The Sims family collection encompasses records of the Sims and Cook, Davidson and Garden families retained by members of the two family branches that came together when Harvey James Sims and Florence Katherine Roos married in 1902. Their Sims and Davidson forbears were equally significant in the history of the Waterloo-Wellington area and in the growth and development of agriculture, education, business and government. Harvey James Sims and Florence Katherine Roos were deeply involved in their local community of Berlin, (later Kitchener) Ontario and their own records contain significant additions to our knowledge of local personalities and affairs. Harvey was a childhood and lifelong friend of William Lyon Mackenzie King; they wrote and visited each other regularly. King's sister Bella was also a close friend of Florence from school days on.

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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).

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).

Letter from Clara Oberholtzer dated Alanson, [Michigan], December 10, 1890 to her aunt Jemima Sims reporting on the death of her aunt Angelina Dunham (nee Cook), the grief of Mr. Dunham, and the effect on other family members.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Salem, October 4, 1869 to his wife Jemima Sims: "I am making every endeavour to get out of the bush country but I cannot do so untill [sic] I collect the accounts and straighten the business somewhat. After I got back I went out collecting but found it was impossible to get any money, consequently I took cattle. By this means I got a dozen together and I then started for Elora to turn them into money, which I will do tomorrow."

Correspondence from Jemima Cook's friends prior to her marriage in 1869.

From: Yorkville.

Invitation to social evening.

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: At Home, Blair.

From: Waterloo.

Invitation to a quilting.

From: Kent.

From: Kent.

General correspondence received by Jemima Sims.

From: Breslau, about sewing.

From: Breslau, about sewing.

From: Waterloo. Circular letter concerning Methodist Church dues payable for Quarter ending Sunday April 25.

From: Waterloo. Concerning payment on account.

From: Toronto. Letter writer is accepting an invitation. The envelope is addressed to 86 Jameson Ave., Toronto.

From: Parkdale Place. Letter writer is declining an invitation.

Three paper lace valentines, possibly handmade:
Paper lace and coloured floral valentine with lift-up flowers hiding three heart-shapes to write messages on. Inside the card is a hand-written poem to the "Belle" of the ball, signed "Valentine"
Paper lace overlay of bird's nest and flowers over second layer with a two-piece embossed lift up figure of a woman with cherub on her shoulder, purple ribbon and coloured floral decoration applied on her skirt, under this is a third layer with a coloured metallic bird flying into pasted-on coloured floral decorations. A gold and white banner is pasted at the bottom of the page, with "A Token of True Love" printed in blue.The back of this card is signed "from Jemima." Maker's name embossed on back: "Meek"
Pink paper folded valentine with embossed gold floral design surrounding pasted-on die-cut flowers and leaves, below this a white and gold banner reading "A Pledge of Love" in blue. Inside the card is signed" Miss Mary Jemima Cook"

Carte de visite photograph of unidentified baby, with envelope addressed to Miss M.J. Cook., Preston, On., postmarked Doon, May 29, 1867.

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.

From: Athena. Discusses how she and John can't pay the note; their boys are supporting them.

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.

Letter from James and Janet Sims, Hawkesville, thanking Peter H. Sims for the $30.00 he sent so they could pay for the cow.

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

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

"You are getting quite careless about your mother, you promised to come in the fall but failed."

"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.

Three letters from James Campbell Sims in Montreal to Peter H. Sims.

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

James writes about illness in the family.

Harvey has arrived to visit.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, July 28, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims: "I am getting along very well, have plenty to do to keep me from getting lonesome. But when night come and before I retire to rest I feel that I [am] alone and that home would be dreary enough without you . . . What do you think the town has had a visit from Mrs Von Schultis. She is dressed up in wonderful fine style. Black. Silk. Bustles and flounces. I suppose she came to see her children, and get a plan (place?) for her little girl at [B---'s?] I think she has left. She created quite a sensation in town . . . Remember me to Harvey and tell him Pa would like to see him and that I hope he is a good boy. Be careful of the water and do not let him go too close to it. I do not wish to hurry you home but I feel that I would like to see you back sometime next week. I am your loving Husband, Peter."
Letterhead is The Mercantile Fire Insurance Company, President I.E. Bowman, P.H. Sims Secretary.

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).

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 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.

Certificate made out for "Peter Sims", as a "First 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 for two years.

