Open and Shut Trivia Quiz

Answer: revolving door

These doors are still in use today because of their utility and energy efficiency. One site stated that Van Kannel invented the door because of a particular dislike of being required to open the door for ladies.

Rector's Restaurant on Broadway and West 43rd Street was the first to have a revolving door installed. This restaurant and others owned and managed by father and son, Charles and George Rector, closed for good in 1923 because of Prohibition.

Answer: Dutch door

Before the invention of screen doors, a Dutch door could be opened at the top, letting air and light in, while keeping out dirt and animals. These doors lost popularity with the invention of screen doors, but are once again in vogue for their beauty and utility.

Answer: cellar door

A cellar is traditionally a room built below ground level, either under the house or in the surrounding property. The term cellar is also used for storage of food, e.g., root cellar, or drink, e.g., wine cellar.

I did find some interesting references to the difference between a cellar and a basement. One definition was that a cellar was an unfinished room for storage, and a basement a more finished space. Another definition stated that cellars usually have dirt walls, and basements have concrete walls. Yet another stated that the difference was whether or not the entrance was inside or outside of the house. Still another definition source said the the name difference is strictly based on the regional location.

Answer: French doors

French doors can be found in either single or double door configurations. The glass can be clear, glazed or even stained glass.

These doors are generally installed for access to outside spaces such as a porch, patio or balcony.

Answer: cat flap

The first use of "cat door" in the "Oxford English Dictionary" was listed in 1959. There are many sites that claim that Isaac Newton was the first to invent a cat door. The story claims that the cat would scratch and mewl at the door until let in, interrupting his work.

He therefore hired a carpenter to cut not one, but two holes (one for the mother cat and one for her kittens). Further, it seems that the holes do actually exist in the dwelling that was his home.

Answer: Gibb door

Gibb doors, or blind doors, have been used to hide passageways and rooms. Other uses vary from smuggling and personal gain, or perhaps criminal activities which could include eavesdropping or escaping.

Trap doors provide access either through the floor or ceiling of a room.

Answer: garage door

Johnson started the Overhead Door Company, which is still in business today.

Garage doors have seen many changes such as the materials and safety features.

Answer: screen door

Screen doors can be hinged, sliding or overhead doors depending on the installation. They can also be bought with glass panels to create winter storm doors.

Answer: batwing door

Saloon doors, or cafe doors, rarely have handles and are double hinged to open from either side. Some are very utilitarian providing an entrance for customers, light and fresh air.

Answer: slider door

Sliding doors can be mounted from either top or bottom tracks. These versatile doors have been used as barn doors, glass entrance doors, pocket doors, etc.

The Japanese use shoji or fusuma, vertical rectangular panels, to restructure room spaces as needed. Shoji are usually of simpler design, a grid with white paper, intended to let light through. Fusuma are made of thicker material and often decorated with intricate paintings.