Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Ross and Wilbur

In 122 boys, Ross found its level. 50 years earlier, Wilbur occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Ross

peak 1985 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1985
Peak births 1,884
Latest count 122
Status Endangered
Peak generation Millennial
1880–2025

Wilbur

peak 1918 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1918
Peak births 1,800
Latest count 27
Status Endangered
Peak generation Greatest Generation
In 122 boys, Ross found its level. 50 years earlier, Wilbur occupied that same address. One peaked in the Greatest Generation era; the other in the Millennial world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.