Six engraved calling cards from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur and Arthur's wife Kathleen, four of them dated and inscribed in Mackenzie King's handwriting, probably as accompaniments to letters or gifts.
Envelope inscribed “Mr. and Mrs. Arthur King” in Mackenzie King's handwriting.

Engraved calling card: "Mr. W.L. Mackenzie King, Laurier House, Ottawa, Canada," inscribed in King's handwriting to Miss Kathleen M. Thomas on December 24, 1942: "So many thanks for your beautiful card of Christmas greetings. My very best of wishes to you for the New Year. So kind of you to have had me in your thoughts at this season. Again, my very best of wishes to you. WLMK 24-Dec-42."

Handwritten formal reply by William Lyon Mackenzie King dated May [illegible], 1943, to an invitation from Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Thomas to the wedding of their daughter Kathleen Marion to Mr. Arthur Macdougall King on May 20, 1943 at Trinity College Chapel, Toronto.

Dinner menus and programs of events hosted by Prime Minister Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King. Includes:

• A dinner given in honour of Colonel John Gilman Foster, Consul General of the United States of America, on June 7, 1927
• A dinner given in honour of the delegates of the Empire Parliamentary Association on their visit to Canada, on August 29, 1928
• A dinner given in honour of the Rt. Hon. James Ramsay MacDonald, P.C., LL.D., M.P., on September 8, 1928.

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on December 28, 1930, thanking him for the gift of a book on science, but especially for the greeting card meant for “Pat” [WLMK’s dog] as well as for himself. “I am glad you remembered Pat, for I know he often thinks of you, and I am sure he sensed in your card some note of friendliness towards himself on the part of Tatters also.” King says he will enjoy reading Science and that “the discoveries of science are revolutionizing modern thought, as well as practices, in a number of directions. He then mentions Eddington and Jeans [1] and hopes that “someday I hope you will come to view things as they do. They seem to catch glimpses of the great unseen universe much more profound than those of most scientific writers of our day. King then mentions Evelyn Underhill [2] and her book The Life of the Spirit and the Life of Today that also “gives glimpses of much that lies beyond the revelations of science.” King mentions that he has had correspondence with Arthur’s brother Lyon, and invites Arthur to write on any topics that interest him.
Salutation: “My dear Arthur”; Signature: “Your loving uncle, Willie.”

Handwritten promissory note from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Miss Kathleen Thomas on May 16, 1943, for one hundred dollars as a souvenir of her wedding day May 20, 1943. [her future husband is William Lyon Mackenzie King's nephew Arthur Macdougall King.]

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Miss Kathleen Thomas on May 16, 1943.
Transcription: “My dear Kathleen: This is the week on which you and Arthur are to be married. I have waited until this Sunday morning to write to you, not being too sure during the past few days just what my movements might be in the course of the present week. You no doubt will have seen from the papers that the President and Mr. Churchill have invited me to come to Washington for talks together, for meetings, conference, and the like, in the course of Mr Churchill's stay. It is now clear that I shall be obliged to leave tomorrow afternoon at the latest, and that I shall be obliged to be there in Washington on the day of your wedding, Thursday May 20th.
I need not tell you how sorry I am to have to disappoint Arthur and yourself; and, myself, to miss the pleasure of being with you both at the marriage ceremony, and to sign the register as a witness, as I did in the case of Margery and Lyon's wedding. However, there is no alternative, as Mr. Churchill is expecting me to be with him on Tuesday, and the President has invited me to be his guest, at the White House, on Wednesday spending the night there, and attending a meeting of the Pacific Council on Thursday morning, and a meeting of delegates from different parts of the British Empire, on Monday afternoon. I mention these engagements because of their importance and historic significance, and that you may know just why it will not be possible for me to be with you all on the day of, and at the time of your wedding. Perhaps, in the long run, a message from the White House, on the day of the wedding, may come to be an even more significant and welcome souvenir of the occasion than the witnessing of the marriage ceremony, and being a witness to its having taken place. Still I should have liked to have been with you and Arthur as I was with Margery and Lyon.
You know, I am sure, all the good wishes that I send to you for the day and for the Nova vita [underlined] on which you enter at that time. I wish you and Arthur the greatest possible happiness. As you both have a high purpose in life, and a love of service, and with the [will be?] sharing kindred ideals, I am certain that the way will open out before you in [to?] new widening vistas of opportunities, and of realization of your highest hopes. It will, I imagine, not be without its difficulties and privations at the start, and until this time of war becomes something of the past. You will have in that the consolation of knowing that you are sharing with others the sacrifices by which in the end, all that is highest in attainment is accomplished. There will be, too, [illegible] much sunshine and gladness along the way.
I should like to make you a little gift which would be something you would like to have from me, as a remembrance of your wedding day. In order that I may be sure the choice would be something you yourself would approve, I am going to ask you to help me in the selection of it, after you come to Ottawa, where we can confer together about it. Meanwhile, please accept 'my promise to pay' with my love and best of wishes for May the 20th, 1943, and for the days, and months and years to come. I pray through this all, you may be greatly blessed.”
Salutation: “My dear Kathleen,” [handwritten; Signature: “Yours affectionately, W.L. Mackenzie King.”

