Evaline Pearl (Gibbs) Shonio (1914 - 1991) 1950 Census

Question

The 1950 census records for some genealogist has been criticized as not very informative; I disagree! The wonderful 1950 census is beautiful and a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. The 1950 census let’s us see into My great aunts and uncles every day lives which describes the occupations and hours worked; to my surprise the hours they worked and the type of work amazed me! The work ethic is clearly seen. So when you see the 1950 census today on Mothers Day it’s giving us a view of life for them in 1950! How wonderful. If only we can go back and visit them.

Thank you

Happy Mother’s Day

Answer 1

I agree with you. It could have more information (as could every census - I have a fantasy about a census where everyone is required to list their parents and grandparents by name) and there are some transcriptions errors (which there have been in al the prior transcriptions), but it is a big help on more recent generations.

Comments

Oh that would make it sooo much easier if they listed the parents and grandparents 

Answer 2

I did the polling for the 2020 Census and I often wonder what people will say in 70 years about that work.  Many people answered all questions freely and honestly. Some were worried about revealing personal information and only revealed minimal info.  Some used hostility to shoo us away.  When I look at census records, I see some of the same characteristics which we tend to view as census taker errors. But the reality is that most were ok with talking and others were not and the data reveals that in many ways. It is still interesting but always keep the politics of the times in mind when looking at data.