From 1930 to 1950, the Census Bureau hired and trained between 50,000 and 150,000 temporary field workers when it was time to take a new census. These census takers would visit every household within a defined geographic area (called an enumeration district). They would ask a single resident about all the people who had lived in that household on a specific day that year (April 1). To ensure this process went smoothly, the Census Bureau printed instructions for the census takers.
Why were instructions needed? The Bureau wanted to get clear answers about complicated or ambiguous situations. Also, census workers had to deal with common problems such as people who refused to provide information. The census instructions relied on insights gained from other census takers’ experience over time.
Without instructions: Two census takers might respond differently to similar situations. Imagine you were a census taker. What would you do if you spoke to someone at one house who was a visitor and lived somewhere else? What would you write for someone without a permanent place of residence?
Cartoon by Tom Henderson imploring people to "Please be direct with the Census-Taker!" in Benton and Bowles, Inc., Advertising Campaign for the 1950 United States Census. 1950. (National Archives)
Today, we can study these instructions to better understand the information that we find in these historical censuses.
Below is an annotated page from the 1940 census. By clicking the different icons, you will learn how the census instructions can clarify what different columns, symbols, and abbreviations mean.
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1940 US Census Population Schedule for Washington, DC. Enumeration District 1-295, Sheet 15B.
On row 55 of the census page below (which is the same record as the annotated page above), you will find Mildred Aaberg who, after earning her law degree, enlisted in the Navy and served during World War II.
1940 US Census Population Schedule for Washington, D.C.. Enumeration District 1-295, Sheet 15B.