Letter from Peter H. Sims from Glenelg, September 18, 1869 to his wife Jemima Sims: "My dear wife
I arrived here safely last night and I Can tell you I was pretty tired. I feel somewhat sore this morning but will be all right soon. There was nothing remarkable happened on the way worthy to being related. When I came in sight of the old House in the moon light I then began to feel lonesome. I felt like turning in and staying all night but I knew you were not there to greet me on my return so I went on to mothers where I got a cup of tea and then went to bed. I slept well for  I was very tired. I begin to see now how lonesome I am going to be without you. No one can supply your place and now you are away I begin to feel it . . . I now bid you good bye with a good hearty kiss.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
I remain your loving husband
P.H. Sims.”
Includes a stamped envelope addressed to Jemima at Flora P.O. (later Floradale) and postmarked Walkerton.

From: Breslau, about sewing.

On hearing a report that Harvey had been struck by a ball, Jemima advises him strongly to give up football as "beneath the dignity of a practicing [sic] barrister" (includes envelope).

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.

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

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

Steamship Ascania (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).

Letter asking after William in Manitoba, family comings and goings.

James expresses desire to see old home again; he is not well.

Waterloo, Berlin: "Band and Fireman's Tournament," caution concerning conduct away from home.

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).

Waterloo: concerning bible class.

Edinburgh, Scotland (includes envelope).

Hartford, Conn.: family news.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Guelph, Ontario, May 31, 1880 to his wife Jemima Sims, on the way to Mount Forest where he has been called suddenly. Jemima and the children are not at home; he reassures her that he has left everything locked up, that he is lonely without the family, and that he is downhearted about serious business losses.

Toronto: about proposed European trip and possible consequences for Harvey's position at work (includes envelope).

From: Yorkville.

Issues of local newspapers and printed material.

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

Eleven letters to and from Harvey J. Sims and Rella May Stewart and family.

Letter from William Harvey Sims dated April 7, [1930?], Toronto to his father Harvey J. Sims, concerning financial matters and his Osgoode Hall graduating banquet the night before.

Letter from Nellie Sharpe dated July 27, 1930, Winnipeg, Manitoba to her cousin Harvey J. Sims, conveying the news that their mutual uncle, William Andrew Sims, had died in New Westminster, B.C. on July 21 or 22. She says of him, "he was a harder man than your father [Peter H. Sims] or mine [James C. Sims], not the genial temperament they had."

Three letters from friends of Harvey J. Sims.

Long poem of 22 stanzas by Harvey J. Sims on the occasion of travelling to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1900 with "Mrs. Roos, 3 girls."

Agreement (carbon) between Harvey J. Sims and his sister Rella May Stewart dated January 2, 1923, concerning possession and ownership of silver and gold items from their parents' estate.

Memorandum of agreement made June 22, 1944 respecting the will and assets of Harvey J. Sims in light of his impending marriage with Gay Estill Robb. This agreement is signed and sealed by all parties and witnessed; the attached will of the same date is signed and witnessed, two other notarized documents also signed and witnessed.

Wide range of ephemera retained by Harvey J. Sims between 1886 and 1912. Includes invitations to "at homes" and organized social events, dance cards, dinner menu, also a copy of the The Second Annual Meeting of the Ontario Associated Boards of Trade, Toronto, Feb. 22-23, 1912.
Some ephemera is associated with local clubs, most of which Harvey was a member: Berlin H.S. Musical and Literary Society, The Beavers' Club, Grand River Lodge, Bachelors of Berlin and Waterloo, The Berlin Club and Young Men of the Ark.
Includes an 1896 curling scorecard with heavily illustrated covers, advertising the Dominion Brewery, Toronto, and Harvey J.'s Trinity University convocation program, June 27, 1896.

Membership cards signed by Harvey J. Sims for the Rangers Football Club dated 1890 and 1899, listing officers and executive, club grounds and colours. In 1890, Harvey J. Sims is listed as on the Committee of Management; in 1899, he is on the executive committee. The 1899 card includes the W.F.A (Western Football Association) schedule for the spring season. These cards are in addition to a copy of the Western Football Association Annual for 1900, edited by D. Forsyth, Secretary Western Football Association and printed in Berlin. This volume contains the constitution and rules, hints for referees and players, as well as detailed lists of champion teams from 1880 to 1899. The pages for 1900, printed in red, appear to have been pasted in at the front and end of the 1899.

