Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur and his wife Kathleen on December 21, 1947, thanking them for their letters of “love and best wishes” for his 73rd birthday. He blames his current lack of communication on “how very strenuous the pace has been. I doubt if ever in my life I have had so much ground to cover, or been as active and busy as I have. “ He then notes “It has all been a kind of ‘grand finale’ to my many years in public life, and which in the nature of things, cannot be expected to continue much longer.” King explains that he has had no time to select a Christmas gift and so has instead enclosed a “Bank Money Order” to be used for something for their home “as coming from me; something that may serve to remind you at all times of my love and abiding affection for you both.”
Salutation: “Dear Arthur and Kathleen” [handwritten; Signature: “Again, with fondest love and best of wishes, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie” [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.
Includes enclosure: empty Christmas money-holder card, 16 x 8 cm folded. Inscribed in King’s hand: “To Arthur and Kathleen With love and all good wishes for Christmas and the new year from Uncle Willie, Xmas 1947."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on December 26, 1947, expressing thanks for Arthur and his wife Kathleen's Christmas letter and gift to him of hand-painted tiles. “How sweet of you both to have remembered my admiration of the little paintings so exquisitely framed! I have already given them a place in my sunroom at Laurier House to which they are lending a note of added beauty and cheer. In the summer time I may take them to Kingsmere as well.” King continues in this effusive and somewhat repetitive vein, and again asks about their vitamin supply. King speculates that Arthur may have telephoned his mother and/or have written to her during the Christmas season, and informs Arthur that he had received a book from her entitled Human Destiny which he is looking forward to reading. [1]
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” [handwritten; Signature: “Again, with my warmest thanks to Kathleen and yourself for your lovely gift and letter, and much love to you both, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie” [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Issue of the Toronto Daily Star issued on May 15, 1948, with articles relating to Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on February 17, 1948, in response to one received. King informs Arthur that after some months of ill health, King's sister and Arthur's aunt, Jennie, has had an operation for a perforated appendix and has recovered. King describes also the "miraculous" recovery of Mr. Handy's son who, after having spent 14 months in hospital, is now at home "with his leg completely restored."
King expresses pleasure at Arthur's report of his progress at work and his advancement to a supervisory position, remarking "It means that your future is now secured."
King advises having, or moving to, living quarters with plenty of sunlight, as beneficial to health. He also agrees with Arthur that Arthur's mother has "gained a new strength and power," and asks, "How are the vitamins holding out?"
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten; Signature: "Your loving uncle Willie."
Includes handwritten corrections.

