The sign on Lima Road (Indiana 3) directing motorists to Fort Wayne's Smith Field general aviation Airport is Artless.
That is, it looks more as if the airport is sponsored by a national meat brand known for its hams than an airport named after famed early aviator Art 'Birdboy' Smith.
The run-together name of "SMITHFIELD" could be cured by INDOT with a new middle sign having a space inserted between "SMITH" and "FIELD".
On the other hand, Smith Field helps bring home the bacon to our region. It is estimated that activities at Smith Field have an annual economic impact of $8 million.
The airport assumed its current name during WW II when the original name "Baer Field" was transferred to the then-new Army Air Corps air field on Fort Wayne's south side. Paul Baer of Fort Wayne was a WW I flying ace. Fort Wayne native Art Smith was an early aviation pioneer who was internationally known.
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