When the 1950 US Census computer skips the hash mark that was used for the surname of an entry . . .
What do I do, when the 1950 US Census computer skips the hash mark that was used for the surname of an entry?
From the computer's perspective:
The 1st blue field is reserved for the surname,
but the first name is displayed.
The 2nd blue field is reserved for the first name,
but the middle initial is displayed (if has been indicated).
From the reviewer's perspective:
Plan A:
The 1st blue field is reserved for the surname,
therefore delete what is shown and enter the surname.
The 2nd blue field is reserved for first name and middle initial (if it's on the census form),
therefore add the first name, and a space to the middle initial (if it's already indicated).
Plan B:
The census form shows a hash mark for the surname.
Since the 1st blue field already shows the first name,
then just add the middle initial to it (if it's on the census form).
In the 2nd blue field, delete anything in it since you are done.
But, the computer will not allow the 2nd blue field to remain empty.
As a result, the computer requires that the middle initial remain in the 2nd blue field.
Conclusion:
Since the computer will not allow Plan B to leave the 2nd blue field to be empty,
then it would seem that the preferred approach would be Plan A.
Could the software engineers improve the program so that it can overcome the tendency to skip over the hash mark. This hash mark was used by the transcriber to substitute for the surname of the first member of a group having the same surname.