Sir, – In the early minutes of Saturday morning last, I was clutching the printout of two 1926 census household forms. The wonder of the publication of Census 1926 begged that I touch these two special documents as I beheld my mother and father as babies in their respective parents’ household, alongside their older siblings, thus giving me a sensibility my screen could not offer.
In the few days since, my screen has been on overtime, as I trace the wider family, try to unravel issues prompted in the 1901 and 1911 censuses and look back at the then “old people” of my childhood neighbourhood.
This, of course, is all afforded by the astonishing presentation of a treasure trove of detailed information, underpinned by simplicity of interrogation, the extraordinary work of many in bringing us a panorama on our people 100 years ago. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GANNON
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Kilkenny.
Sir, – A huge congratulations to all involved in making Census 1926 available online. At a family level we have already found, on both sides, members of the family that we did not know existed as their lives were sadly short.
To be able to name and acknowledge them feels really important to us. Walking in the footsteps of our ancestors is indeed a journey so precious.
Míle buíochas. – Yours, etc,
CARMEL WALLACE
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I’ve tried and failed to find my grandparents, mother, father, aunts, great-uncles and great-aunts on the 1926 census online. Maybe they were all on a package holiday on the Costa del Sol? – Yours, etc,
Patrick O’Byrne,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – You mention quite a few lost professions and trades still present in the 1926 census, including “lamplighter, umbrella fixer, knitters, hosiery makers and High Court crier”.
A few years ago, browsing in the 1901 and 1911 census online, I found an unusual trade in the digital transcript, that of “warmonger”.
I cross-checked it with the original handwritten entry and alas, plausibly but prosaically, the tradesman in question was more accurately described as an “ironmonger”. – Yours, etc.
BILL GRANTHAM
Tinahely,
Co Wicklow.