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on March 27, 1948: "Affectionate Easter greetings dear Arthur you and Kathleen = 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 letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on August 20, 1948, describing his relationship with John D. Rockefeller Jr., and mentioning his invitation to visit Mr. Rockfeller's "summer home at Seal Harbor, Maine." King anticipates going to Europe in three weeks, and notes that he is "now relieved of the leadership of the Party. On my return, I expect to be giving up office as well."[1] King declares the "Convention" as "a great success" [Liberal leadership election] [2] and wishes that Arthur and Kathleen had been there to "witness the ovations." He expresses his pleasure at Arthur and Kathleen's new home in Leaside, although his opening of Sunnybrook Hospital prevented him from visiting in person. He remarks on the pretty names "Southvale Drive" and "Leaside."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "With fondest love to you both, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King (while at the 1948 Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in London, England) [1] to his nephew Arthur on October 18, 1948, in reply to a letter from Arthur and Kathleen apparently expressing concern about King's health. King downplays the press reports of his "condition" and explains that he has taken medical advice to "take a complete rest instead of attempting to go on with the proceedings of the Prime Ministers' Meetings at Downing Street," and anticipates being in bed for a further week until boarding the "Queen Elizabeth" on October 29.
King expresses interest in Arthur and Kathleen's house and garden, and notes that everything is "going so well for your mother."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on December 22, 1948, thanking him and his wife Kathleen for sending 74th birthday congratulations. King asks that his best wishes be extended to all members of Arthur and Kathleen's family that will be gathered at their "own" home, and expresses pleasure that Arthur's mother will be visiting them. King suggests that Arthur and Kathleen use the enclosed money order to add to the silver King gave them as a wedding present.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Yours affectionately Uncle Willie" [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.
Includes two possible enclosures: a printed correspondence card (9 x 13 cm) sending Christmas and New year's wishes from King to all who had sent him greetings, dated December 1948. Also includes an empty envelope (7 x 10 cm) inscribed "To Arthur and Kathleen with love and all good wishes from Uncle Willie" in King's handwriting.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on December 28, 1948, containing effusive thanks to him and his wife Kathleen for letters and Christmas gift of hand-picked and preserved wild raspberry jam. King notes that the jam will be used for special occasions of afternoon tea at Laurier House or Kingsmere. King reminisces "I remember when Lord Athlone and Princess Alice used to come out to Kingsmere occasionally for a walk, there was nothing they enjoyed so much as some of the strawberry jam which I had there. Jam made from wild strawberries is, of course, the most delicious of all. [1]
King refers to his "little gift" to Arthur and Kathleen and says that "Nothing could give me more pleasure than that you should use the cheque toward the purchase of a rug for one of the rooms in your little home." He also extends his thanks to Arthur's mother for her letter and gift of books. King notes that is health is not good and that he was wise to have retired when he did. In closing, King mentions that he is sending Kathleen another supply of vitamins.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "With love to you both Yours affectionately Uncle Willie" [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 his nephew Arthur on March 22, 1949, relaying information from Arthur's friend Wilmot Gordon that his father had died, and encouraging Arthur to contact him.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "With fondest love Yours affectionately Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on March 29, 1949, in reply to his of March 28. King notes that Arthur has written to Wilmot Gordon and has also acquired a dog. King cautions Arthur against being overworked.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [typewritten]; Signature: "Fondest love to you and Kathleen, Affectionately yours, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on April 17, 1949: "A Happy Easter with love to you and Kathleen=Uncle Willie."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on June 14, 1949, expressing pleasure that Arthur and his wife Kathleen are going on holiday to Denver to see Arthur's mother. King cautions Arthur not to drive too fast or to far. He announces that he is now at Kingsmere for the summer, and that Arthur's Aunt Jennie and Rosabel will be staying with him in July.
Salutation: Dear Arthur [typewritten]; Signature: With fondest love and all good wishes to you both, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie." [Handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on December 20, 1949, thanking Arthur and his wife Kathleen for 75th birthday congratulations. King notes that because he can't keep track of family birthdays, he is more appreciative when people remember his. He explains that he is enclosing a bank draft to be used, he hopes, on something for their home as a gift from him. King notes that he has just written to Arthur's mother, and closes by sending Christmas and New Year's wishes to Arthur and Kathleen. Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "With fondest love to you both, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur and his wife Kathleen on December 31, 1949, with New Years greetings.
Salutation: none; Signature: "Uncle Willie" [all printed in block capitals].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on January 6, 1950, containing belated thanks for their Christmas letters and gift of the book Cry The Beloved Country. King finds it "extraordinary" that three books recommended to him by Violet Markham were given to him by three separate family members that Christmas. The other two were Schweitzer's Out of My Life and Thought and Lead, Kindly Light. [1] King describes his poor health, commiserates with Arthur's disappointment at not seeing his mother at Christmas, and approves of Arthur and Kathleen's plans to use his Christmas cheque to buy a set of nesting tables. King reiterates his pleasure at receiving letters from Arthur and Kathleen, and ends with concern that Kathleen's vitamins might have run out and that he is sending more.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "With fondest love and all good wishes to Kathleen and yourself. [Illegible, possibly Again as?] always, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

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].

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.”

