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Susan Dwight Bliss collection

 Collection
Identifier: M236

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Scope and Contents

Articles, Bowdoin College librarians' reports, and other printed material concerning Susan Dwight Bliss's gifts to Bowdoin College, as well as material concerning the extended Bliss family. Also includes images of the interior and exterior of the Bliss residence at 9 East 68th Street in New York City and a putti that was part of the decorative frieze molding in Susan Dwight Bliss's library.

Dates

  • Creation: 1906-1990, undated
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1944 - 1990

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Shortly after the death of her father, banker George T. Bliss, in 1901, Susan Dwight Bliss and her mother had a library constructed in the Bliss residence in New York City which housed the family book collection, assembled largely by her father. The library, designed by C. Grant LaFarge, had black walnut woodwork and an antique ceiling and mantelpiece, examples of sixteenth-century Italian Renaissance art. In 1945 Bliss anonymously donated the ceiling, fireplace, and woodwork to Bowdoin College. The College, working with the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, had the gift installed on the second floor of Hubbard Hall. In the 1950s Bliss anonymously donated furniture and books from her private library to Bowdoin. The books relate primarily to the fine arts, French and English history and literature, and travel, and are noted for their fine bindings. After her death in 1966, the College named the second floor Hubbard Hall room the Susan Dwight Bliss Room, in honor of the donor of the room and the approximately 1200 fine volumes it houses.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Articles, Bowdoin College librarians' reports, and other printed material concerning Susan Dwight Bliss's gifts to Bowdoin College, as well as material concerning the extended Bliss family. Also includes images of the interior and exterior of the Bliss residence at 9 East 68th Street in New York City and a putti that was part of the decorative frieze molding in Susan Dwight Bliss's library.

Related Materials

A volume of photographic prints of the Dwight East Side mansion has been cataloged separately. For additional material in the Bowdoin College Archives regarding Susan Dwight Bliss' donation see Library Office Files, catalog #5.1.4, boxes 10 and 11, and James Stacy Coles, Subject Files, catalog #1.2.9.4, box 3.

General

Visit Special Collections' resource page for further information about Susan Dwight Bliss, and the Bliss book collection and Bliss Room at Bowdoin College.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Susan Dwight Bliss Collection
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.