am also most anxious to see Homer Watson again, as I am hoping it is going to be possible for me to be of some assistance to him. We have had a quite a little correspondence together. He has asked me if I would come up and spend a night in his home." King is pleased that Mr. Coleman has been appointed Under-Secretary of State, and also pleased at recent negative publicity about R.B. Bennett.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "Believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours affectionately [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated August 23, 1933, with thanks for the issue of Canadian Homes and Gardens containing an article about Chicopee. He reports that he has been on a speaking tour of the prairies, and that at Swan River, Manitoba he met a cousin of Harvey named Mr. William Sims.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated June 22, 1933 containing effusive gratitude for and memories of the visit he has just made to Chicopee. He writes lyrically and at length about the changes he has seen, "the glimpses of old Berlin hidden away amid the city of Kitchener which proclaims so much of growth prosperity," also "All these things touched my heart very deeply and stirred as you remarked, my very soul." King describes his trip home and his arrival at Kingsmere at midnight: "As I looked out of my window the heaven was lighted across its entire width with a display of aurora borealis such as I have never seen before. It was like a crown of eternal [illegible] set upon a vision of another world – the world of memory, of imagination, of delight in which I lived from the moment of departure to the moment of return." King finishes the letter with possible arrangements for Florence and Peter's visit to Kingsmere.
Salutation: "My dear Florence [handwritten]"; Signature: "Again my warmest wishes to Peter and yourself, for all your generous hospitality and for the joy you gave me, Believe me, dear Florence, Yours affectionately, Willie [handwritten]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated February 25, 1933, sending congratulations on the birth of a grandson.
Salutation: none; Signature: "W L Mackenzie King." The telegram is initialed "WLK [handwritten]."

Correspondents include William Valores Uttley, January 7, 1932, asking Harvey J. Sims to pass the enclosed biographical sketches to Florence to proofread and add information. The sketches are of Harvey, William Roos, and Mrs. William Roos (nee Davidson). The Waterloo Grand River Parks Co. sends two sustaining membership cards for "Cressman's Woods"; Mrs. Wilson from Ingleside Villa, N.B. is a lawn bowling connection and Grainger Whitney sends a news clipping, a note, and a photograph of an unidentified house, possibly in Chicago.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims concerned with identifying and remedying pests attacking his tree and shrub specimens.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 11, 1932, with further congratulations on the birth of a grandson, also repeating the desire to exchange visits, and concern about Florence's health. He also thanks Harvey for approving of the speech made by King on February 28, 1933 "on the Woodsworth resolution."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With affectionate remembrances to you both, believe me, as ever, dear Peter, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 8, 1932, thanking Harvey for sending him a copy of the history of Osgoode Hall issued by the Law Society of Upper Canada on its one hundredth anniversary. King expresses his personal interest because of his father's life and career, and his own childhood memories of visiting Osgoode Hall. King expresses interest in exchanging visits with the Sims in the coming year.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With all good wishes, believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 32, 1932, offering to "get up" a book of photographs of Kingsmere and exchange it for one of Chicopee, after having seen one that had been received by someone else.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "With kindest regards, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]."

Correspondence to and from Harvey J. Sims (carbons), relating to ongoing work at Chicopee, such as the pergola, log cabin, frog fountains, plantings, trees, and shrubs, and problems with wiring for road lights and flood lights. Includes detailed lists of nursery stock. Correspondents include Carl A. Borgstrom, Ball Brothers, Lorne Park Nurseries, A.H. Tomlinson (Department of Horticulture, University of Guelph), and the Mattell & Bierwagen Electric Company.