Come Fly With Me – Part Two

Last week, we started a compare/contrast journey through Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia via photographs taken by Jack Delano in July of 1941 for the Farm Security Administration and by me in April of 2024. Our journey concludes this week with four more picture sets.

First up is an exterior shot:

Let’s return to the waiting room, to a staircase that in 1941 led to a soon-to-open restaurant:

This may be my favorite set:

The final set needs a little explanation. In 1941, there was a balcony in the waiting room that allowed for panoramic views of the airfield. The balcony is no longer accessible.

I took this photo in the exhibit hall, which is adjacent to the historic lobby at National Airport:

The caption reads:

Glass Balustrade

Rediscovered in 1997, this glass panel was originally part of the Waiting Room mezzanine balustrade. The etched Art Deco design combines federal symbols, such as an eagle and shield, with the Wright Brothers’ biplane. The CAA initials refer to the Civil Aeronautics Administration, the precursor of today’s Federal Aviation Administration.

You can now see the glass panel photographed by Mr. Delano as well as other airport memorabilia in the exhibit hall.

Learn More:

• Read a Library blog about The New National Airport.
• Revisit a Picture This blog celebrating a Century of Air Travel in Pictures.