Business correspondence relating to mortgage loans and payments managed by John H. Robertson and Peter H. Sims. Includes correspondence from individuals about their payments.

Correspondence and agreements relating to a U.S. patent issued to Peter H. Sims and Philip Hohmeier of Waterloo for improvements to a hot air furnace and the transfer of manufacturing rights to Henry B. Weaver of Blue Ball, Pennsylvania. In the first letter of May 6, 1886, A.M. Weaver asks about the "Balm of Life receipt" sent to her by Peter, but wants to know how many ounces of "oil of origanum" are needed.

Document signed by Philip Hohmeier acknowledging receipt of all of Peter H. Sims' interest in the listed Canadian and American patents for improvements to hot-air stoves and furnaces, witnessed by Jas. S. Lockie.

Correspondence to Peter H. Sims from A. Millar, legal documents, and receipts all relating to action brought against Peter by creditors John Travers and Milton Cushing Schofield.

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.

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.

Return of marriages solemnized by Rev. T.A. Ferguson for the half-year ending June 30, 1869, which register page contains an entry for the marriage of Peter Harvey Sims of Glenelg Township, age 25, and Mary Jemima Cook of Waterloo Township, age 22, that took place May 18, 1869. This record was retained by Rev. James Sims.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 15, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal. He counsels her not to take too much exercise as she is not strong, and that the Exhibition will be in Montreal that week. "I would like to see my dear wife and I count the days now wishing Tuesday next to [swing?] around as at that time I hope to see you again and clasp you to my heart."

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated London, Ontario, May 10, 1878 to his wife Jemima Sims; two court cases involving his business are being heard there.

Issues of local newspapers and printed material.

This issue of The Telephone declares itself to be the last, as the Daily Record has taken over the subscriber list, which subscribers will receive the Saturday issue of the daily Record instead. This issue includes a history of the Waterloo Club, and a two-page centre article about the Ball of the Bachelors of the Sister Cities, held at the Walper House. This article attempts to list all participants, what they wore, and what was in and out.

The Saturday Globe, Toronto, Saturday June 27, 1891, 1-4. A booster publication outlining the history, leading citizens, businesses, and industries. Includes portraits and photographs of buildings. Includes a portrait of Peter H. Sims.

The Daily Telegraph, Expansion Number, December 13, 1913, p. 11-14: this booster publication reports on the "material progress" of Berlin in 1913, in public works and factories, and lists residences erected in 1913.

Booster edition in five parts.

"Endorsed by the Citizens' League of Berlin, Canada, and the signatures of 2068 municipal voters, as well as hundreds of others who had no opportunity to sign the petition to the Provincial government."

Kitchener Daily Telegraph, December 2, 1919, p. 1: "History was made in Kitchener Monday night when the City Council unanimously turned down the clause in the Finance report calling for a plebiscite on the question of changing the name of Kitchener back to Berlin." A second article, also on the front page, reports on the aftermath of the evening: "Alds. Bitzer and Bowman, Messrs. Asmussen and Euler requested to kiss flag." "Ald. Bitzer was subsequently ducked four times in Victoria Lake, the News-Record office was wrecked by the crowd, Ald. Asmussen, M.P.P. was dragged from his home to the Victoria Hall and finally W.D. Euler, M.P., was seized at the Lancaster Club and rushed across the street to the hall where demands were made that he kiss the flag and offer apologies. He refused to do either of these and received a few blows from the crowd."

The Daily Record, Wednesday, June 22, 1922, p. 1

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

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.

Postcard from Mabel Cameron Alguire to her grandfather Dr. D.O. Alguire, Cornwall, Ontario. The postcard is watercolour picture of a seashore, with boat, lighthouse, and rocks constructed from cut-up coloured postal stamps.

Printed Christmas card signed on the back Margaret Washburn, envelope addressed "Kenneth."

Letter from Mackenzie King dated June 6, 1930 to the aunts of Mabel Cameron Alguire, regretting that he is unable to attend her wedding to James Kenneth Davidson Sims on June 28, 1930 in Cornwall, Ontario.

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.

Telegrams sent to Mabel Alguire Cameron and James Kenneth Sims on the day of their wedding, June 28, 1930, addressed to them singly or together as "Mr. and Mrs."

Diary kept by Kenneth Sims from May 19, 1924 to the end of August of that year chronicling his activities while travelling with and without his parents and the Canadian lawn bowlers who were competing in Great Britain.

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 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.

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 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."