Newark Airport Dedication of Administration Building May 15, 1935

To replace a temporary Administration Building built in 1929, construction began on a permanent Administration Building in 1934. Designed by architect John Homlish, the building was an excellent example of the Art Deco style. Work on the building was financed with New Deal funding and it was dedicated by Amelia Earhart upon completion in 1935.

The Administration Building at Newark Airport was the centerpiece of the busiest airport in the world at that time. In fact, many firsts in aviation history occurred in and around the Administration Building. Among these were an air traffic control center, weather bureau, post office, and night and instrument landing capability.

The building design of swept back wings allowed planes to approach the building and the waiting passengers. Previously, passengers would walk across the tarmac to board planes on the taxiways. The building also housed a restaurant, offices and hotel rooms to serve the public and airport staff. Aviation pioneers such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Richard Byrd, and Howard Hughes all spent considerable amounts of time at the airport during this period.

The Adminstration Building was relocated by the Port Authority of NY & NJ, ( the bi-state agency that runs the airport) to allow for the extension of a runway. The Port Authority subsequently restored the building. The structure is now designated Building 1 as recognition of its special status .

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8 thoughts on “Newark Airport Dedication of Administration Building May 15, 1935

  1. i love your site! Please contact me so i can pick your brain about collecting materials. I need advice!

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      1. Hi John! I work for a local historical society and am trying to explore ways to collect materials to add to our archive. I do t know where to start and any tips would be great. I’ll be happy to send my email address so we can communicate offline.
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        Jill

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      2. I wanted to see if you had any tips about collecting materials. I work for a historical society and would like to add photos/documents to our collections.

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  2. Hi John! I work for a local historical society and am trying to explore ways to collect materials to add to our archive. I do t know where to start and any tips would be great. I’ll be happy to send my email address so we can communicate offline.
    Thanks a bunch
    Jill

    Like

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