Formal studio portrait in photographer's folder of William Lyon Mackenzie King, seated, by Champion Studios, New York, inscribed to Harvey J. Sims: "To H.J. Sims, from his friend, W.L. Mackenzie King, Ottawa, ‘Xmas 1922."

Snapshots of Kenneth and William Sims at a beach; one image of the water.

Booster edition in five parts.

One copy each of The Globe and The Daily Record, Thursday September 14, 1922, reporting on the previous day's visit of King to Kitchener-Waterloo. The Globe article is titled "Canada's gallant Prime Minister (in remarkable address on return to his birthplace) condemns ultra-modern woman." The Daily Record headline is "City's distinguished son is welcomed at Victoria Park. Inspiring scenes enacted in conntion with demonstrative reception accorded Canada's Prime Minister and native of city; hopeful note sounded by Premier in address."

One section of a booster publication issued in commemoration of the Old Boys Reunion, held August 1-8, 1925 , p. 33-64

Letter from Jimmy Boyd (Dr. James Boyd) dated February 10, 1942 in England to Kenneth Sims, describing life in the hospital he is at and asking that any overdue accounts be collected for him.

Airmail letter from Jimmy Boyd dated September 3, 1943 in England to Kenneth Sims, describing his billets and activities in England over the past year, writing while waiting for a mobile clinic to be set up in Wales. Return Address is Maj. J.W. Boyd.

Letter from 2nd Lieut. J.H. Luxton, Scots Fusiliers of Canada, dated March 13, 1942, Kitchener to Major J.K. Sims on behalf of "D" Company in appreciation of his leadership. He attaches a list of signatures of the men in the company who had paraded together for the last time as a group, and of whom half of those eligible had offered their names for immediate enlistment.

Letter from Adam Strohm dated August 4, 1945, Manistee, Michigan to Kenneth Sims. He encloses a letter written to him on July 30, 1945 by Harry Bullock, an old friend of both Adam and Harvey, who says of another friend Fred Burden's troubles from feeling his age: "Harvey Sims passing was part of his trouble and yours and mine too. I think he was the finest Canadian I ever knew."

Letters from Elizabeth dated January 10, 1953[sic], Winnipeg; from Sophia and Dick in Guelph , undated, and from Gay Estill Sims, January 10, 1954, Washington D.C , with sympathy on the death of William Harvey Sims who had died on January 7.

The K-W Rotary Club International Service Committee minutes list Kenneth Sims as a member.

Records documenting the lives, activities and interests of Peter Harvey Sims and his wife Jemima Cook, of Peter's interactions with his father James Sims, mother Janet Harvey Sims, step-brother John Robertson, sister Janet McQueen, and business partners, and childhood records and young adulthood records relating to their children Harvey and Rella.
Letters from Jemima's sisters shed light on girls' and women's lives in the latter half of the 19th century, the activities available, the desolation of being socially isolated, detailed recounting of the deaths of loved ones, all interspersed with everyday news of family and friends.
In his letters to family, Peter displays an articulate and caring nature, a love of his children and family, and good sense of humour. He writes long letters; the larger the paper the larger his writing, and he never hesitates to offer Harvey advice and opinions on Harvey's actions and activities, most of which fall short of Peter's expectations. Whenever Peter and Jemima travel together or alone, Peter surveys the social, economic, cultural, architectural state of the place visited, the habits, dress and morals of the inhabitants, and its agricultural and business prospects.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 8, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal. He is pleased to have received a letter, also that she enjoyed the trip but wants a better description when she gets home. He tells her that Harvey is doing well and that he himself is coping: "I am enjoying myself and have plenty of work to keep me busy. I go down to the place in the evening and am taking up the potatoes, but when night comes and I find I am alone and my thoughts are on you my dear wife. I send you a dozen kisses and I will kiss Harvey for you." Includes envelope.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 13, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal: "I was glad to hear you are seeing the great sights of the largest city in the Dominion and one of the best built cities on this continent." He gives news of Harvey, family, and friends. Includes envelope.

