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 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].

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.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on December 22, 1942. Arthur has apparently had pneumonia and King offers recovery advice, including a check-up by Arthur’s uncle Dr. Harold Wookey. King includes detailed suggestions for a proposed overnight stay at Laurier House on an unspecified date. King sends Christmas wishes through Arthur to Arthur’s fiancée Kathleen Thomas and to Mr. and Mrs. Rean (Arthur's brother Lyon’s in-laws) in Toronto.
King describes in detail the portrait he has had taken by Yousef Karsh as a Christmas gift to all family members, “which has a very special interest.” King describes the location of the portrait as the library at Laurier House, describes the significance of the table and the significance of some of the objects placed on it. He adds “there are other features of special interest of which I shall have to tell you at some future time.” King enlarges on his reasons for self-documentation at this particular time: “One can never say how long one may continue to be in office. This picture, being taken at a time of war, and signed by myself while in office as Prime Minister, will make it, I am sure, an acceptable gift to you.”
Salutation: “My Dear Arthur” [handwritten]; Signature: “With lots of love, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on July 6, 1945. King expresses his pleasure that Arthur and Kathleen enjoyed a holiday in Muskoka and that they have moved into a new home in Montreal.
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” ; Signature: “With fondest love, [typewritten] to you both, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie” [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on December 22, 1945, thanking Arthur and Kathleen for their Christmas letter and wondering what book they have sent him to open on Christmas Day. “I have no doubt it is among the packages on the little bench in my upstairs hall, being kept in reserve for Christmas morning, when Santa Claus, Pat and I sit down together to open the several Christmas gifts.” King expresses regret that he has not had time to find a gift suitable for their new apartment but is instead enclosing an envelope. King also expresses pleasure that Arthur enjoys his work and that both Arthur and Kathleen are “both so happy in your charming little apartment.”
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” [handwritten]; Signature: “With fondest love to you and Kathleen, Your loving uncle, Willie” [handwritten].
Letter also accompanied by a separate envelope inscribed “To Arthur and Kathleen” and a Christmas money-holder card inscribed "To Dear Arthur and Kathleen With fondest love and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Uncle Willie, Christmas 1945," both inscriptions in Mackenzie King's handwriting.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on December 29, 1945 expressing his pleasure at receiving from Arthur and Kathleen, John Erskine’s book The Human Life of Jesus. [1] He emphasizes the importance of the life of Jesus to mankind, and says “I am so glad you have made this particular selection as a Christmas gift. You could have thought of nothing more appropriate and, I may add, nothing which to myself could bring a fuller measure of joy. To you both, I send my warmest thanks for a present I shall always greatly treasure and which will be to me an added strength and inspiration as I continue to go on toward the distant horizon and the glow which I hope may be mine as one approaches the close of one’s earthly life.” King the offers to pay the entire cost of a radio cabinet to hold Arthur and Kathleen’s collection of records, a sum greater than the original amount previously sent to them. King mentions “the little talk” they had on Christmas Day; also that he intends to send a fresh supply of vitamins. [2]
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” [handwritten]; Signature: “Please let this letter bring to you and to Kathleen my very best of wishes for this New Year and My fondest love, Yours affectionately , Uncle Willie” [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Handwritten notes by William Lyon Mackenzie on a small envelope, inscribed to “To Arthur and Kathleen with love and all good wishes, Uncle Willie, Christmas 1946,” with additional note “Not to open till Christmas morning.”
This envelope is enclosed in a mailing envelope postmarked Toronto Dec. 22, 1946, with “WLMK, PM” in bottom left hand corner [handwritten.]

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 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 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].

Telegram of good wishes from William Lyon Mackenzie to his nephew Arthur King on May 19, 1943 “to greet you on the morning of your marriage.”
Salutation: “Dear Arthur”; Signature: “Love to you both=W L Mackenzie King".
Includes envelope.