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur and his wife Kathleen on April 7, 1950, with Easter greetings.
Salutation: none; Signature: "Uncle Willie"

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 in which he describes his own poor health and expresses concern for Arthur's. King asks for all the details about the oil burner that Arthur has acquired for his furnace and notes that the cost of oil makes heating almost as expensive as coal.
King thanks Arthur for congratulations on "the Royal Honours recently received, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and the Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold from Belgium," the which he notes belong to the nation and not to him personally. He goes on to quote from a letter from Churchill to himself published on p. 739 of Churchill's most recent work, The Grand Alliance, in which Churchill writes: " ﾑWhat a pleasure it is to see the whole empire pulling as one man, and believe me, my friend, I understand the reasons for your success in marshalling the grand war effort of Canada.' It is a nice tribute from the one who, more than any other, had to do with the direction of affairs at the time of the war." King expresses hope that he will soon be able to start work on his memoirs. He has still not ever visited Arthur and Kathleen's "little home in Toronto", and intends to do so "the first time I am in the city."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [typewritten]; Signature: "Yours very affectionately" [typewritten] "Uncle Willie" [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

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.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on May 17, 1950 in reply to one from Arthur commenting on the official opening of Mackenzie House in Toronto on May 9, 1950.[1] King notes that the premier of the Province [Leslie Frost] and the mayor of the City of Toronto [Herbert E. McCallum], both Conservatives, took part in the ceremonies: "To my mind, that disclosed a fine spirit, and one which would have brought great happiness to Mackenzie's heart." King expresses concern that Arthur has not reported on a dinner at which Leonard W. Brockington was to speak: "I thought I had made it clear to Kathleen and yourself that I not only would have liked you both to be present to hear Mr. Brockington speak, but that I would be happy to make that part of the proceeding ﾑmy treat'. King describes the speech [about William Lyon Mackenzie] in superlatives.
In a handwritten added paragraph King wonders if he has not mixed up the Royal York and the King Edward hotels as the dinner location, "or if by any chance, you happen to be minus a dinner jacket or dress suit. Please let me know if you have the latter."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Once again my fondest love to you and Kathleen,Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on June 19, 1950, hoping that Arthur and his wife Kathleen had spent a pleasant day in Buffalo with Arthur's mother, that he is enclosing a cheque that he had promised to send for her, and that he is happy she is having a "delightful little holiday."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Handwritten Air Letter from May King in England to William Lyon Mackenzie King on June 28, 1950, describing her trip to England and thanking him for his gift.

Salutation: "My dear Willie" [handwritten]; Signature: "ever affectionately May" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on July 5, 1950, enclosing a letter that King has just received from Arthur's mother, who is on holiday in England. He says that she acknowledges the cheque King send to her through Arthur, and adds that Arthur might like to keep the letter "as a receipt."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [typewritten; Signature: "With every good wish, Yours sincerely," [all typewritten] "McKenzie King" [handwritten].

One black and white informal portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King seated on the farmhouse porch at Kingsmere.
Photo dated July 18, 1950, National Film Board.

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

p. [1]-16.

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.

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

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

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.

p. [1]-2.

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

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

p. [1]-[6].

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.

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

p. [1]-4.

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

p. [1]-[4].

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

p. [1]-4, 21-22, 25-26.

p. [1]-4, 27-28, 33-34, 45-46.

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.

Second Section, p. 13-14.

Clippings contain plans for the memorial service for William Lyon Mackenzie King to be held in Westminster Abbey. One clipping is from the Globe and Mail, Friday, July 28, 1950, p. 4; the other is undated, from an unidentified newspaper.

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.

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.

p. [1]-2.

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.

Story by Dwight Whalen about William Lyon Mackenzie King visiting Woodside in 1947 and receiving flowers from Marilyn Kilbasco. He details their correspondence and her memories of the occasion.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on May 25, 1950. King is happy that Arthur and his wife Kathleen did after all attend the dinner and speech by Mr. Brockington, that they had a chance to speak with Brockington, and encloses a cheque to pay the cost of the tickets [not present]. King reports that he has been out for one or two drives and that he will soon be going to Kingsmere. He mentions his own poor health and asks after Arthur's health.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

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.