Letters accepting or declining the invitation to the marriage of Mabel Alguire Cameron and James Kenneth Sims, to be held in Cornwall, Ont.

Letters accepting or declining the invitation to the marriage of Mabel Alguire Cameron and James Kenneth Sims, to be held in Cornwall, Ont.

Letter from Francis Alexander Anglin, Justice of the Supreme Court of Ontario, dated July 2, 1945 to Kenneth Sims, with sympathy on the death of his father Harvey J. Sims.

Letter from Nellie Sharpe, dated March 28, 1948 Winnipeg, Manitoba, thanking Kenneth for writing with information about Rella. Very difficult handwriting.

Letter from Nigel Kempt, cousin of Kenneth Sims, dated January 6, 1950, thanking Mabel and Kenneth Sims for the "lovely piece of beef" sent at Christmas. "New Year is usually rather a wearisome time with us as our staff always have to get off, leaving us to feed the hens & do the cooking and so on."

Letter from E.G. Barrie dated June 18, 1951, Kitchener, to Mabel Sims, thanking her for taking care of table arrangements for an annual celebration, possible of the Chicopee Tennis Club. The letter is written on The Barrie Glove & Knitting Co. Limited, Kitchener, Ontario letterhead with a drawing of the factory.

Letter from Ed Knorr, Secretary Treasurer of the Woelfle Shoe Co., dated January 14, 1955, informing Kenneth Sims that the board of directors of the company had passed a resolution at the annual meeting of May 4, 1954 on the death of William Sims, to be recorded in the minutes.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 6, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal visiting Peter's brother James' family. He describes Harvey's distress at her leaving on the boat, his trip home to Berlin, arrangements for Harvey staying with Jemima's sister Rosy, and plans for visiting him the following day. Includes envelope.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 12, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal: "My Dear Wife, I expected a letter from you yesterday and was much disappointed at not receiving one. However I conclude you are enjoying yourself so much that you can scarcely get time to write me. Yet I have no doubt that Harvey and Pa are the chief objects of your loving heart."

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Toronto, October 4, 1895 to his wife Jemima Sims: "My dear wife, enclosed find a birthday present from me on this your birthday. As year after year rolls away we come to know each other better and to love each other more and more."

Letter from Rosie Bricker dated Salem, December 22 1868 to her sister Jemima Cook. She writes that her husband Ephraim can't leave the mill at Christmas (Includes envelope).

Letter from Hannah Cook dated March 4, 1869 to her sister Jemima Cook, with an added note signed "Harriet", probably visiting their sister Rosie Bricker in Salem. Written on lined paper (Includes envelope postmarked Feb. 12, 1869; probably not correct one).

Letter from Hannah Cook dated Preston, September 2, 1869 to her sister Jemima "Mrs. P.H." Sims, giving her family and friends' news from Salem and from Preston. Mention of dressmaking, spinning, and good food.

Letter from Anna C. Elsley postmarked Breslau, September 27, 1889 to her sister Jemima Sims describing the death of her daughter, "Carrie" on August 19, 1889 (Includes envelope).

From: At Home, Blair.

From: Yorkville.

From: Breslau, about sewing.

Letter from John McQueen, Walkerton, to Peter H. Sims: note enclosed in favour of John Robertson, "I have never been well Since I took the medison which caused the fits," also received a letter from Peter's mother asking for money.

From Kettle Point: letter to Peter H. Sims.

From Floradale (includes envelope).

From Waterloo: letter from James Lockie to P.H. Sims reporting internal issues and factions, personnel problems and cliques working for their own ends.

Letter to Harvey J. Sims dated August 4, 1930 from John R. Connon of Elora, enclosing advertisements for what he describes as "relating to your father's unfortunate venture in the Salem Woollen Mill." Includes an original manuscript copy of an advertisement for the Sims Bros. Salem Woollen Works, and the advertisement as published in the Elora Observer, no. 39 Friday April 17, 1868.

Partial letter from [Robert?] Garden dated London, 31 October, 1833, to "Dear Sisters," followed by a long disquisition on the proper response of women to changes in their circumstances: "It is the smile of contentment which ought to be on your lips even in the midst of the greatest difficulty." It is not made clear whether actual changes in circumstance in the financial or social standing Garden family are behind this well-meaning attempt to stave off discontent in the sisters. This is possibly from Garden sisters' brother Robert Garden.

Letter to Margaret, Jane, and Jessie dated London, September 11, 1835 from their brother John Garden, in which he reports on the sad state of his health and wardrobe, asks for shirts and collars, but particularly for "flannel drawers and a surcoat." He reports that on reading Jessie's letter "an overpowering sort of sensation thrilled through me, such as I have not felt since I came here … never did I wish so much to be home" (includes envelope).

