Ron:
I've found a site for the National Archives that may provide a little insight
to your radio question:
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/spring_2002_1930_census_1.html
It says:
"The 1920s was an era of economic, political, social, and technological
changes. One question on the census reflects this interest in technology: a
heading titled simply "Radio set." Commercial radio broadcasting had been in its
infancy in 1920. By 1930, home radios were becoming a common source of news
and entertainment. In April 1930, approximately 40 percent of households had at
least one radio."
The radio is a part of the Home Data section that appears to me to be
centered on $ value. Note that the census didn't ask for the number of radios only
if one was present.
Home Data
7. Home owned or rented
8. Value of home, if owned, or monthly rental, if rented
9. Radio set
10.Does this family own a farm?
Hope this helps!
Karen
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Hamilton" <rkhamilt(a)lightbound.com>
To: <INSHELBY-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: 25 November, 2003 6:49 PM
Subject: [INSHELBY] got a radio in that house?
>Does anybody know why the government asked about radios in the house in
the 1930 census? I realize they were something of a novelty at that time,
but the government usually had a purpo$e or $pecific rea$on for a$king about
$omething like that. Were they proposing some kind of new federal tax on
them as a source of income during the early days of the Depression?
>
>Ron Hamilton
>
>