Ephemera belonging to Arthur King and relating to the funeral of William Lyon Mackenzie King, former Prime Minister of Canada. Includes two invitations for Arthur King and his wife Kathleen King to attend the state funeral to be held in Ottawa, Wednesday, July 26, 1950, a card allocating places on the special train from Ottawa to Toronto, and places in a car from Union Station to the cemetery, as well as two luggage tags for the special train. Also includes pre-printed thank you cards.

One formal posed studio portrait of the John King Family of Berlin, Ontario, ca. 1885.
Front row, seated, left to right: Isabel King, Janet Lindsey King, John King, Dougall Macdougall King [seated in front], William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Back Row, left to right: one unidentified boy, two unidentified young men, Bella King.

Typewritten letter marked "Personal" from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on August 18, 1947, thanking him and his wife Kathleen for their “charming little letter” on the death of King’s dog Pat, and noting “Naturally I feel his loss very much.” King expresses hope of seeing Arthur and Kathleen when he is “up at the Exhibition” [1] and gives details of his busy schedule during the days of his visit. Although he will not be able to visit them at home he has asked that they be sent tickets to the garden party being given by the Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Ray Lawson in the hopes that they may meet each other. King asks if Arthur remembers going with him and his brother Lyon to the opening of the Exhibition “the last time I was there. I think that was just twenty years ago.”
King asks about the vitamin supply.
Salutation: “My dear Arthur” [typewritten]; Signature: “With fondest love to you and Kathleen, Yours affectionately , Uncle Willie” [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Published transcript of a broadcast by Leonard W. Brockington made on August 8, 1950, concerning William Lyon Mackenzie King’s gifts to the nation.

Mimeograph copy of a transcript of a broadcast by Leonard W. Brockington on August 8, 1950, sent to Arthur King from Laurier House, concerning William Lyon Mackenzie King’s gifts to the nation.

Collection consists of material relating to William Lyon Mackenzie King from the estates of his brother Dougall Macdougall “Max” King and of his nephew (Dougall’s son) Arthur Macdougall King. Its major component is correspondence from Mackenzie King to Arthur King and also to Arthur’s wife Kathleen, over a period of twenty-seven years from 1923 to 1950.The first letter is dated 1923, a scant three years after the death of Max King, when Arthur and his twin brother Lyon were 10 years old and the last in the series is dated July 5, 1950. The collection also contains documents and ephemera relating to King’s death, funeral and will, received by Arthur King as a participant in those events; also present are issues of major Ontario newspapers that covered Mackenzie King's death and funeral as events unfolded day-by-day. A small selection of photographs, some formal and some snapshots, are also present. A selection of books retained by the family, among them works written and presented by John King and Dougall Macdougall King, also works owned by Mackenzie King as a boy, present a tangible reminder of the intellectual legacy of the King family.

One set of men's Jaeger beige cashmere and wool underwear, size 42, belonging to William Lyon Mackenzie King, consisting of of a jersey-knit shirt and a pair of bottoms. The shirt has three buttons with button placket reinforced with woven material. Mackenzie King's Initials “W.L.M.K.” are embroidered in red on the front right bottom above the ribbing. The shirt has a white woven label with red letters at centre inside back neck: “Jaeger, Pure Cashmere & Wool, Made in Gt. Britain.” The bottoms close with a three-button fly and have a lace-up gusset at centre back. The waistband and fly are reinforced inside with woven material; the gusset has two sets of embroidered eyelets laced with a white ribbon. Two sets of horizontal double loops made of woven fabric are sewn down outside at the waist on either side of the fly, possibly for attaching to the shirt. The T. Eaton Co. catalogue of 1920-1921 describes these as “brace loops.”[1] There is evidence of something having been sewn above the shirt ribbing, front left side, as thread knots remain. The bottoms have a white woven label, inside centre back, with red letters. The word “Jaeger” is at the centre of a diamond shape bearing text on all four sides: “Health & Comfort, Warrented Pure Wool.” Below the diamond is a ribbon shape bearing text: “Patent Unshrinkable Process,” and below this on the bottom edges is: “Made in Gt. Britain.”

Series consists of a single object, a suit of cashmere and wool undergarments owned and worn by William Lyon Mackenzie King.

One black and white informal portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King seated on the farmhouse porch at Kingsmere.
Photo dated July 18, 1950, National Film Board.

One black and white snapshot of John King lying in bed, both eyes bandaged, hands clasped, dated on verso: June 1915..

One black and white snapshot of William Lyon Mackenzie King seated at a desk indoors, probably at Kingsmere.[1]

One black and white snapshot of Isabel King in the garden at Kingsmere, seated in a chair with her feet on a box or block.