Telegram of good wishes from William Lyon Mackenzie to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. King on their wedding day, May 20, 1943. The telegram is sent from The White House in Washington DC.
Salutation: none; Signature: “W L Mackenzie King.”
Includes envelope.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on Dec. 27, 1943, thanking Arthur and his wife Kathleen for the Christmas letter and gift of handkerchiefs, and sending New Year’s wishes.
Salutation: “My Dear Arthur” [handwritten]; Signature: “Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie” [handwritten].
Includes insertions handwritten.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on October 15, 1944 concerning the “Inscription in memory of Surgeon Lieutenant William Lyon Mackenzie King, F.R.C.S. to be cut on memorial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.“ King is waiting for family to approve the inscription and details of lettering before placing the order. Arthur’s twin brother Lyon had died on Sept. 20, 1943 when the St. Croix was torpedoed by a German U-Boat and all men aboard except one perished. [1]
Salutation: “My Dear Arthur” [handwritten]; Signature: “Yours affectionately , Uncle Willie” [handwritten].

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King on January 19, 1947 in response to and supportive of the news that Arthur is moving to Toronto to work for Ontario Hydro. King enumerates Arthur’s qualifying experience and background, compares Toronto to Montreal as a suitable place to live, and offers a list of factors to consider when looking for a place to live.
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” [handwritten]; Signature: “With fondest love to you and Kathleen, and again with many thanks for your letter and all good wishes Believe me [?] Affectionately yours Uncle Willie” [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on August 2, 1947, responding to one just received, containing news of a holiday in Muskoka, and confirming receipt of fruit knives and forks with “precious associations” sent to Arthur and his wife Kathleen by Mackenzie King and his sister Jennie.
King thanks Arthur and Kathleen for their earlier letter of congratulations on achieving twenty years as Prime Minister. He describes the unveiling of his own and Sir Robert Borden’s portraits by Lord Alexander and mentions the presence of President Harry Truman. He declares his intent to send Arthur and Kathleen copies of Hansard of June 10 and 11 containing congratulations to himself, speeches made at the unveiling, and President Truman’s address to both Houses of Parliament.
King asks about the vitamin supply, and gives news about Mr. Handy’s son’s health.
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” [typewritten]; Signature: “With love to you and Kathleen, Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie” [handwritten.]

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.

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 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 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].

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 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].

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.

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].

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.”

Series consists of photographs of William Lyon Mackenzie King, his family and friends. Includes formal and informal portraits as well as snapshots taken in Toronto, Ottawa, Denver and Kingsmere.
Arranged in chronological order.

One black and white snapshot of John King lying in bed, both eyes bandaged, hands clasped, dated on verso: June 1915..

One formal posed studio portrait of the John King Family of Berlin, Ontario, ca. 1885.
Front row, seated, left to right: Isabel King, Janet Lindsey King, John King, Dougall Macdougall King [seated in front], William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Back Row, left to right: one unidentified boy, two unidentified young men, Bella King.

One black and white snapshot of John King at Kingsmere, wearing a bathrobe, with trees and lake in background. Inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand: “Father King goes down to swim.”

One set of men's Jaeger beige cashmere and wool underwear, size 42, belonging to William Lyon Mackenzie King, consisting of of a jersey-knit shirt and a pair of bottoms. The shirt has three buttons with button placket reinforced with woven material. Mackenzie King's Initials “W.L.M.K.” are embroidered in red on the front right bottom above the ribbing. The shirt has a white woven label with red letters at centre inside back neck: “Jaeger, Pure Cashmere & Wool, Made in Gt. Britain.” The bottoms close with a three-button fly and have a lace-up gusset at centre back. The waistband and fly are reinforced inside with woven material; the gusset has two sets of embroidered eyelets laced with a white ribbon. Two sets of horizontal double loops made of woven fabric are sewn down outside at the waist on either side of the fly, possibly for attaching to the shirt. The T. Eaton Co. catalogue of 1920-1921 describes these as “brace loops.”[1] There is evidence of something having been sewn above the shirt ribbing, front left side, as thread knots remain. The bottoms have a white woven label, inside centre back, with red letters. The word “Jaeger” is at the centre of a diamond shape bearing text on all four sides: “Health & Comfort, Warrented Pure Wool.” Below the diamond is a ribbon shape bearing text: “Patent Unshrinkable Process,” and below this on the bottom edges is: “Made in Gt. Britain.”

