Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Elmer and Reid

In 165 boys, Elmer found its level. 50 years earlier, Reid occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Elmer

peak 1918 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1918
Peak births 4,373
Latest count 165
Status Endangered
Peak generation Greatest Generation
1886–2025

Reid

peak 2014 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 2014
Peak births 1,432
Latest count 1,150
Status Stable
Peak generation Gen Alpha
In 165 boys, Elmer found its level. 50 years earlier, Reid occupied that same address. One peaked in the Gen Alpha era; the other in the Greatest Generation world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.