American Studies: Roaring Twenties

Neighborhood Investigation

This activity will lead you to an in-depth look at a Portland neighborhood through the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps and the 1930 Census of the United States.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

Beginning in the 19th Century, the Sanbourne Insurance Company mapped each town, noting the construction and risk factors of each building, in addition to their purpose. You can find the Sanborn maps in two different locations in Portland.

1930 Census of the United States

There are many parts to the 1930 Census. You will be using the "manuscript census" which is housed on microfilm on the third floor. The manuscript census lists each individual, giving:

• Place of abode
• Name
• Relation
• Home Data
• Personal Description
• Education
• Place of Birth
• Mother tongue (native language) of foreign born
• Citizenship, etc.
• Occupation and Industry
• Employment
• Veteran status

This information is arranged by enumeration district. These districts were assigned by the Census Bureau to neighborhoods, allowing the census takers to visit and collect information from the residents.

Begin searching the 1930 Census at:

http://1930census.archives.gov/beginSearch.asp

You can also use the index on microfilm:

Descriptions of census enumeration districts, 1830-1950. 1930 [microform]
HA591.5 1930d Reel 83

The index lists only the bordering streets of an enumeration districts, not the streets contained within. You may find the Enumeration District Maps for the Fifteenth Census of the United States helpful. This is on microfilm at:

Enumeration District Maps for the Fifteenth Census of the United States
HA591.5 1930e Reel 28

Sometimes checking current maps can be helpful. PortlandMaps.com is a good source of maps of the city, in addition to a great deal of other information.

Print Resources

Statewide information for Oregon is another component of the 1930 Census.

Population. Reports by states. In 2 parts.
C 3.37/5:P 81/v.3,pt.1-2

(Located in Government Documents on the Fourth Floor)

For more information, contact Judy Andrews at:

503-725-4126
andrewsj@pdx.edu

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