From: Breslau, about sewing.

From: Breslau, about sewing.

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."

Steamship Ascania (includes envelope).

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).

Lugano, Switzerland (includes envelope).

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

Jemima is glad to hear the news that Harvey has decided to leave the hotel and get a room; also advice on emulating his father's path to success, also to learn German (includes envelope).

Family news (includes envelope).

Jemima advises Harvey not to accept a judgeship "with such a small salary" so early in his career. She is lonely "way up here" and it is too cold to run the car.

Jemima's Christmas present from Peter H. Sims is a sedan motor car, also sends Christmas wishes to all.

General correspondence received by Jemima 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.

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).

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.

From: Waterloo. Concerning payment on account.

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

From: Kent.

Invitation to social evening.

From: Kent.

From: Yorkville.

Invitation to a quilting.

From: Waterloo.

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

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

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).

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

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"

Empty envelopes addressed to Jemima Cook, postmarked 1864-1867.

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 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 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 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).

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: "Canada Hygienic Home" Blair.

From: At Home, Blair.