One black and white snapshot taken outside 4 Grange Road in Toronto: Left to right: Jennie Lindsey Lay, Isabel King (behind), Harry Morrison Lay, Bella King (all seated). Except for Isabel King, all identifications are conjectural.

Eight snapshots taken during Isabel and William Lyon Mackenzie King’s trip to Denver, Colorado, where Isabel was to stay for a time with her son Dougall Macdougall King, his wife May and their twin sons Arthur and Lyon. The first six snapshots are of family groups taken at the entrance steps of 928 Olive St., Denver, where Dougall had set up his medical practice. His plaque can be seen to the left of the doorway. 1. Left to right: May, Arthur, Isabel, Lyon (seated) and Dougall Macdougall King (standing). - 2. Left to right: Isabel and Dougall Macdougall King (seated). – 3. Left to right: Arthur, Isabel and Lyon King (all seated). – 4. Left to right: William Lyon Mackenzie King (standing), Dougall Macdougall King (seated). – 5. Left to right: William Lyon Mackenzie King, Isabel King, Dougall Macdougall King (all seated). – 6. Left to right: Lyon King, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Arthur King. – 7. Picnic in unidentified location. Left to right: possibly Isabel King in widow’s weeds, possibly Mae King, unidentified female, unidentified male. – 8. Left to right: Isabel King in widow’s weeds, William Lyon Mackenzie King, standing beside river. The latter two may have been taken at Welborn Farm (letter Willie to Jennie Sept 16, 1916. He writes that he has left Isabel at Max and May’s and has gone to stay at Welborn’s farm: “ they are all coming out to dinner with us here tomorrow.”)[1]

One black and white snapshot of Isabel King in the garden at Kingsmere, seated in a chair with her feet on a box or block.

One black and white snapshot of Isabel King (left) and May King (right) outside a house in an unidentified location. Inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand: “Mrs. King, mother of WML King and of Macdougall King, poss. With May King.”

One black and white snapshot of Isabel King (right) and May King (left) outside a house in an unidentified location. Inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand: “Mrs. King, mother of Willie & Mac King and Mac’s wife May.”

Framed black and white photographic print of the portrait of Isabel King painted by J.W.L. Forster in 1905. This was Mackenzie King’s favourite image of his mother: it still hangs in Laurier House where he placed it. This copy would appear to have belonged to Dougall Macdougall “Max” King and may have been sent to him by Mackenzie King. An earlier portrait of Isabel King was done by Forster in 1901 and in his diary Mackenzie King expresses his dissatisfaction and describes the portrait he would like to see : “ I am sorry in a way however, that it is not taken more as a photo we have of mother sitting in a chair & looking down at a book, the Mother’s face.” [1]

Print of the portrait of Isabel King painted by J.W.L. Forster in 1905, in a photographer’s tri-folder embossed: “Topley, Ottawa.

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.

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.

Clipping features portraits of eleven individuals descended from William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor, from the King, Lindsey and Lay families.

Series consists of correspondence from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur King, also to Arthur's wife Kathleen Marion King, written between January 8, 1923 and July 5, 1950. Although Mackenzie King's first letters are directed towards the interests of a growing boy, over the years he stays involved in Arthur's progress through school, university and ultimately in the workplace. He mentions his own activities although often not in detail, sends thank you letters and holiday greetings. He gives Arthur advice on his career, mentions books of interest, and talks about politics, friends, family and visitors to Kingsmere.
Arranged chronologically.

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.”

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.

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.

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.