"You are getting quite careless about your mother, you promised to come in the fall but failed."

Three letters from James Campbell Sims in Montreal to Peter H. Sims.

Business correspondence relating to mortgage loans and payments managed by John H. Robertson and Peter H. Sims. Includes correspondence from individuals about their payments.

Document signed by Philip Hohmeier acknowledging receipt of all of Peter H. Sims' interest in the listed Canadian and American patents for improvements to hot-air stoves and furnaces, witnessed by Jas. S. Lockie.

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.

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 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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Waterloo.

Waterloo (includes envelope addressed to Forest, Ontario).

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."

Toronto: Postcard, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, 1899-1900.

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

Printed Christmas and New Year's greeting (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.

London, England (includes envelope).

Lugano, Switzerland (includes envelope).

Edinburgh, Scotland (includes envelope).

Aberdeen: he has been to Oban and Insch, "called on old people to find out about my father, mother and relatives but could find no one who could remember that far back., that is 75 years ago" (includes envelope).

On hearing a report that Harvey had been struck by a ball, Jemima advises him strongly to give up football as "beneath the dignity of a practicing [sic] barrister" (includes envelope).

Eleven letters to and from Harvey J. Sims and Rella May Stewart and family.

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

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

Hartford, Conn.

Three letters from friends of Harvey J. Sims.

Scrapbook covering activities of the Canadian Lawn Bowling Association in general and H.J. Sims in particular from 1924 to 1941. Harvey J. Sims was on the Dominion Lawn Bowling Association Canadian team chosen to compete in Great Britain in 1924, and afterward continued to actively participate in the sport, winning many trophies. The scrapbook includes clippings, many with team photographs and portraits, drawings, schedules, itineraries relating to Harvey's involvement in lawn bowling events locally, in Ontario, the United States, and Great Britain.

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.

Ninety pieces of correspondence, of which 73 are letters to Harvey J. and/or Florence Sims. Another letter is in Series 11, sending regrets for the invitation to the wedding of Kenneth Sims and Mabel Alguire Cameron.
William Lyon Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada, was a boyhood friend of Harvey J. Sims, and consistently addresses him as "Peter" in his letters. The letters in this series range from Christmas greetings to political, literary and spiritual topics.
Letters in this series are both handwritten and typewritten. Letters from Mackenzie King to Florence Sims are usually handwritten.

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

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 2, 1923, thanking him for a gift for Laurier House and discussing the delay in reconstruction at Laurier House and the reconvening of Parliament on January 31, 1923. King also speaks of his "deeply valued friendship" with Harvey Sims.
Salutation: "My dear Peter"; Signature: "Ever your true friend, Billy K."

My dear Peter,
Your wonderful gift has kept me more or less at bay for the past ten days. I have hardly known how to acknowledge it, not having words [wherewith?] to express my appreciation of your great generosity. I am still at a loss and shall have to ask you to accept the will for the deed. It will be a great happiness to do as you suggest, to purchase for Laurier House something of which I may be in need to put the finishing touch required and to be a reminder through the years of your kindness. The bookshelves and library equipment which has made my present house the joy it has been in that respect, and which were the fruit of your previous gift, I am moving, in fact, out to Kingsmere, so summer and winter alike I shall be surrounded by evidences of your benevolence. I had expected to be in Laurier House by this time, but it has taken longer than anticipated to complete the work of reconstruction. It is going to be worth all the delay, however, and I shall look forward with delight to having you as a [first?] guest whenever you can come. I shall be able now to look after Florence's comfort as well, so do bring her with you when you are this way on some future occasion. Your generous gift enabled me to do a little better by some of my friends at this Xmas season than I would otherwise have felt I could. It came at a moment I was debating what I should send to May and the two young lads at Denver, and permitted me to make without thought of sacrifice what I was anxious to send. I must thank you therefore in more than a two fold sense for your goodness as well as your generosity.
I am very very busy as you can well imagine. Parliament re-assembling on January 31 and three of the ministers still overseas and two or more hors de combat. I may put your gift into riding or boxing lessons. A health investment is the best possible for my job.
I hope you all had a happy Xmas and I think, dear Peter, that this New Year will be the best you have ever known. My grateful thanks for your deeply valued friendship goes with my best of wishes to you and to all near and dear to you.
Ever your true friend,
Billy K.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 25, 1924, regarding arrangements for a forthcoming visit to Ottawa by Harvey and his wife Florence.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Believe me, as always, dear Peter, very sincerely yours. [Typewritten] Billy [handwritten]"

Printed Christmas card from William Lyon Mackenzie King presumably received by Harvey J. Sims, monogrammed on the front, with an engraved picture of Laurier House and greetings for 1924-1925 inside: "With the Season's Greetings, W.L. Mackenzie King."

Typewritten letter from W.H. Measures, private secretary to Mackenzie King, replying to Harvey J. Sims on King's behalf. Mackenzie King will endeavour to arrange a special visit to Kitchener by Lord and Lady Willingdon.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated July 21, 1928 concerning his inability to accept an invitation to visit the Sims, and announcing his decision to "be one of the delegation to represent Canada at the forthcoming Assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva in September," detailing travel and speaking engagements in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and a visit to his constituency of Prince Albert. King regards the trip to Geneva as a sacrifice as it "means another summer and autumn lost as far as Kingsmere is concerned." King also says that he has asked his Secretary to "find out from the Department of Marine and Fisheries what may be possible and should be done to secure the trout you are anxious for." In a handwritten P.S. King says "I find from Dept of Marine & Fisheries that the provincial govt has entire charge of fish hatcheries in Ontario. You had better [two words illegible] to Hon Chas McCrea."
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]."