Letter from George Davidson in Toronto, dated June 26, 1879, to his wife Margaret, reporting on treatment he has received in Toronto on his leg, people he has seen and visited, and arrangements for getting home. He underlines "slang" words such as "chimbly" and "cracks" (jokes).

Letter from Maggie Kempt dated Wiston Manre [Manor?], Wiston, by Biggar, July 1, 1886 to her mother Margaret Davidson describing her daughter Florence's asthma, and thanking her mother for looking after her son George on his trip to Canada. She sends all the news of visitors from Canada and says of George: "I hope George will be able to go and see our old home when he is in Berlin. Do you know the people that have Forest-Hill? He has heard so much about it that he will be disappointed if he cannot get into the house. You will find George a great politician and a fearful Tory, but I hope he won't display his views too much among a lot of radicals. He says the Canadians are nearly all Radicals." In closing she says "this courting through the telephone must be a novel arrangement."

Letter from John Davidson, Fraserburgh, Scotland on October 16, 1848 to his nephew George Davidson, commiserating on the death of George's infant child: "I know that you are of tender heart and will be much affected." John is Assessor and Collector of Road Money in Fraserburgh and as such was out on business when George left for home.

Letter from George Davidson's sister Catherine from 5 Ann Place, Aberdeen, April 13, 1881: she is sorry for his protracted illness, and relates news of all the family.

Letter from Margaret Davidson's sister-in-law Catherine Davidson from 5 Ann Place, Aberdeen, July 30, 1884 reporting the death of her brother and Margaret's brother-in-law John Davidson (includes envelope addressed to Mrs. Sheriff Davidson at 272 King Street, Toronto).

Invitation from the parents of Maggie Rennie Struthers to the wedding of their daughter to Robert Garden Davidson, to be held October 3, 1882 in St. Catharines (includes envelope).

Letter from Bella King dated 4 Grange Road, Toronto, February 14, 1915 to Florence Sims, writing on her mother's behalf [Isabel King]. She thanks Florence for sending her mother "the very pretty little knitted wrap", also that it was good of her "to think of Max and his little family," and reports that Max's health is much better. She also mentions "this awful war" and how women have "worked and are working everywhere." She speaks of her mother's health as well. Signed Bella King.

Two letters and a drawing from Forsey Page, Architect, concerning a possible addition to Florence's bedroom:
1935 December 5: Forsey Page to Florence describing a sleeping porch or covered balcony off her bedroom
1936 May 13: Forsey Page is disappointed that she has decided against a sun room.
Includes a drawing in pencil dated January 23, 1934: "Sketch showing new door and porch off bed room #1."

St. John NB: "I saw the sea today for the first time" (includes envelope).

New York (includes envelope).

Toronto: nervousness concerning Harvey's arranged yachting trip with "the boys": "You are a daring venturesome boy with not any too much precaution or forethought" (includes envelope and enclosed letter from Mr. Ruby).

Toronto: trip arrangements (includes envelope).

Step by step instructions for preparing Harvey's new house for occupancy, starting with liming the cellar and ending with papering and decorations (includes envelope).

Congratulates Harvey on being elected president of the Berlin Board of Trade: "Enter upon your duties with modesty knowing that there is much to learn and act as one putting on armour and not boasting as one taking it off after victory." He reminds Harvey of his "paramount duty to home and family and that Florence and the baby have the first claim on your time and thoughts."

Postcard, colour photo showing Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena.

Postcard, colour photo showing New Bath House, Ocean Park, California, with handwritten note "Had a swim there Monday, PHS."

London, England (includes envelope).

London, England.

London, England: describing "Continental trip" (includes envelope).

Jemima's Christmas present from Peter H. Sims is a sedan motor car, also sends Christmas wishes to all.

Hartford, Conn.: congratulations concerning bencher election results.

Winchester VA.: reporting that she has found the Wissler Farm.

Carbon typescript transcription of a diary by J. Ross Stewart of a trip on the Mauritania to the Carribbean.

Waterloo: concerning bible class.

Handwritten telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Mr. and Mrs. Harvey James Sims in Berlin, Ont. on October 29, 1902, sending congratulations on their wedding day.
Salutation: none; Signature: W.L. Mackenzie King.

