Norman K. Brown | |
---|---|
Citizenship | United States |
Alma mater | University of Rochester |
Known for | Long tenure with the U.S. Census Bureau |
Norman K. Brown (born c. 1936)[1][2] is an American census enumerator who has worked on seven consecutive United States Censuses. Brown began working for the United States Census Bureau as a temporary employee in 1960 at age 24, returning every ten years thereafter for a few weeks to months through to the 24th United States Census of 2020, by which time he was 84 years of age.[2]
Originally from New York, Brown graduated in chemistry from the University of Rochester and, in 1960, relocated to San Francisco prior to the 18th United States Census.[2] Seeking part-time work, he applied for a position as an Enumerator with the United States Census Bureau and was assigned to canvass San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood for a six-week period of employment.[1] Following his stint with the Census Bureau, Brown was hired as a grant writer within the office of the Mayor of San Francisco, but returned to work on the U.S. census every ten years thereafter.[2] Between 1960 and 2020 he held a variety of temporary positions with the Census Bureau including as a partnership assistant, crew leader, field manager and office supervisor.[2][3][4] During the 24th United States Census in 2020, then aged 84 years, he served as a supply and recruiting clerk.[2] In addition to his work on the every-ten-year census, Brown also assisted with the 1995 field test done in preparation for the 22nd United States Census in 2000.[2][5] According to Brown, he has been known by the moniker "Mr. Census".[2]
Between the periods of his work on the decennial census, Brown was variously employed as a photographer with the San Francisco Sun-Reporter, as a stringer for United Press International, as an apartment manager, a film projectionist, a cabinet maker, and a sales clerk at Sears.[2][1] From 1964 to 1982, excepting leaves of absences he took to work on the 19th United States Census in 1970 and the 20th United States Census in 1980, he managed a youth jobs program for the City of San Francisco.[1]
Brown is married and has ten children.[2]