One sepia portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King standing on the steps to Laurier House, Ottawa. This photograph is pasted on a mount that is printed as a Christmas greeting: “With the Season’s Greetings, W.L. Mackenzie King, Laurier House, Ottawa, Christmas 1938. This photograph was found in a red photograph holder produced as a souvenir of the “Normandie Roof” on top of the Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal, Quebec and probably meant to hold a photograph of the three people who have autographed and dated the back cover “Dec. 26/46”: “Best Wishes [illegible] Happy New Year! A.M. King Best of the Season- Walter.”

One informal group portrait taken outdoors, location and occasion unidentified. William Lyon Mackenzie King is standing third from the right; to his right are his nephew Arthur King and Arthur’s wife Kathleen King. Three females and two males are unidentified. The location appears to be a wooded area, with tents.

Eight snapshots taken during Isabel and William Lyon Mackenzie King’s trip to Denver, Colorado, where Isabel was to stay for a time with her son Dougall Macdougall King, his wife May and their twin sons Arthur and Lyon. The first six snapshots are of family groups taken at the entrance steps of 928 Olive St., Denver, where Dougall had set up his medical practice. His plaque can be seen to the left of the doorway. 1. Left to right: May, Arthur, Isabel, Lyon (seated) and Dougall Macdougall King (standing). - 2. Left to right: Isabel and Dougall Macdougall King (seated). – 3. Left to right: Arthur, Isabel and Lyon King (all seated). – 4. Left to right: William Lyon Mackenzie King (standing), Dougall Macdougall King (seated). – 5. Left to right: William Lyon Mackenzie King, Isabel King, Dougall Macdougall King (all seated). – 6. Left to right: Lyon King, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Arthur King. – 7. Picnic in unidentified location. Left to right: possibly Isabel King in widow’s weeds, possibly Mae King, unidentified female, unidentified male. – 8. Left to right: Isabel King in widow’s weeds, William Lyon Mackenzie King, standing beside river. The latter two may have been taken at Welborn Farm (letter Willie to Jennie Sept 16, 1916. He writes that he has left Isabel at Max and May’s and has gone to stay at Welborn’s farm: “ they are all coming out to dinner with us here tomorrow.”)[1]

One black and white snapshot of Isabel King (left) and May King (right) outside a house in an unidentified location. Inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand: “Mrs. King, mother of WML King and of Macdougall King, poss. With May King.”

Print of the portrait of Isabel King painted by J.W.L. Forster in 1905, in a photographer’s tri-folder embossed: “Topley, Ottawa.

One black and white snapshot of Isabel King (right) and May King (left) outside a house in an unidentified location. Inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand: “Mrs. King, mother of Willie & Mac King and Mac’s wife May.”

One black and white snapshot of John King at Kingsmere, wearing a bathrobe, with trees and lake in background. Inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand: “Father King goes down to swim.”

One black and white snapshot taken outside 4 Grange Road in Toronto: Left to right: Jennie Lindsey Lay, Isabel King (behind), Harry Morrison Lay, Bella King (all seated). Except for Isabel King, all identifications are conjectural.

One black and white snapshot of a group of people at Kingsmere, taken outside: William Lyon Mackenzie King is standing on the right with a camera in his hand; three unidentified men stand to his right. Isabel King and two unidentified females are seated in the grass.

Framed black and white photographic print of the portrait of Isabel King painted by J.W.L. Forster in 1905. This was Mackenzie King’s favourite image of his mother: it still hangs in Laurier House where he placed it. This copy would appear to have belonged to Dougall Macdougall “Max” King and may have been sent to him by Mackenzie King. An earlier portrait of Isabel King was done by Forster in 1901 and in his diary Mackenzie King expresses his dissatisfaction and describes the portrait he would like to see : “ I am sorry in a way however, that it is not taken more as a photo we have of mother sitting in a chair & looking down at a book, the Mother’s face.” [1]

Story by Dwight Whalen about William Lyon Mackenzie King visiting Woodside in 1947 and receiving flowers from Marilyn Kilbasco. He details their correspondence and her memories of the occasion.

Clippings contain plans for the memorial service for William Lyon Mackenzie King to be held in Westminster Abbey. One clipping is from the Globe and Mail, Friday, July 28, 1950, p. 4; the other is undated, from an unidentified newspaper.

Series consists of photographs of William Lyon Mackenzie King, his family and friends. Includes formal and informal portraits as well as snapshots taken in Toronto, Ottawa, Denver and Kingsmere.
Arranged in chronological order.

Clipping features portraits of eleven individuals descended from William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor, from the King, Lindsey and Lay families.

