Carey S. Bliss; Expert on Rare Books Built Huntington Collection
Carey Stillman Bliss, a rare books expert who was instrumental for 45 years in building the highly respected collection of the Huntington Library, has died at the age of 80.
Bliss, who retired as the Huntington’s curator of rare books in 1982, died March 18 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital.
The author of scores of books and articles on Southern California history and the history of printing, Bliss also compiled “Autos Across America,” a bibliography of early transcontinental U.S. automobile travel.
Born in Albany, N.Y., Bliss moved to San Marino as a child when his father relocated there with the Huntington Library staff.
After graduating from Pomona College, the younger Bliss joined the Huntington staff in 1937. Over the years, he earned the respect of rare book dealers, librarians and collectors throughout the United States and Europe.
Bliss was active in the Zamorano and Rounce & Coffin clubs, which concentrate on rare book collections, and the Southern California Camellia Society, the San Gabriel Historical Society and the Book Club of Southern California.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey; their son, Anthony, of Piedmont, Calif.; a brother, Thayer; a sister, Virginia, and two grandchildren.
The family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the Huntington Library in San Marino.
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