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 23, 1923, thanking him for his generous birthday gift, thanking him for "devout friendship … begotten of a love that even David might have envied." He presses Harvey to visit and to bring Florence; also Madge and Minnie Gibson. He closes by saying that he has had a wonderful year, and that "of the Conferences, I have a lot to tell you. So come soon."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 20, 1924 regarding arrangements for a visit to Ottawa by Harvey and his wife Florence.
Salutation: "My dear Peter"; Signature: "Yours ever sincerely, Billy."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated May 23, 1925, replying to an invitation to attend a luncheon in his honour in Kitchener and to visit Harvey.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Believe me, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 30, 1926, thanking him for a birthday gift and letter. King says he is fatigued and lists the many political activities of the past year.
Salutation: "My dear Peter"; Signature: "With true affection, Believe me as always devotedly your friend, Billy."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated January 31, 1928, expressing sympathy for the death of Florence's mother Elizabeth Roos and mentioning close family ties: "I cannot express too sincerely the deep sympathy I feel for you, Maggie, Ethel and Irvine in your overwhelming bereavement. You know how closely our family and yours have been associated for many years. None of your many friends will feel more deeply for you all than Jennie and myself."
Salutation: "Dear Florence"; Signature: "W.L. Mackenzie King."

Typewritten letter from Norman McLeod Rogers, Secretary to President of the Privy Council, dated August 20, 1928, responding in Mackenzie King's absence to a letter and clipping sent by Harvey J. Sims. Salutation: "Dear Sir"; Signature: "Norman McL. Rogers" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence and Harvey J. Sims dated June 6, 1930, declining an invitation to their son Kenneth's wedding on June 28, 1930, due to the pressures of the "present campaign."
Salutation: "My dear Florence & Peter" [handwritten]; Signature: "As ever, Yours very sincerely & affectionately, Billy" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 6, 1931, written on behalf of his dog Pat, thanking Sims for having sent him biscuits for Easter. King then reports that Pat's recovery has been "well nigh a miracle," and that they have been out to Kingsmere walking.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "With affectionate remembrances to one and all, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 24, 1934, sending birthday and Christmas greetings.
Salutation: none; Signature: "Billy."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 11, 1932, with further congratulations on the birth of a grandson, also repeating the desire to exchange visits, and concern about Florence's health. He also thanks Harvey for approving of the speech made by King on February 28, 1933 "on the Woodsworth resolution."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With affectionate remembrances to you both, believe me, as ever, dear Peter, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 9, 1934, in response to one from Harvey, confirming meeting.
Salutation: none; Signature: "W L Mackenzie King."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 22, 1936, thanking Harvey for his birthday letter and for sending a copy of his "most recent treatise on life insurance legislation," which King confesses he has not attempted to read. He expresses delight that Harvey has changed his billiard room into a library. He sends birthday and Christmas wishes to the family.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Your old friend, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 13, 1937, thanking Harvey for sending him a framed photograph of Chicopee, and also for sending a copy of The Rotarian containing a picture of King and Mr. Hull. He expresses happiness at Florence's improvement but says of the Coronation: "I am well nigh terrified at what I know will be expected in this particular on the part of the Canadian delegation, and of its head in particular."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With every good wish, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated October 16, 1937, concerning Violet Markham's book Paxton and the Bachelor Duke and the possibility of obtaining extra copies. King also mentions his pleasure at Florence's improved health and strength.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With affectionate remembrances to you both, Believe me, as always, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 22, 1937, thanking him for the birthday letter and greetings, expressing sympathy and concern for Florence's health, and mentioning his own busy life, including "contentious problems that I have had to meet in the last ten days." In closing he sends Christmas wishes to the family and birthday wishes to Harvey.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "To one and all I send my good wishes [typewritten], Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter marked "Personal, Private" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 23, 1938, commenting on Harvey's report of Florence's increased good health and on Harvey's opinion of John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir's biography of the Roman Emperor Augustus. King offers to send Buchan Harvey's comments. King is sending Harvey the Hansard he requested, "containing my speech on the Export of Power Bill. The communications from the United States, recently received, make it pretty clear that I have not been far wrong in my estimate of what the attitude of the United States would be, toward the attitude taken by the government of Ontario, and not far wrong in the strategy I have employed in not permitting Hepburn's behaviour either to embarrass me or Members of the Party in the Federal Parliament. He has only himself to thank for the door of the United States being shut so completely in his face." King comments that his own health is better due to his own determination not to take on more in a day than he can handle without fatigue.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With kindest remembrances and best of wishes to Florence and yourself, Believe me, as always, dear Peter [typewritten], Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated June 11, 1938, looking forward to seeing Harvey in Niagara on June 18, hoping that his sister Jennie will be well enough to be there also, and expressing regret that Florence will not be attending. He extends an invitation to Harvey to join him in visiting the William Lyon Mackenzie homestead on the same day.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated September 12, 1941, thanking Harvey for his most recent welcome letter and his praise for King's "Mansion House" speech. He re-iterates his desire to visit Chicopee.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Letter from Joan Patteson to Harvey J. Sims dated November 12, 1941. She addresses Harvey as "Peter", and refers to Mackenzie King in her letter as "Rex", describing Mackenzie King's low spirits: "Now poor old Rex is facing a situation not too pleasant. He is tired... He is so alone our hearts ache for him. I need not tell you how I regard the gentleman in Toronto. I think it very bad if he accepts."