Printed circular letter dated August 6, 1930, expressing Mackenzie King's thanks to well-wishers after the June 28 election.
Salutation: "My dear Peter!"; Signature: "W.L. Mackenzie King," both in King's handwriting. Includes note in King's handwriting: "Will write first opportunity. This is just to let you see how I am trying to get over ‘thousands' of communications. I shall be glad of the change. Billie."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated September 15, 1930, concerning the agreed need for "friends" to fight in the coming by-elections. King expresses frustration at having his usual time at Kingsmere interrupted.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Believe me as always, my dear Peter, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated February 28, 1931, in anticipation of a short overnight visit by Harvey on March 14, 1931 on his way to Montreal. King says that he will be delighted to see Harvey but will be busy preparing his speech to be delivered on March 16, 1931: "It relates particularly to the Speech from the throne, a copy of which I do not receive until after it is delivered, so that I shall be probably much occupied in getting material together through the day."
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]." Includes an insertion in Mackenzie King's handwriting.

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 5, 1931, in which King sends Easter greetings from himself, his dog Pat, and Pat's sister.
Salutation: none; Signature: "Mackenzie King." The telegram is initialed "WLK."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated May 4, 1932, congratulating Harvey on the votes he received on his election as a bencher.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "With kindest regards, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy K. [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 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]."

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 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.

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 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 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]."

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 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.]"

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 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.

Handwritten letter from C. Ellison Kaumeyer, Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission, to Harvey J. Sims dated June 6, 1938, inviting Harvey to stay overnight in Niagara Falls as his guest after the ceremony opening the Memorial Arch. He has made reservations at the Brock Hotel for Mackenzie King and his party as well.
Salutation: "My Dear Mr. Sims [handwritten]"; Signature: "Faithfully yours, C. Ellison Kaumeyer [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated October 31, 1938. King is returning from just having visited Bermuda, Jamaica, and Cuba. He mentions talking and visiting, approves of Harvey having started a journal, congratulates Harvey on another grandson, and, writing of Harvey's living alone, re-iterates that "attitude and belief account for what is most real and enduring in our happiness."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With every good wish, Yours affectionately, WK Billy [handwritten]."

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."

Handwritten letter from William Philip, President of the Grand River Conservation Commission, Galt, to Harvey J. Sims, dated May 16, 1942, in response to the news that Mackenzie King cannot attend the opening of the dam: "It would be unkind to urge him further, when his letter indicates how sincerely he is concentrating on his heavy task. The letter gives a sidelight on his earnestness. The pity is that we do not support more fully, with our sympathy, one who in these dark hours, is carrying our country's load."

Includes correspondence to and from Harvey J. Sims concerning placing his son at a law firm, also a letter from Florence M. Austin, Nov. 30, 1938, Dousman, Wis., on the genealogy of the Cook family and their mutual relationship.

Correspondents include C.E. Fischer offering an income plan, Forsey Page enclosing a letter from Bruce C. Matson, who photographed the Sims property in 1933, W. Sherwood Fox, and T.H. Noble.

Three letters from Henry Nyberg from his home in Kalkesta, Sweden, where he had retired. His letters to Harvey discuss old times and memories, but also concern the preparations being made in Sweden for a possible war, disbelief that war will actually be declared, and in 1941 he remarks that he made the wrong prediction about people coming to their senses.

Letters (approximately 16) between members of the Arthur Forbes Nicol and Harvey J. Sims families from 1928 to 1941. Harvey J. Sim's wife Florence Katherine Roos and Arthur F. Nicol's wife Florence Helen Kempt were first cousins: their mothers were sisters Elizabeth and Margaret Davidson. Letters concern mutual interests, politics and family.

Includes one letter from H.M. Snyder (furniture manufacturer) in 1941 about their mutual stays in hospital and state of health; a letter from Harvey to Dan Shantz in 1930 about the need for more snow fencing on the road past Chicopee, and correspondence with Titus Shantz about his dog licences.

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 concerning soil samples and pest remedies, as well as handwritten notes by Harvey Sims about chemicals and types of pests. Includes two letters from A.H. Tomlinson, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture, one of which is accompanied by a list of ornamental flowering shrubs and a list of deciduous trees, and both of which have pencilled checkmarks, presumably made by Harvey.

Correspondence from F.S. Newman at the Department of Lands and Forests, Forestry Branch in St. Williams, Ontario to Harvey J. Sims regarding Harvey's requests for seedlings, also purchase orders made on his behalf from Herbst Brothers in New York. Includes lists and invoices, as well as a hand-drawn planting plan for evergreens at the south fence line of Chicopee.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims and Arthur Gilbey, Nursery Sales Manager, Nursery Stock, at E.D. Smith and Sons, Winona, Ontario.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims and various nurseries and seed and plant suppliers relating to plants, trees, and shrubs for his property. Includes catalogues, lists and invoices. Suppliers include The Brampton Nursery, Cedarvale Tree Experts, Depuys and Ferguson (Montreal), Dominion Seed House, Endean Nurseries (Richmond Hill), Herbst Brothers (New York). More suppliers can be found in Series 8, Harvey J. Sims : Personal Business.