Aberdeen: he has been to Oban and Insch, "called on old people to find out about my father, mother and relatives but could find no one who could remember that far back., that is 75 years ago" (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.

Invitation to social evening.

Hartford, Conn.

Toronto: advice about Harvey asking for leave to go on trip.

Small amount of material relating to the life and activities of Kenneth Sims, son of Harvey J. and Florence Sims. He married Mabel Alguire Cameron on June 28, 1930.
Includes a regrets letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Ephemera including lists of names, invitations, menus, itineraries relating to a special meeting of the British, Canadian, and American Bar Associations held in London, England, July 1924.

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.

Menu for the Restaurant Nimb Tivoli, Copenhagen, August 24, 1934. Menu is in French and Norwegian.

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.

Christmas card from the Scots Fusiliers of Canada with photograph (printed on coated paper) tipped in: "Their Majesties at Kitchener, June 6th, 1939." Left to right: William Lyon Mackenzie King, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, standing on the reception platform at the Kitchener railway station.

Clippings about William Lyon Mackenzie King, some dated but most not.

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.

Pamphlet in green and red type. Includes menu, list of toasts, and Berlin Board of Trade officers and council.

Typewritten letter marked (confidential) from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated September 11, 1907, accompanied by a carbon copy of a letter from John A. Lang to A.B. Aylesworth; together with a letter from Peter H. Sims to Harvey dated October 1, 1907 commenting on Mackenzie King's proposals.

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.

London, England: Peter H. Sims to Harvey: "We are having a most wretched and depressing time" (includes envelope).

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."

Toronto: trip arrangements (includes envelope).

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."

Monogrammed card from Laurier House, Ottawa sent as a Christmas card from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims, undated, inscribed inside in Mackenzie King's handwriting: "With the season's Greetings, W.L. Mackenzie King." Printed inside is King's favourite portrait of Isabel King (painted by J.W.L. Forster in 1905).

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 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 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]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated August 7, 1925, thanking him and his wife Florence for the memorable visit: "I can recall no happier home town visit since the days of Woodside."
Salutation: none; Signature: "Billy."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims, dated August 10, 1925, containing effusive thanks for her hospitality during the Old Boys' Reunion in Kitchener, many memories of the past, and reminiscences of all he saw and did while in the area.

One pamphlet containing menu, list of toasts, and list of officers of the Canadian, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs' Officers. Cover includes a portrait of Mackenzie King and gives the location of the luncheon as Kitchener Auditorium, Tuesday, August 4, 1925.

One pamphlet containing the text of Mackenzie King's address at the luncheon held in his honour by the Canadian, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs, "printed for distribution among members."

Toronto: Postcard, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, 1899-1900.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Toronto, October 15, 1915 to his wife Jemima Sims: "The occasion of your birthday recalls the many happy years we have been together and it awakens the hope that the years to come will be the brightest still and full of more happiness and pleasure." Peter continues in this vein, and hopes that their new home will contribute to better health and happiness.

London, England (includes envelope).

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 with pictorial header from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 31, 1927, sending best wishes for the New Year.
Salutation: none; Signature: "Billie."

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."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 31, 1928, concerning the possibility of Mackenzie King attending the funeral of Florence Sims' mother Elizabeth Roos.
Salutation: "Dear Peter"; Signature: "William L. Mackenzie Kin.[sic]"

Typewritten letter from O.D. Skelton, Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, Canada, replying to Harvey J. Sims on Mackenzie King's behalf, concerning a letter of introduction.

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]."

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].

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."

London, England (includes envelope).

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).

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 December 22, 1930, in reply to one just received. King describes the volume of mail he still receives, "whether it be due to sympathy or regard." In response to being asked how he felt about being in the opposition, King says there is not much difference: "Office is a hard row and a perpetual grind. Opposition is just about the same," and confesses that he is glad not to have to "carry responsibility for conditions as they are in Canada at present."
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Your very devoted and affectionate friend [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated "New Year's Eve" 1930, expressing gratitude for the hand-made cushions she had sent him for Christmas, and apologizing for not being able to contact her sooner.
Salutation: "My dear Florence"; Signature: "With all good wishes, Yours very sincerely, W.L. Mackenzie King."

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.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated March 28, 1931, in which he reports on the health of his dog Pat, who had been treated by doctors at "The Health of Animals Branch." He reports on an accidental fall suffered by Godfroy Patteson, husband of King's good friend Joan Patteson, and says in closing "I am glad, despite the length of the speech, that its reading created the favourable impression which your letter mentions."
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "With kindest regards, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

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 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]."

