Why are these tiny doors in the U.S. Capitol? I’m glad you asked.
These small doors and the water sources they housed, found in several places in the capitol building, were multipurpose. Years ago they provided water to prevent a future fire from spreading.
Inside of a tiny door in the U.S. Capitol (Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol)
The doors also helped ensure the mud tracked in from Washington’s dirt streets and foot paths could be easily cleaned from the capitol’s floors. That is why the doors stand only about 30 inches tall. They conceal low, shallow closets where workers filled pails of water to mop the floors. (Architect of the Capitol – https://www.flickr.com/photos/uscapitol/29122889536)
This is a post for Thursday Doors. You can be added to the list too. Follow this link to Norm’s doors. Check them out and then look for the link to the list. Fill out the form, and your doors are in the gallery of doors for this week. #Thursdaydoors
I couldn’t find my photos of the doors during my last trip to D.C. so I’ll have to rely on the photos from Architect of the Capitol. Thanks.
Blessings along the Way!
Ron
Interesting! Learned something new today. 😊
That’s wonderful. Thank you! 🙂
More than some in my opinion…
Probably so. 🙂
You sure it’s not because tiny minds require tiny doors?
Well, that’s a thought. I can go along with that as I’m sure some of the participants may have had tiny minds. 🙂
Worked in DC for 30 years at the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department
Then you’ve been around a lot for sure. I retired militarily and can identify with your thoughts. Thanks for your service to our nation. 🙂
Thanks to you also! I was a USAF Weather Officer but was first enlisted as an Airman Basic in 1963.
Thanks. Go USAF. Weather troops certainly do a wonderful work and the Army appreciates embedding with them.
I knew there had to be an interesting story behind these. Thanks for sharing this 🙂
I love reading about things like this. Thanks for finding out about it and sharing.
janet
My pleasure. I enjoy learning things like this as well. Thanks so much. 🙂
Very interesting!
Thank you. I was intrigued by them. 🙂
That’s fascinating – and a clever piece of design. I’m a little disappointed they’re not there for little people, though – or perhaps when there’s a small majority…
I suppose many thought it was for people. 😀 I’m sure children enjoyed them back in the day. Thanks
That’s a great find, Ron. Thanks for the history lesson.
Gladly Dan. I never knew until my recent visit there. It’s amazing the things out there that need to be explored. Thanks! 🙂
Interesting .. They remind me the story of Alice in Wonderland 😄
I never knew! Very interesting!
Doors have so much history and culture , this I realized while travelling! Each culture has its stamp on doors, and of course the multipurpose usage from aesthetic to religious and here for fire! Amazing 🙂
You’re right. I hadn’t thought as much about them in the past until recently. Doors open to all facets of life. Thanks Tanya. 🙂
I agree thanks for opening heavenly doors to your blog! 🙏
Awww. Bless you Tanya. Thanks so much. 😊
Pleasure , have a radiant day!