Clipping contains reminiscences about and analysis of William Lyon Mackenzie King’s political and personal history by Senator Charles Bishop, number 18 in a series of stories written for the Evening Citizen.

Clipping contains a news story by Betty Caldwell about May Macdougall King of Denver, Colorado, sister-in-law of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and her reactions to his election as Prime Minister of Canada on June 11, 1945 Includes a portrait of Mrs. King.

p. [1]-[4].

p. [1]-4, 11-12, [17]-18, 35-40.

p. [1]-[6].

p. [1]-4, 21-22, 25-26.

p. [1]-4, 27-28, 33-34, 45-46.

Two sections, p. [1]-16, 17-32.

p. [1]-16, 23-24.

p. [1]-4, [21]-22.

p. [1]-18, 35-[36].

p. [1]-18, 19-20, 33-34.

p. [1]-16.

Two sections, p. [1]-16, 17-32.

p. [1]-2.

Two sections: p. [1]-18, 19-34.

p. [1]-4.

p. [1]-2.

p. [1]-2, 9-10.

Two sections, p. [1]-12, 13-28.

Second Section, p. 13-14.

One section of The Ottawa Citizen, June 6, 1944 concerning the D-Day allied landings in France. “Gov’t lights quickly go on: officialdom here in dark on reported landings,” The Ottawa Citizen, Tuesday, June 6, 1944, p. 8. This short story reports on early morning lights going on at government buildings as “service chiefs and public relations officers, hearing German invasion reports, hurried to their offices.” The final paragraph reads: “A servant at Laurier House, home of Prime Minister Mackenzie king, said Mr. King had retired. She declined to awaken him.”

This issue of the Evening Citizen for May 7, 1945 contains mentions of William Lyon Mackenzie King: “Not an hour for exultation, says Premier King,” p. 11; “Mr. King visits freed Canadians travelling home,” p. 15. Mr. King and Louis St. Laurent who were in California for the United Nations Security Conference, paid an unexpected visit to 52 Canadians who had been interned for three years in Japanese prison camps in the Philippines.

This issue of the Evening Citizen for April 13, 1945 contains several mentions of William Lyon Mackenzie King, as well as on p. 13 a press photo of Roosevelt, King and Churchill taken at a press conference in Quebec.

Series consists of newspaper coverage of Mackenzie King's life, death and funeral. Significant issues of newspapers with major war-related headlines contain stories about Mackenzie King's prime-ministerial activities in relation to events of the day. However, the focus of this series is primarily coverage of Mackenzie King's death, memorial and funeral services published by major Ontario newspapers, often in more than one edition in a day.

Press releases issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, consisting of extracts from messages received on the passing of Mackenzie King.

One booklet. These two copies owned by Arthur King, nephew of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and his wife Kathleen King.

Copy of the will of William Lyon Mackenzie King, prepared by Gowling, MacTavish, Watt, Osborne & Henderson, Ottawa and signed on February 28, 1950, marked “Not to be released until 9:30 p.m. E.D.T. August 8, 1950.”

Carbon copy of statements of accounts for the estate of William Lyon Mackenzie King prepared by The Royal Trust Company, Ottawa Branch. Includes a cover letter to Arthur King signed by Duncan K. MacTavish, dated April 28, 1952.

Leaflet containing the order of service for the funeral of William Lyon Mackenzie King on July 26, 1950, two copies owned by Arthur King, nephew of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and his wife Kathleen King.

Leaflet containing the order of service in memory of William Lyon Mackenzie King held July 28, 1950 at Westminster Abbey, these two copies owned by Arthur King, nephew of William Lyon Mackenzie King, and his wife Kathleen King. Includes clipping about the service and the peal of bells.

Series consists of documents received by Arthur King after the death of Mackenzie King on July 22, 1950: ephemera issued to participants in the memorial and funeral services, press releases, legal documents relating to the estate of Mackenzie King including his will and estate accounts, and commentary on his bequests.

Typewritten letter from an unidentified person at Laurier House to Arthur King on August 8, 1950, who encloses a mimeograph copy of William Lyon Mackenzie’s King’s will and who promises to send a copy of Leonard Brockington’s broadcast.

Untitled mimeograph draft of arrangements for the state funeral of William Lyon Mackenzie King, dated July 24, 1950, by W.P.J. O’Meara, Acting Under Secretary of State. Appendix “A” lists the honorary pallbearers and Appendix “B” gives marshalling instructions for those taking part in the funeral procession.