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 August 6, 1931, expressing his frustration and humiliation over "incidents of the past few weeks" and declaring that "far too much has been left to one or two to do. I have made up my mind that unless a sufficient number of Liberals can be found who will undertake the management and maintenance of an information and organization office, run under the party's own responsibility, I shall cease to have anything further to do with the party's leadership."
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "Believe me, as always, dear Peter [handwritten], Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [handwritten]."

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

Letter at least partially from Rosie Bricker postmarked Salem, December 1, 1868 to her sister Jemima Cook, about Christmas. Most of the letter seems to be written by another (younger?) sister about social life or lack of it in Elora and Salem with some speculation about the future (includes envelope).

One leaflet promoting the Royal Opera's 1912 season at Covent Garden

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 29, 1931, thanking Harvey for his letter and comparing Harvey's enjoyment of country life at Chicopee with his own experience "through similar ventures at Kingsmere. Indeed, some of the things you have been doing, and some of the improvements you have made on your property are so ridiculously like those which I have been attempting myself that I have fairly danced with glee at the parallel." King elaborates on improvements and work at Kingsmere, walks, and underbrush, and says he intends to follow Sims' efforts with little dams and waterfalls along a stream. He thanks Harvey and Florence for the gift of a book England, The Unknown Isle and counters with a similar book by Lukin Johnson, a personal friend. King also thanks Harvey for sending him the 1930 volume of the Waterloo Historical Society, detailing the writers and contents, giving a paean of praise for the work of the Society, and expressing amazement at the growth of the County. King ends by mentioning his health, his fatigue. and his need for recreation, and sends New Year's wishes to the Sims family: "The older we grow, the more precious become the friendships that have their beginnings in childhood's days."
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [handwritten]; Signature: "With affectionate good wishes to you all, Believe me, as always, dear Peter, Your sincere and devoted friend [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]." Includes insertions and corrections in Mackenzie King's handwriting.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated January 32, 1932, offering to "get up" a book of photographs of Kingsmere and exchange it for one of Chicopee, after having seen one that had been received by someone else.
Salutation: "My dear Peter" [typewritten]; Signature: "With kindest regards, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], W.L. Mackenzie King [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]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated February 25, 1933, sending congratulations on the birth of a grandson.
Salutation: none; Signature: "W L Mackenzie King." The telegram is initialed "WLK [handwritten]."

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]."

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Florence Sims dated June 22, 1933 containing effusive gratitude for and memories of the visit he has just made to Chicopee. He writes lyrically and at length about the changes he has seen, "the glimpses of old Berlin hidden away amid the city of Kitchener which proclaims so much of growth prosperity," also "All these things touched my heart very deeply and stirred as you remarked, my very soul." King describes his trip home and his arrival at Kingsmere at midnight: "As I looked out of my window the heaven was lighted across its entire width with a display of aurora borealis such as I have never seen before. It was like a crown of eternal [illegible] set upon a vision of another world – the world of memory, of imagination, of delight in which I lived from the moment of departure to the moment of return." King finishes the letter with possible arrangements for Florence and Peter's visit to Kingsmere.
Salutation: "My dear Florence [handwritten]"; Signature: "Again my warmest wishes to Peter and yourself, for all your generous hospitality and for the joy you gave me, Believe me, dear Florence, Yours affectionately, Willie [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 marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated November 9, 1933, concerning publication of the proceedings of the Port Hope Conference as The Liberal Way and the picture of King that appears in it. King submitted to the publication committee a picture that had been taken at Chicopee, not at the conference. He is asking, after the fact, for permission and thanks to the actual photographer.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]" ; Signature: "With all good wishes, believe me, as always, dear Peter, Yours affectionately [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 6, 1934, concerning King's travels in the South Oxford by-election, allowing him to consider visiting Homer Watson again, with whom he has "one or two matters" to discuss. He refers to his previous visit in Harvey's company and reiterates that he wants to see Harvey again on the same visit. The bulk of the letter concerns organizing the trip to suit King's wishes.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With kindest regards, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]." Includes handwritten insertion and handwritten P.S.: "Please do not think of this above for a moment if you have other engagements or should it not be wholly convenient. This is just a [illegible] shot. K."

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).

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."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated April 16, 1934: "The memories of Kitchener visit and South Oxford campaign more delightful than ever, never mind the IOU, I can never repay all your kindness to me."
Salutation: none; Signature: "Affectionate remembrance to all, Billy."

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.