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.

From Waterloo: letter from James Lockie to P.H. Sims reporting internal issues and factions, personnel problems and cliques working for their own ends.

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

Two letters from Janet McQueen to her brother Peter H. Sims.

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

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.

Two letters from Harvey J. Sims to his parents Peter H. and Jemima Sims.

From Kettle Point: letter to Peter H. Sims.

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

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

James writes about illness in the family.

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

Harvey has arrived to visit.

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

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

"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.

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

London, England (includes envelope).

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

Thirteen letters from Peter H. Sims to Harvey J. Sims written before 1900.

Eight letters from Peter H. Sims to Harvey J. Sims written between 1902 and 1910.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Correspondence from P.H. and Jemima Sims to their son Harvey J. Sims on a trip to England and Scotland from June to September 1912.

London, England (includes envelope).

Steamship Ascania (includes envelope).

London, England: Postcard depicting the Savoy Hotel.

London, England (includes envelope).

London, England (includes envelope).

London, England.

Waterloo.

Waterloo (includes envelope addressed to Forest, Ontario).

Toronto: congratulating Harvey on finally getting his own room and on being appointed as secretary of the Berlin Board of Trade, advice about making the most of the opportunity: "Aim high, do your duty and you will get there. Do not neglect your reading: There is nothing more necessary in a young man, than that he read best current literature of the day and also the biographies of the world's great and good men."

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

Printed Christmas and New Year's greeting (includes envelope).

Edinburgh, Scotland (includes envelope).

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).

Toronto: advice about saving, not spending (includes envelope).

Describes facial swelling suffered frequently and use of antiphlogistine, also at Harvey's request writes as much as he knows of the life of his father the Rev. James Sims.

Letter from Peter H. Sims to his son Harvey J. Sims on March 3, 1812 from Mayagues [i.e., Mayagüez] (Puerto Rico). Peter H. Sims writes about his trip to Puerto Rico to assess risks on behalf of his company: he summarizes and comments on Puerto Rico's climate, landscape, history, people, American interest, Catholic Church, Spanish rule, agriculture, sugar cane production: "I thought I had retired from active work but I am at is as hard as ever and I enjoy it. I do not know if the trip will do the Co. any good. The conditions are all new to me."

London, England (includes envelope).

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

Toronto: advice on beginning independent life (includes envelope).

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

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

Response to Harvey concerning wedding invitations: "I do not like however the idea of your practically ignoring your relatives and asking outsiders" (includes envelope and enclosed list of invitees, with additional list by P.H. Sims).

Stern criticism of Harvey's financial situation, debt incurred by spending money on his new home: "You are just in the condition I expected you would be. You started out with too big ideas and now you find you have gone steeper in than you should and loaded yourself with a heavy debt … but you always were an extravagant boy." He continues with advice on getting and staying out of debt and living within his means (includes envelope).

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

London, England (includes envelope).

St. John NB: "I saw the sea today for the first time" (includes envelope).

New York (includes envelope).

Toronto: nervousness concerning Harvey's arranged yachting trip with "the boys": "You are a daring venturesome boy with not any too much precaution or forethought" (includes envelope and enclosed letter from Mr. Ruby).

Toronto: trip arrangements (includes envelope).

Step by step instructions for preparing Harvey's new house for occupancy, starting with liming the cellar and ending with papering and decorations (includes envelope).

Congratulates Harvey on being elected president of the Berlin Board of Trade: "Enter upon your duties with modesty knowing that there is much to learn and act as one putting on armour and not boasting as one taking it off after victory." He reminds Harvey of his "paramount duty to home and family and that Florence and the baby have the first claim on your time and thoughts."

Postcard, colour photo showing Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena.

Postcard, colour photo showing New Bath House, Ocean Park, California, with handwritten note "Had a swim there Monday, PHS."

London, England: describing "Continental trip" (includes envelope).

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 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."

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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, November 7, 1915 to his grandson Kenneth Sims, congratulating him on passing first in his class (includes envelope).

From Floradale (includes envelope).