Typewritten letter, marked “Personal”, from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Kathleen King on May 21, 1948, in which he expresses pleasure at seeing Arthur and Kathleen in Toronto, ascribes their good health and happiness to having their own “little house,” and sends them wedding anniversary congratulations. He adds that he is sending more vitamins.
Salutation: My dear Kathleen” [handwritten]; Signature: With love to Arthur and yourself, Yours affectionately, W.L. Mackenzie King” [handwritten].

Typewritten and handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Kathleen King on January 8, 1949, acknowledging one received from Kathleen with news that the vitamins had arrived safely. He comments on Arthur’s mother’s visit. [typewritten].In an added handwritten paragraph King writes: “Your wild strawberry jam is awfully delicious. Mr & Mrs Guthrie of Paris, France, were the first to sample it at tea, a few days ago. [illegible word word word word word word word word] for Ottawa’s future as Canada’s capital. Today the Prime Minister of New Zealand Mr Fraser, and the High Commissioner, had a taste. They were all delighted. [illegible word] never tasted anything as good. Love again to you and Arthur.”
Salutation: “My dear Kathleen” [handwritten]; Signature: “Yours affectionately, W.L. Mackenzie King” [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Kathleen King on January 18, 1950, on the topic of her vitamin supply. King notes that he is pleased that Arthur and Kathleen have decided to use his gift of money to purchase nesting tables.
Salutation: “My dear Kathleen:” [typewritten]; Signature: “Yours affectionately [typewritten], 'Uncle Willie.” [handwritten].

Printed invitations from the William Lyon Mackenzie Homestead Foundation to Arthur King and his wife Kathleen on May 8, 1950, one inviting them to attend the official opening of Mackenzie House in Toronto on May 9, 1950, and the other inviting them to attend the dinner to be held afterwards.

Telegram from Arthur King to May Macdougall King on July 23, 1950 reporting the death of William Lyon Mackenzie King the night before: “Uncle Willie died quietly peacefully last night with John Harry and myself in attendance. I am representing father here and will detail full account subsequently. Fondest love to you all.
Salutation: none; Signature: “Arthur.”

Handwritten Air Letter from May King in England to William Lyon Mackenzie King on June 28, 1950, describing her trip to England and thanking him for his gift.

Salutation: "My dear Willie" [handwritten]; Signature: "ever affectionately May" [handwritten].

Engraved calling card: "Mr. W.L. Mackenzie King, Laurier House, Ottawa, Canada," inscribed in King's handwriting to Miss Kathleen M. Thomas on December 24, 1942: "So many thanks for your beautiful card of Christmas greetings. My very best of wishes to you for the New Year. So kind of you to have had me in your thoughts at this season. Again, my very best of wishes to you. WLMK 24-Dec-42."

Handwritten promissory note from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Miss Kathleen Thomas on May 16, 1943, for one hundred dollars as a souvenir of her wedding day May 20, 1943. [her future husband is William Lyon Mackenzie King's nephew Arthur Macdougall King.]

Handwritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Miss Kathleen Thomas on May 16, 1943.
Transcription: “My dear Kathleen: This is the week on which you and Arthur are to be married. I have waited until this Sunday morning to write to you, not being too sure during the past few days just what my movements might be in the course of the present week. You no doubt will have seen from the papers that the President and Mr. Churchill have invited me to come to Washington for talks together, for meetings, conference, and the like, in the course of Mr Churchill's stay. It is now clear that I shall be obliged to leave tomorrow afternoon at the latest, and that I shall be obliged to be there in Washington on the day of your wedding, Thursday May 20th.
I need not tell you how sorry I am to have to disappoint Arthur and yourself; and, myself, to miss the pleasure of being with you both at the marriage ceremony, and to sign the register as a witness, as I did in the case of Margery and Lyon's wedding. However, there is no alternative, as Mr. Churchill is expecting me to be with him on Tuesday, and the President has invited me to be his guest, at the White House, on Wednesday spending the night there, and attending a meeting of the Pacific Council on Thursday morning, and a meeting of delegates from different parts of the British Empire, on Monday afternoon. I mention these engagements because of their importance and historic significance, and that you may know just why it will not be possible for me to be with you all on the day of, and at the time of your wedding. Perhaps, in the long run, a message from the White House, on the day of the wedding, may come to be an even more significant and welcome souvenir of the occasion than the witnessing of the marriage ceremony, and being a witness to its having taken place. Still I should have liked to have been with you and Arthur as I was with Margery and Lyon.
You know, I am sure, all the good wishes that I send to you for the day and for the Nova vita [underlined] on which you enter at that time. I wish you and Arthur the greatest possible happiness. As you both have a high purpose in life, and a love of service, and with the [will be?] sharing kindred ideals, I am certain that the way will open out before you in [to?] new widening vistas of opportunities, and of realization of your highest hopes. It will, I imagine, not be without its difficulties and privations at the start, and until this time of war becomes something of the past. You will have in that the consolation of knowing that you are sharing with others the sacrifices by which in the end, all that is highest in attainment is accomplished. There will be, too, [illegible] much sunshine and gladness along the way.
I should like to make you a little gift which would be something you would like to have from me, as a remembrance of your wedding day. In order that I may be sure the choice would be something you yourself would approve, I am going to ask you to help me in the selection of it, after you come to Ottawa, where we can confer together about it. Meanwhile, please accept 'my promise to pay' with my love and best of wishes for May the 20th, 1943, and for the days, and months and years to come. I pray through this all, you may be greatly blessed.”
Salutation: “My dear Kathleen,” [handwritten; Signature: “Yours affectionately, W.L. Mackenzie King.”

