Images of Harvey J. Sims, groups of people and dogs, and house and grounds at Chicopee.

Letter from Harvey J. Sims dated January 25, 1945, Delray Beach, Florida to his son Kenneth, urging him to come to Florida for the month of April, which he has already booked and paid for. He needs Kenneth to let him know definitely.

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.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims (who is a passenger on the Letitia, en route to Scotland) dated August 3, 1938, in which he thanks Harvey for his visit to Kingsmere and relates that a "vision" had led him to listen to a radio story about the composer of the music for "The Sweet by and by," who felt he was guided by his deceased wife. King states "When I see you again, I shall tell you more in the way of evidence of Florence's continued existence, and her power to continue to share your life." King describes the Army Corps Reunion and his day in Kingston where he spoke at the official opening of Fort Henry. He gives Harvey advice on how to structure his life on the trip to Scotland, and ends: "Continue to think of nature as the garment of the invisible, and to commune with the spiritual reality which lies behind the things we see."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With every good wish, Yours affectionately, WLM 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 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 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.

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 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 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]."

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 marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated May 12, 1942, concerning the opening of "the great Dam on the Grand River, which has recently been completed," and the impossibility of his being able to attend. He explains that although he has had many invitations and honours, he does not "feel at liberty to make any engagement which might take me from Ottawa at a time when I might be most needed." King has also received Harvey's letter of May 11 and replies that he would not approach Mr. Litvinoff about an engagement in Canada, as he had already indicated to King that he would not travel here again for the coming year.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "With all good wishes, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."
Includes handwritten corrections.

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."

Handwritten letter from William Philip, President of the Grand River Conservation Commission, Galt, to Harvey J. Sims, dated May 16, 1942, in response to the news that Mackenzie King cannot attend the opening of the dam: "It would be unkind to urge him further, when his letter indicates how sincerely he is concentrating on his heavy task. The letter gives a sidelight on his earnestness. The pity is that we do not support more fully, with our sympathy, one who in these dark hours, is carrying our country's load."

Typewritten letter, green carbon copy, from Harvey J. Sims to William Lyon Mackenzie King dated May 11, 1942, asking on behalf of Louis Lang that King use his influence to "induce" the American Ambassador from Russia to speak at the Canadian Manufacturers Association Annual Meeting in Toronto. Further, Harvey explains that Louis Lang is a close personal friend and that if Mr. Litvinoff cannot speak, King could perhaps suggest someone who would. This letter is accompanied by a carbon copy of Louis Lang's letter to Mackenzie King on the same subject, dated May 9, 1942.
Salutation: "My dear Billy" ; Signature: "Yours most sincerely."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 23, 1941, concerning changed arrangements for Harvey to visit Ottawa, as King is unsure when he will be called to Washington by the President.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Please let this letter bring to you anew my warmest and best of wishes for your seventieth birthday anniversary, and for Christmas day. Let it bring my best of wishes also to the boys, and my love to Madge and Minnie. Indeed, I send my love to you all [typewritten]. 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 letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated September 26, 1941, thanking Mrs. Shannon Bowlby for sending photographs to him through Harvey. He expresses interest in visiting Chicopee but is having difficulty arranging it.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "All good wishes, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."
Includes handwritten correction.

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]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims, dated May 13, 1941, concerning Angus Macdonald who relayed a message from Harvey, also mentioning his own intention to visit Kitchener in the summer.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With all good wishes, Yours affectionately, Billy [handwritten]."

Printed circular reply card from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated December 22, 1939 with thank you for birthday greetings sent to him. He adds a handwritten note to Harvey.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "My affectionate good wishes to you both, and my best of wishes for your own birthday. I hope and pray [4 words illegible] Billy [handwritten]."

Calling card from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims, accompanied by a newspaper clipping showing King George VI, Mackenzie King, and [unnamed] Hertzog. King's handwritten note on the card: "Dear Peter, My love and best wishes go to you with this little reminder of an historic event. My best of wishes for your birthday and Christmas and the New Year, Billy. Xmas 1939."

Typewritten letter Marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated August 17, 1939, regretting not having seen him after "the banquet in Toronto."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "Believe me, Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten."Billy [handwritten]."

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated October 31, 1938. King is returning from just having visited Bermuda, Jamaica, and Cuba. He mentions talking and visiting, approves of Harvey having started a journal, congratulates Harvey on another grandson, and, writing of Harvey's living alone, re-iterates that "attitude and belief account for what is most real and enduring in our happiness."
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "With every good wish, Yours affectionately, WK 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, carbon, to Mr. C. Ellison Kaumeyer dated June 8, 1938, accepting his invitation to stay overnight in Niagara Falls and expressing pleasure at being able to visit with Mackenzie King and his sister whom he has not seen for some time.
Salutation: "Dear Mr. Kaumeyer [typewritten]" ; Signature: "Yours sincerely [typewritten]."

Handwritten letter from C. Ellison Kaumeyer, Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission, to Harvey J. Sims dated June 6, 1938, inviting Harvey to stay overnight in Niagara Falls as his guest after the ceremony opening the Memorial Arch. He has made reservations at the Brock Hotel for Mackenzie King and his party as well.
Salutation: "My Dear Mr. Sims [handwritten]"; Signature: "Faithfully yours, C. Ellison Kaumeyer [handwritten.]"

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated June 4, 1938, mentioning the "Grand River conservation matter" and also looking forward to seeing Harvey in Queenston on June 18. He mentions that due to fatigue he has given up attending sittings of the House.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "I do hope Florence is regaining her strength. With affectionate good wishes to you both, Billy [handwritten]."
This letter is accompanied by material relating to the opening of the Memorial Arch at Niagara Falls by Mackenzie King on June 18, 1938: official invitations to Harvey and Florence Sims to attend the opening ceremony, a luncheon, and a dinner, as well as a two-page typescript carbon itinerary.

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 January 12, 1938, concerning his present to Harvey of an autographed copy of John Buchan's Augustus and his wishes for good health for Florence in the coming year.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [handwritten]"; Signature: "My best of wishes again to you both [typewritten], Yours affectionately, 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 from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated October 30, 1937, refusing an invitation from Harvey J. Sims to a banquet in Kitchener on the grounds of overwork: "The truth is, I am at present, once again played out. " He leaves it to Harvey to explain "to our friends" and to pass on King's appreciation of the thought.
Salutation: "My dear Peter [typewritten]"; Signature: "Love to Florence and to yourself [handwritten], Yours very sincerely [typewritten], Billy [handwritten]."
Includes handwritten corrections and insertion.

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]."

Telegram from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Harvey J. Sims dated July 15, 1937, making arrangements for the forthcoming visit of Harvey to Kingsmere.
Salutation: "Dear Peter"; Signature: "Billy."

Typewritten letter from Alex R. Goldie dated May 13, 1937 to Harvey J. Sims, concerning the visit of the Governor-General to Kitchener on May 19, 1937.

Typewritten letter from A.S. Redfern, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, replying to Harvey J. Sims on behalf of the Governor-General (John Buchan), thanking Harvey for his letter and publication sent.