Telegram from Peter H. Sims dated London, Ontario, October 1, 1890 to his wife Jemima Sims, with a message that he is somewhat better.

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: Kent.

Invitation to social evening.

Empty envelopes addressed to Jemima Cook, postmarked 1864-1867.

Two letters from Janet McQueen to her brother Peter H. Sims.

From: Walkerton. Discusses insolvency and money owed to John Robertson, and illness.

Four letters from Janet Sims in Salem to Peter H. Sims.

"I had dinner ready waiting for you on that day but as you failed to come I had it all to myself."

Postcard from Salem to say she has received Peter's letters.

James writes about illness in the family.

Two letters from Harvey J. Sims to his parents Peter H. and Jemima Sims.

From Waterloo: letter to M.J. Sims in Petoskey, Michigan (includes envelope).

Letter of recommendation by school trustees written and signed in both German and English. "Translated by Solomon Hess [Ness?] Hawkesville We the undersigned certify hereby that the teacher Peter Sim [sic] of our school in the new school section between the fifth and sixth concession east section hath discharged his duties as such true and faithfully" and is signed by: William Klegholz, Henry Gerth, John Beckner, Stephan Schamber [not listed], Jacob Schamber, Henry Fleischhauer, George Zieck and Martin Happel.

Certificate made out for "Peter Sim [sic]", as a "Second Class Teacher" in the North Riding of the County of Wellington, dated at Elora, signed by William Reynolds, Chairman and A. Dingwall Fordyce, Local Superintendent, to remain in force until recalled.

Correspondence and accounts relating to James and Janet Sims' finances from 1875-1881, also to Janet Sims' estate from 1881-1888. James died in 1880 and Janet died Oct. 3, 1881.

Documents relating to mortgage on Con. 13, lot 2, east side, dated 1865, abstract and discharge of same.

One sheet recording marriages solemnized before James Sim [sic], Baptist minister, for the year ending December 31, 1858, among whose effects it was found. "Peter Sim" is listed as witness for the marriage of William Parker, age 21, and Sarah Jane Harris, age 15, both of Wellesley, that took place in Wellesley May 10, 1858.

Resolution passed and entered into the minutes of the Board of Directors recognizing Peter H. Sims' worth and achievement.

• Birthday party invitation to Peter and Jemima Sims from Mrs. Hilliard, May 6, 1875.
• Memorial card: William John Roat, died at Berlin, December 23, 1887 (includes envelope).
• Memorial card: James McFeiggan, died in Galt, May 23, 1888.
• Memorial card: Harvey James Cook, November 12, 1930.
• Wedding invitations, 1895-1898.

Records documenting the family of George Davidson and his wife Margaret Garden, their daughters Margaret Kempt and Elizabeth Roos, and Elizabeth Roos' daughter Florence (the future wife of Harvey Sims.) Although there are very few letters from George extant, they are enough to show his genial and good-natured love of family, his keen and self-deprecating sense of humour, and his stoic acceptance of circumstances beyond his control. He had an unspecified affliction that require him to walk with canes; and two letters from New York City in 1880 describe in vivid detail the treatments he is receiving, most likely some form of electro-magnetic therapy.
Records making up the series include correspondence from George to his wife Margaret, letters written to Margaret by her daughter Maggie Kempt in Glasgow, letters from family in Scotland and friends in Canada, correspondence from Margaret to her granddaughter Florence, ephemera, and printed music. Some of the correspondence concerns Davidson and Sims genealogy.

Invitation from the parents of Wilhemina Topp to her wedding to William Davidson, son of George and Margaret Davidson, to be held September 20, 1877 in Toronto

Invitation from the aunt and uncle of Fannie M. Thorold to the wedding of their niece to Alexander Davidson, to be held September 16, 1886, in Port Rowan (includes envelope)

Letter from Hattie A. Bruce dated Waterloo June 16, 1892 on behalf of the Ladies' Aid Society, thanking Margaret for her donation and giving her news of friends and family: "I had the pleasure of spending Tuesday evening at Mr. Davidson's watching Emma and a number of her friends going through their Delsarte exercises" (Includes envelope addressed c/o Dr. Davidson, 207 College St., Toronto.)