Handwritten formal reply by William Lyon Mackenzie King dated May [illegible], 1943, to an invitation from Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Thomas to the wedding of their daughter Kathleen Marion to Mr. Arthur Macdougall King on May 20, 1943 at Trinity College Chapel, Toronto.

Six engraved calling cards from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur and Arthur's wife Kathleen, four of them dated and inscribed in Mackenzie King's handwriting, probably as accompaniments to letters or gifts.
Envelope inscribed “Mr. and Mrs. Arthur King” in Mackenzie King's handwriting.

Telegram of good wishes from William Lyon Mackenzie King to Miss Kathleen M. Thomas on May 19, 1943: “Please let this message bring to you on the morning of your wedding day every loving good wish for your happiness today and through the years to come I am sorry not to have been able to be present at the wedding ceremony but my thoughts will be with you all. “
Salutation: none; Signature: “W L Mackenzie King.”

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 in which he describes his own poor health and expresses concern for Arthur's. King asks for all the details about the oil burner that Arthur has acquired for his furnace and notes that the cost of oil makes heating almost as expensive as coal.
King thanks Arthur for congratulations on "the Royal Honours recently received, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and the Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold from Belgium," the which he notes belong to the nation and not to him personally. He goes on to quote from a letter from Churchill to himself published on p. 739 of Churchill's most recent work, The Grand Alliance, in which Churchill writes: " ﾑWhat a pleasure it is to see the whole empire pulling as one man, and believe me, my friend, I understand the reasons for your success in marshalling the grand war effort of Canada.' It is a nice tribute from the one who, more than any other, had to do with the direction of affairs at the time of the war." King expresses hope that he will soon be able to start work on his memoirs. He has still not ever visited Arthur and Kathleen's "little home in Toronto", and intends to do so "the first time I am in the city."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [typewritten]; Signature: "Yours very affectionately" [typewritten] "Uncle Willie" [handwritten].
Includes handwritten corrections.

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on June 19, 1950, hoping that Arthur and his wife Kathleen had spent a pleasant day in Buffalo with Arthur's mother, that he is enclosing a cheque that he had promised to send for her, and that he is happy she is having a "delightful little holiday."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on May 17, 1950 in reply to one from Arthur commenting on the official opening of Mackenzie House in Toronto on May 9, 1950.[1] King notes that the premier of the Province [Leslie Frost] and the mayor of the City of Toronto [Herbert E. McCallum], both Conservatives, took part in the ceremonies: "To my mind, that disclosed a fine spirit, and one which would have brought great happiness to Mackenzie's heart." King expresses concern that Arthur has not reported on a dinner at which Leonard W. Brockington was to speak: "I thought I had made it clear to Kathleen and yourself that I not only would have liked you both to be present to hear Mr. Brockington speak, but that I would be happy to make that part of the proceeding ﾑmy treat'. King describes the speech [about William Lyon Mackenzie] in superlatives.
In a handwritten added paragraph King wonders if he has not mixed up the Royal York and the King Edward hotels as the dinner location, "or if by any chance, you happen to be minus a dinner jacket or dress suit. Please let me know if you have the latter."
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Once again my fondest love to you and Kathleen,Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].

Typewritten letter from William Lyon Mackenzie King to his nephew Arthur on May 25, 1950. King is happy that Arthur and his wife Kathleen did after all attend the dinner and speech by Mr. Brockington, that they had a chance to speak with Brockington, and encloses a cheque to pay the cost of the tickets [not present]. King reports that he has been out for one or two drives and that he will soon be going to Kingsmere. He mentions his own poor health and asks after Arthur's health.
Salutation: "My dear Arthur" [handwritten]; Signature: "Yours affectionately, Uncle Willie" [handwritten].