Telegram of good wishes from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Miss Kathleen M. Thomas on May 19, 1943: “Please let this message bring to you on the morning of your wedding day every loving good wish for your happiness today and through the years to come I am sorry not to have been able to be present at the wedding ceremony but my thoughts will be with you all. “
Salutation: none; Signature: “W L Mackenzie King.”

Typewritten letter, marked “Personal”, from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Kathleen King on May 21, 1948, in which he expresses pleasure at seeing Arthur and Kathleen in Toronto, ascribes their good health and happiness to having their own “little house,” and sends them wedding anniversary congratulations. He adds that he is sending more vitamins.
Salutation: My dear Kathleen” [handwritten]; Signature: With love to Arthur and yourself, Yours affectionately, W.L. Mackenzie King” [handwritten].

Typewritten and handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Kathleen King on January 8, 1949, acknowledging one received from Kathleen with news that the vitamins had arrived safely. He comments on Arthur’s mother’s visit. [typewritten].In an added handwritten paragraph King writes: “Your wild strawberry jam is awfully delicious. Mr & Mrs Guthrie of Paris, France, were the first to sample it at tea, a few days ago. [illegible word word word word word word word word] for Ottawa’s future as Canada’s capital. Today the Prime Minister of New Zealand Mr Fraser, and the High Commissioner, had a taste. They were all delighted. [illegible word] never tasted anything as good. Love again to you and Arthur.”
Salutation: “My dear Kathleen” [handwritten]; Signature: “Yours affectionately, W.L. Mackenzie King” [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Kathleen King on January 18, 1950, on the topic of her vitamin supply. King notes that he is pleased that Arthur and Kathleen have decided to use his gift of money to purchase nesting tables.
Salutation: “My dear Kathleen:” [typewritten]; Signature: “Yours affectionately [typewritten], 'Uncle Willie.” [handwritten].

Printed invitations from the William Lyon Mackenzie Homestead Foundation to Arthur King and his wife Kathleen on May 8, 1950, one inviting them to attend the official opening of Mackenzie House in Toronto on May 9, 1950, and the other inviting them to attend the dinner to be held afterwards.

Telegram from Arthur King to May Macdougall King on July 23, 1950 reporting the death of William Lyon Mackenzie King the night before: “Uncle Willie died quietly peacefully last night with John Harry and myself in attendance. I am representing father here and will detail full account subsequently. Fondest love to you all.
Salutation: none; Signature: “Arthur.”

Typewritten letter from an unidentified person at Laurier House to Arthur King on August 8, 1950, who encloses a mimeograph copy of William Lyon Mackenzie’s King’s will and who promises to send a copy of Leonard Brockington’s broadcast.

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.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on December 19, 1931 in reply to one sent by Arthur from Boulder, Colorado. King expresses his pleasure at Arthur’s enjoyment of life at university and expands on the importance of character as the most important ingredient in success. He expresses his approval of electrical engineering as Arthur’s course of study. His Christmas gift to the family will be a sum of money to draw on through the year as needed, as well as individual sums.
Salutation [handwritten]: “My Dear Arthur”; Signature: “Your loving uncle, Willie.” [“Willie” handwritten]
Includes handwritten corrections.

Issue of the “Report of inaugural assembly (Ottawa, March 19th, 1930) : citizenship and politics by Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King, M.P., Prime Minister of Canada. Hints on organization” issued by the Twentieth Century Liberal Association of Canada (March 19, 1930).
The Twentieth Century Liberal Association of Canada was created by Liberal Canadians born in the 20th Century. The Association’s inaugural banquet and assembly took place on March 19, 1930, with the participation of Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King.

Untitled mimeograph draft of arrangements for the state funeral of William Lyon Mackenzie King, dated July 24, 1950, by W.P.J. O’Meara, Acting Under Secretary of State. Appendix “A” lists the honorary pallbearers and Appendix “B” gives marshalling instructions for those taking part in the funeral procession.

One booklet. These two copies owned by Arthur King, nephew of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and his wife Kathleen King.

Leaflet containing the order of service for the funeral of William Lyon Mackenzie King on July 26, 1950, two copies owned by Arthur King, nephew of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and his wife Kathleen King.

Leaflet containing the order of service in memory of William Lyon Mackenzie King held July 28, 1950 at Westminster Abbey, these two copies owned by Arthur King, nephew of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and his wife Kathleen King. Includes clipping about the service and the peal of bells.

Copy of the will of William Lyon Mackenzie King, prepared by Gowling, MacTavish, Watt, Osborne & Henderson, Ottawa and signed on February 28, 1950, marked “Not to be released until 9:30 p.m. E.D.T. August 8, 1950.”

Carbon copy of statements of accounts for the estate of William Lyon Mackenzie King prepared by The Royal Trust Company, Ottawa Branch. Includes a cover letter to Arthur King signed by Duncan K. MacTavish, dated April 28, 1952.

Mimeograph copy of a transcript of a broadcast by Leonard W. Brockington on August 8, 1950, sent to Arthur King from Laurier House, concerning William Lyon Mackenzie King’s gifts to the nation.

