Illinois in 1950 - Insights and Discoveries from the 1950 Census by Scott Norrick

HYBRID Meeting

The 1950 Census is particularly important in helping provide context to families' narratives because it was a time of many transitional events:

• It was the first US census following World War II.
  
• The growth in automobile use and the road system helped create modern suburbs and allowed more movement for employment.
  
• It was the initial stages of the baby boom.

Focusing on a large sample of Illinoios 1950 Census data, we will paint a picture. of what life was like in the state during this transitional time.  Incomes, education levels, and military service will also be explored.  We will look at birth location, parent birth locations, and top employment industries for residents of DuPage County.