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Untitled photo, possibly related to: In the main waiting room at the municipal airport in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jack Delano, July 1941. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a36173

Come Fly With Me – Part One

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In July of 1941, Jack Delano photographed Washington National Airport, in Arlington, Virginia, for the Farm Security Administration. The airport had opened a month earlier. Earlier this month, I went to the airport to try to replicate some of Mr. Delano’s photos.

I concentrated on what in 1941 was known as the waiting room and is now referred to as the historic lobby. Though this space is no longer used for its original purpose, it is accessible to the public and connects the airport’s two terminals. Here is an overall view of the space:

Untitled photo, possibly related to: In the main waiting room at the municipal airport in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jack Delano, July 1941. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a36173

 

Washington National Airport. Historic Lobby, overall view. Photo by the author. April 2024.

In this set, you can see the windows that look out on the runways:

Untitled photo, possibly related to: In the main waiting room of the municipal airport in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jack Delano, July 1941. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a36402
Washington National Airport. Historic Lobby, looking toward south concourse. Photo by the author. April 2024.

Here is a closer view of the door you see at a distance in the above photo:

Untitled photo, possibly related to: Doors leading to the field from the waiting room at the municipal airport in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jack Delano, July 1941. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a36312

 

Washington National Airport. Historic Lobby, doors toward south concourse. Photo by the author. April 2024.
In the Main Waiting Room of the municipal airport in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jack Delano, July 1941. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a36369
Washington National Airport. Historic Lobby, view toward runways. Photo by the author. April 2024

 

Join us next week for part two of this high-flying blog!

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Comments (8)

  1. What a fun post! I always enjoy seeing these types of “then and now” photos. Thank you!

  2. It is so nice to see a beautiful old building that has been maintained so well, not drastically changed, or torn down.

  3. What a fabulous project and post. Give us more!

  4. Great post and memories of getting dressed up when taking a ride. Men wore hats too!

  5. What a great post. It’s interesting to see what has changed and what hasn’t. Looking forward to part two.

  6. Love this! Thank you for this past and present view.

  7. I also love the ‘Then & Now’ pictures.
    I have to admit the initial view of the Main Waiting Room had me puzzled.
    On the far right is a little girl and a woman whom I assumed might be her grandmother.
    On first glance all I could imagine was that grandma had on a ‘cone of shame’. Somewhat amusing.
    After I downloaded the larger TIFF and zoomed in, it was easier to see that she has her head tilted down chatting with the little girl.
    It was apparent in the closeup that what I saw was actually the top of her wide-brimmed hat.

    I very much enjoy the LOC Blog. Thanks for the great work!

    Gene McAvoy

  8. Cool

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