Inside the WF: The Door That Goes Nowhere

Entering through the front door of the WF lies a spacious entry hall.  I call it the "great" hall because of all the design details, history, and the sheer "it" factor.  The architecture of the home is classified as Second Empire French Victorian.  The consistent interior detail is that design elements are symmetrical.  Meaning, what there is on one side should be balanced on the other.  This is seen throughout the mansion with doors, windows, hearths, and furnishings.  But, nothing seems to scream "pretentious Victorian" like the north wall of the hall.  The north wall holds three doors.  The center door is the original back door that leads out to the "back porch".  The left door opens into the music room.  The right door isn't actually a door at all!!!  Of course, there's a frame and a door on it's hinges...but, the door goes absolutely nowhere.  The door was hung merely for aesthetics and for balance in keeping with symmetrical design. 

The real treasure is not that the door goes nowhere.  It's that inside the door are inscriptions, signatures, countries and cities of origin, and one date...February 11, 1871.  This is the date that the door was hung (and probably nailed shut.  The inscriptions are by the many laborers, builders, carpenters, and the like who built the mansion for Mr. Woodruff.  Following this post I will be uploading many close up images of a few of the names.  It's a fascinating piece of history that is hidden in plain sight.  This practice of signing doors was not uncommon, nor is it uncommon today.  My grandfather was a carpenter and helped to build an entire community.  He and his builders would sign the insides of walls or subflooring so as his work not be forgotten.  And, as it turns out, all the builders or carpenters I have hosted in the WF tell me that it's a tradition that is still honored by many, if not, all builders.

The next time you're in the WF, be sure to study the inside of the door that goes nowhere.