Photograph of Martha Black seated on an upturned wooden box along the rocky shore of a body of water. Behind her are three unidentified people standing and seated in a large wooden boat, anchored to the shore.
Photograph of two automobiles on a road running through snow covered terrain. Annotation on verso reads: "His Majesty's Royal Mail - and us! Over the trails with Henry Ford."
Photograph of George Black looking at the camera while standing with a fishing rod and holding fish caught during the trip. Martha is seen standing with a fishing rod at his side, looking down at the fish with a slight smile and hand in her pocket.
Toronto: congratulating Harvey on finally getting his own room and on being appointed as secretary of the Berlin Board of Trade, advice about making the most of the opportunity: "Aim high, do your duty and you will get there. Do not neglect your reading: There is nothing more necessary in a young man, than that he read best current literature of the day and also the biographies of the world's great and good men."
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).
Response to Harvey concerning wedding invitations: "I do not like however the idea of your practically ignoring your relatives and asking outsiders" (includes envelope and enclosed list of invitees, with additional list by P.H. Sims).
Stern criticism of Harvey's financial situation, debt incurred by spending money on his new home: "You are just in the condition I expected you would be. You started out with too big ideas and now you find you have gone steeper in than you should and loaded yourself with a heavy debt … but you always were an extravagant boy." He continues with advice on getting and staying out of debt and living within his means (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."
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.
