Guide to the Zenas R. Bliss papers , 1952-1966

John Hay Library , Special Collections
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
email: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2013

Collection Overview

Title:	Zenas R. Bliss papers
Date range:	1952-1966
Creator:	Bliss, Zenas R. (Zenas Randall), 1898-1993
Extent:	21.5 Linear feet
Abstract:	The Zenas R. Bliss papers contain office files and speeches compiled from 1952 to 1965, when Bliss was a Professor of Engineering, Dean of the College and Provost of Brown University.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library , Special Collections
Collection number:	OF.1CA.B2

Scope & content

The Zenas R. Bliss papers document the range of roles that Bliss played in the University. They have been organized into two series: The Brown files series contains office files arranged alphabetically by topic. The bulk of the files in this series are tied to Bliss's role as Provost and include budgetary planning, departmental planning and accounting, and faculty relations. Additional materials include materials related to athletics, basic research at Brown and various academic committees and departments. The Speeches series consists of speeches given by Bliss at a range of dinners, meetings, dedications, and other events, both at Brown and elsewhere. Among the speeches is an introduction given for Eleanor Roosevelt in 1958.

Access Points

Subject Organizations

• Brown University. Office of the Provost.

Subject Topics

• Education
• Engineering--Study and teaching (Higher)
• Universities and colleges--Administration
• Universities and colleges--Finance

Document Types

• Office files
• Speeches

Subject Topics

• Education

Arrangement

The Zenas R. Bliss papers have been organized into two series:

• I. Brown files
• II. Speech files

Biographical note

Zenas Randall Bliss was born on March 3, 1898. His father, Major General Zenas R. Bliss (1835-1900) was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service to the United States during the American Civil War. Bliss graduated from Brown University in 1918 and earned his master's degree in 1919. From 1923 until his retirement in 1965, Bliss served in a range of teaching and administrative positions at Brown, including Instructor, Engineering Department (1923-1926), Assistant Professor of Engineering (1926-1933), Associate Professor of Engineering (1934-1937), Director of Research, Division of Engineering (1938-1957); Professor of Engineering (1940-1965), Dean of the University (1957), Provost of the University (1958-1965), and Provost and Professor of Engineering Emeritus (after 1965). His service to Brown included membership on the following committees: the Committee on Curriculum (1952-1954), the Committee on Admission (1956-1959), and the Committee on Academic Standing (1956-1958). He was both a member and chairman of the Athletic Council.

During World War II Bliss served with U.S. Army Intelligence, retiring as a colonel. In 1946 he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Prior to the war, he served in the 43rd Division Rhode Island National Guard. He was a member of the Cruising Club of America and was the navigator for the late Harold Vanderbilt on the America's Cup yachts Ranger and Rainbow in 1934 and 1937. He was a member of the University Club, serving as its President from 1947-1949; the Providence Art Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, and the Providence Athenaeum. He was a trustee of the Rhode Island School of Design, the Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island; Citizens Savings Bank, and the Director of Narragansett Electric company. Bliss died in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 11, 1993.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Zenas R. Bliss Papers, OF-1CA-B2, Brown University Archives.
Contact information:	John Hay Library , Special Collections Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 email: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Brown University Library staff.
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2013 January 25
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
Sponsor:	Processing funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Additional Information

Inventory

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