Typewritten carbon letter from Harvey J. Sims to William Lyon Mackenzie King, recommending Charles Henry, a junior solicitor in his office, "for appointment as a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Canadian navy."

One letter from William Daum Euler, Minister of National Revenue, Canada, dated Jan. 12, 1928.

Correspondents include J.M. Laing of the Mutual Life Assurance Co. about an investment plan, A.A. Langford of the Provincial Lawn Bowling Association accepting an invitation, and Law Society of Upper Canada circular correspondence that includes the voting results for benchers (Harvey Sims is third on the list of 61). File also contains a letter from Thomas W. Leak looking for work as a gardener, and a partial letter from Mrs. B. Lord.

Correspondents include Donald J. MacDonald from London, Ontario, Minnie O'Hara Maines on behalf of the Local Council of Women of Kitchener, and M.P. Johnson, secretary, on behalf Albert Edward Matthews, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, all addressing Harvey as Col. Sims and thanking him for his hospitality. Arthur R. Mortimer, Dept. of National Defence, responds to Harvey's letter of congratulations on his promotion. Violet Martin from Kennebunk Beach, Maine, regrets not being able to meet at Regina as her husband has cancer, and Harvey asks Bruce Matson in 1933 about obtaining prints of the photographs the latter took of Chicopee, some of which were published.

Correspondence relating to Chicopee: recommendation from William Rennie Seed Co., Nov. 1, 1928, that Harvey contact Arthur E.K. Bunnell of Wilson Bunnell & Borgstrom, Landscape Architects for designing his grounds, and Lt. Col. Sandford F. Smith "would be better to consult regarding your house."
Includes two letters from Forsey Page & Steele, December 14 and 29, regarding drawing up plans for the house, and one submission from Bell Telephone for supplying telephone service.

Correspondence from and to C. Ellison Kaumeyer, General Manager of the Niagara Parks Commission, and K.M. Broman, Superintendent of Arboriculture at the Niagara Parks Commission, relating to acquiring more specimens for Harvey J. Sims' collection of trees and shrubs, also requesting labels to be made for attaching to his specimens. Includes many lists annotated in pencil by Harvey, also many pencilled lists in his handwriting, as well as some mention of swans and ducks. Included in this folder are several letters to and from the Minister of Highways, T.B. McQuesten, regarding establishing a botanical garden in Hamilton.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims concerned with identifying and remedying pests attacking his tree and shrub specimens.

Correspondence from and to Harvey Sims and Arthur Herbert Richardson at the Ontario Department of Lands and Forest concerning reforestation efforts at Chicopee. In 1940, Harvey writes that he has more than 700 varieties of trees and shrubs, including all but 5 of the 82 native forest trees listed by J.H. White in Forest Trees of Ontario. In 1930, he writes that the Boy Scouts and Rotarians propose helping him plant 3500 more trees on Chicopee heights to complete the work started in 1929.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims and the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, Forestry Branch concerning applications for forest trees from Government nurseries. Includes letters between Harvey and F.S. Newman, Head Forester at the St. Williams Government Nursery, lists of trees and shrubs, and application forms for government nursery stock. Also includes correspondence between Harvey and A.H. Richardson, also a clipping and letter describing the 1928 tree planting done at Chicopee by the Boy Scouts and Rotarians.

Correspondence from and to Harvey J. Sims, Adam Strohm, Librarian at the Detroit Public Library, and Charles R, Sanderson, Chief Librarian of the Toronto Public Library, between 1927 and 1941, the latter two often enclosing each other's letters. Adam Strohm sometimes encloses letters from Fred Burden, a mutual friend of his and Harvey's. Harvey had initially approached Adam Strohm for advice about books for his library; this correspondence included Sanderson after 1927. As well as corresponding about books these three men developed a friendship demonstrated in their letters, writing about their visits, their travels, and their lives.