Ephemera including greeting cards, tracts, memorial cards, trade cards, and envelopes.

The History of the children in the wood, published by Lumsden & Sons, Glasgow. This is a single sheet with eight hand-coloured woodcuts with verses beneath; versions of which circulated in Great Britain and the United States, most often in chapbook form. A note on the back says "This was given to Catharine as a prize at school at Berlin."

Certificate of life membership in the Canadian Red Cross Society presented to Mrs. William Roos, dated August 26, 1915.

Records documenting the family life of Harvey J. Sims and his wife Florence Katherine Roos, who married October 29, 1902. Correspondence to Florence is sparse but includes three letters from her old friend Isabel Grace Christina "Bella" King, sister of William Lyon Mackenzie King. Florence had a literary bent and some of her writing is present in the collection, including her biography of Sheriff George Davidson.

A quantity of letters from Peter H. Sims to his son Harvey are present from 1888 (when Harvey was 17) to 1912. Peter gives opinions, advice, and instruction on every aspect of Harvey's life. He attempts to guide Harvey through the narrow path to success in the legal profession, counselling frugality, moral rectitude, and duty to family above all. He even gives Harvey step-by-step instructions on cleaning and painting his basement to make it healthy.

Correspondence from Harvey's mother Jemima is not as sympathetic. In 1898, on hearing a report that Harvey had been struck by a ball, she advises him strongly to give up football as "beneath the dignity of a practising barrister." Harvey never took this advice as he had a strong interest in many sports and made his mark in all of them: football, curling, and lawn bowling.
Also present in this series is correspondence from his sister Rella and her family, legal agreements, ephemera, football ephemera, lawn bowling scrapbook and trip ephemera.

Photographic postcard from Harvey J. Sims postmarked Berlin, Ont., July 25 1906: "Old Opera House, London, Canada". Handwritten message: "We won our first two games. Am just going out with Buck & Harry Pope – Sam, Irvin Woelfle. Tell Mrs Woelfle they are all well at home. Love to all including Kenneth, Harvey."

Letter from Bella King dated 4 Grange Road, Toronto, June 28, 1908 to Florence Sims after the birth of William, her second child. She asks about the baby, mentions family, friends, and plans: "Willie is going to take [mother Isabel King] on a trip when he comes back from Quebec." Signed Isabel King.

Telegram from Irvine Kempt in Glasgow but postmarked Oban, July 30, 1923 to Florence Sims, regretting that he will be unable to meet her.

Typescript by Florence K. Sims with note on last page: "Read at the annual meeting of the Waterloo County Historical Society, Oct.1928."

Thirteen letters from Peter H. Sims to Harvey J. Sims written before 1900.

Toronto: advice about saving, not spending (includes envelope).

Describes facial swelling suffered frequently and use of antiphlogistine, also at Harvey's request writes as much as he knows of the life of his father the Rev. James Sims.

Letter from Peter H. Sims to his son Harvey J. Sims on March 3, 1812 from Mayagues [i.e., Mayagüez] (Puerto Rico). Peter H. Sims writes about his trip to Puerto Rico to assess risks on behalf of his company: he summarizes and comments on Puerto Rico's climate, landscape, history, people, American interest, Catholic Church, Spanish rule, agriculture, sugar cane production: "I thought I had retired from active work but I am at is as hard as ever and I enjoy it. I do not know if the trip will do the Co. any good. The conditions are all new to me."

Steamship Ascania (includes envelope).

London, England (includes envelope).

Five letters from Jemima Sims in Toronto to her son Harvey J. Sims.

Jemima is glad to hear the news that Harvey has decided to leave the hotel and get a room; also advice on emulating his father's path to success, also to learn German (includes envelope).

Waterloo: letter addressed to Harvey in Forest, relaying all the family news, describing their mother's reaction to a newspaper report that Harvey had almost drowned (includes envelope).

Hartford, Conn.: family news.

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."