Published transcript of a broadcast by Leonard W. Brockington made on August 8, 1950, concerning William Lyon Mackenzie King’s gifts to the nation.

Press releases issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, consisting of extracts from messages received on the passing of Mackenzie King.

One section of The Ottawa Citizen, June 6, 1944 concerning the D-Day allied landings in France. “Gov’t lights quickly go on: officialdom here in dark on reported landings,” The Ottawa Citizen, Tuesday, June 6, 1944, p. 8. This short story reports on early morning lights going on at government buildings as “service chiefs and public relations officers, hearing German invasion reports, hurried to their offices.” The final paragraph reads: “A servant at Laurier House, home of Prime Minister Mackenzie king, said Mr. King had retired. She declined to awaken him.”

Issue of “The Canadian : circulated throughout the Dominion in the interests of the Liberal-Conservative party,” Vol. 2, No. 2, published by the Confederation Publishing Company on March 15, 1935.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on February 15, 1932, with congratulations on his results in the first quarter of university. He expands on the necessity of knowing one’s subject thoroughly, even if it takes longer. He references his brother Dougall Macdougall King's book on Nerves and Personal Power, and advises “Nature has no short cuts in anything; she never hastens, but also she never rests. It is the steady careful work which counts for most in the end.” King advises Arthur to concentrate on doing his best to complete his first year before thinking of any other possible activities.
Salutation: “My dear Arthur”; Signature: “Yours Affectionately, Uncle Willie.” [“Uncle Willie handwritten.]

This issue of the Evening Citizen for April 13, 1945 contains several mentions of William Lyon Mackenzie King, as well as on p. 13 a press photo of Roosevelt, King and Churchill taken at a press conference in Quebec.

This issue of the Evening Citizen for May 7, 1945 contains mentions of William Lyon Mackenzie King: “Not an hour for exultation, says Premier King,” p. 11; “Mr. King visits freed Canadians travelling home,” p. 15. Mr. King and Louis St. Laurent who were in California for the United Nations Security Conference, paid an unexpected visit to 52 Canadians who had been interned for three years in Japanese prison camps in the Philippines.

Two sections: p. [1]-18, 19-34.

p. [1]-2.

p. [1]-2, 9-10.

p. [1]-4.

Two sections, p. [1]-12, 13-28.

Second Section, p. 13-14.

p. [1]-2.

p. [1]-18, 35-[36].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on July 27, 1934. King advises Arthur, having heard that he had to give up on a course because of chicken-pox, to put his health ahead of everything else in order to fully recuperate. King reports on the “gratifying” election results in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and anticipates a general election. King reports that the past winter’s arthritis has disappeared, also that he has been to Williamsburg to see Dr. Locke[1] and is wearing Locke shoes [for fallen arches]. In regard to his nephews’ chosen professions of medicine and engineering, King says “The service which can be rendered the world through electrical development has become more apparent in our age than in all the centuries of the past, and I believe that we are only at the beginning of discoveries in that field which will revolutionize the thought, as well as the daily life and habits of the people. “
Salutation: “My dear Arthur”; Signature: none [all after p. 4 missing].

Booklets issued by the National Liberal Federation. Includes:

• One copy of “Mackenzie King and the wage earner, an article by William Henry Moore, reprinted from Public Life” (1935)
• Two copies of “Mackenzie King the obstinate idealist, an article by William Henry Moore, reprinted from Public Life” (1935). One of the copies contains a stamp that reads: “Egerton Lovering, Liberal Candidate Eglinton Riding.”

p. [1]-18, 19-20, 33-34.

Two sections, p. [1]-16, 17-32.

Two sections, p. [1]-16, 17-32.

p. [1]-16, 23-24.

p. [1]-16.

p. [1]-4, [21]-22.

p. [1]-[4].

p. [1]-4, 11-12, [17]-18, 35-40.

p. [1]-[6].

Collection consists of material relating to William Lyon Mackenzie King from the estates of his brother Dougall Macdougall “Max” King and of his nephew (Dougall’s son) Arthur Macdougall King. Its major component is correspondence from Mackenzie King to Arthur King and also to Arthur’s wife Kathleen, over a period of twenty-seven years from 1923 to 1950.The first letter is dated 1923, a scant three years after the death of Max King, when Arthur and his twin brother Lyon were 10 years old and the last in the series is dated July 5, 1950. The collection also contains documents and ephemera relating to King’s death, funeral and will, received by Arthur King as a participant in those events; also present are issues of major Ontario newspapers that covered Mackenzie King's death and funeral as events unfolded day-by-day. A small selection of photographs, some formal and some snapshots, are also present. A selection of books retained by the family, among them works written and presented by John King and Dougall Macdougall King, also works owned by Mackenzie King as a boy, present a tangible reminder of the intellectual legacy of the King family.

Materials created or published by Canadian Liberal organizations and ministers during the World Wars and between. Includes materials created during opposition governments and Liberal governments, especially those with Prime Minister Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King. Most materials directly relate to the Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King, including speeches, addresses, and different public and private events. Also includes materials created by the Hon. James Horace King, M.P., and the Hon. James Joseph McCann, M.P.