Prior to being renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, New York’s largest airport was called Idlewild Field.
An aerial view of Idlewild Field while still in construction in 1947.Idlewild was officially dedicated on July 31, 1948 in a ceremony presided by President Harry S. Truman and other officials:
President Harry S. Truman shaking hands with NY Governor Thomas E. Dewey at the dedication of Idlewild Field in NYC.The airport was officially named New York International Airport, Anderson Field. Anderson was a World War I veteran and Queens businessman. That name never stuck. According to a NY Times, “The name Idlewild is believed to have been inspired by the fact that the site at that time was wild and that a hotel and park in the area constituted a recreational facility for the idle rich.”First Class Dinner Service on Pan American Airlines.New York’s International Airport has always been a place that inspires strong emotions and excitement. The works of art on permanent display there are important vehicles aiding this purpose. Such is the case with “Outside Time” by artist Dimitar Lukanov:“Outside Time,” a sculpture by artist Dimitar Lukanov is the 2014 signature piece of a three-work sculpture project commissioned to Dimitar Lukanov displayed at Terminal 4 at JFK Airport.One particular example of great art now gone was Milton Hebald’s “Zodiac Screen,” a series of 12 sculptures depicting the signs of the zodiac decorating the iconic façade of the Pam Am Worldport (demolished in 2013):
Pan Am Worldport.Pan Am Worldport’s “Zodiac Screen” by artist Milton Hebald.Pan Am Worldport’s “Zodiac Screen” detail – Virgo – by artist Milton Hebald.
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