The Inventor of the Revolving Door Reportedly Hated Opening Doors for Women
It’s one of those stories that sounds too good to be true, and as it turns out, it probably is. The story is about an American inventor, Theophilus Van Kannel, who disliked holding doors open for women so much that he invented the revolving door to avoid the task. But like a lot of catchy stories on the internet, this one picked up speed on myth rather than fact.
The rumor gained significant attention in 2013 when Roman Mars, host of the podcast 99% Invisible, discussed it in a Slate article. Mars even warned listeners to take the tale lightly. Before that, in 2008, design blogger Jaime Morrison posted a tongue-in-cheek story on The Nonist about Van Kannel’s “neurotic dislike” of chivalry. Morrison later admitted the whole thing was a joke, complete with made-up details about Van Kannel’s mother spanking him in public and a fictional wife named Abigail who demanded he hold doors for her. As internet myths go, humor and exaggeration often get mistaken for history.
The Real Story Spins Differently
In truth, Van Kannel was a practical inventor with a sharp eye for design. Born in 1841 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he showed mechanical skill from a young age. Historical records confirm he married Amanda Clayton in 1867, had a daughter named Lulu, and lived a steady family life.
His journals, now kept at the Library of Congress, reveal that he was a polite, hardworking man who valued family and courtesy. He wrote letters to his mother, attended church, and frequently helped others. Over his lifetime, Van Kannel held dozens of patents, including designs for a cherry stoner, cider mill, sewing machine, and an amusement park ride called Witching Waves at Coney Island. His inventions focused on solving everyday problems with simple engineering.
Why the Revolving Door Really Exists
Image via Getty Images/AnkiHoglund
Van Kannel’s idea for the revolving door came from practical building concerns. Swinging doors in crowded spaces let in cold air, caused drafts, and wasted energy. They also slowed people down as they entered or exited. His 1888 patent for a “storm door structure” described a door that was quiet, draft-free, and resistant to wind pressure. It allowed smoother entry and exit without sacrificing comfort or temperature control.
The first revolving door was installed at Times Square in Manhattan in 1899 and quickly proved its worth. By keeping air pressure stable it helped buildings conserve energy and reduced heating costs. The design became standard in department stores, hotels, and office towers, where maintaining interior temperature and managing traffic flow mattered. The invention’s success came from smart engineering, not social awkwardness.
How a Joke Became History
The myth about Van Kannel’s supposed hatred of holding doors open spread because it was amusing and easy to remember. It painted him as an eccentric man trying to escape politeness. Yet, his personal writings and professional record show no evidence of bitterness or antisocial behavior. He was an inventor solving a problem common in architecture at the time: uncontrolled drafts and poor airflow.
The revolving door’s story is a reminder of how quickly satire can turn into accepted truth. Van Kannel’s real legacy lies not in avoiding social customs but in improving how buildings function. His simple idea changed urban design and continues to make public spaces more comfortable and energy-efficient today.