1950 US Census

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Gidleys in the American census of 1950 are presumably a reflection of American society of the 1950s. A very rough, brief and unscientific analysis of the Gidley entries reveal the following initial impressions: 

A surprising number of Gidleys still worked on farms, either as owners or as helpers. From Alabama to Wyoming there are 27 Gidleys farming, and this doesn't include their families who no doubt helped in various capacities on the farm. 

The number of people employed, or associated with, the automobile industry, had grown. There were automobile salesmen, machinists, managers of service or gas stations, welders, mechanics, repairmen, and those working in the office, such as book keepers. 

There were a few professions being followed, such as two vets, five teachers, a lawyer, a banker, an accountant, a professor of pharmacy and a chemist. 

Of the women's occupations, the beauty industry makes a first appearance, with two practitioners, both of whom were divorced. 

There were only two maids/hired hands, both of whom were widows. 

The seven secretaries/typists/stenographers comprised single, married and divorced women, as did the six waitresses. 

The total number of Gidleys/Giddleys in the USA in 1950 was 852, an increase from exactly 800 in 1940.

The population of Gidleys in California had doubled from 28 in 1940 to 57 in 1950. 

The number of Gidleys who were divorced had grown from 12 in 1940 to 16 in 1950.