I like to roam, to stretch my legs in a variety of locales while checking out the surroundings. And in recent years I often have turned my leg-stretching excursions into essays for this publication. These mini-adventures, thankfully, get me away from my living room sofa, upon which I spend hours upon hours each week engaged in questionable activities. Namely, staring into space, scratching my balls and twirling the five strands of hair that remain on the crown of my head.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that I’ve mentioned that sofa routine many times before on these pages. Can’t seem to stop myself from writing about it, though. What can I say? Would you prefer that I describe the nightly visitations paid to me by space aliens, and how I cured the aliens of toenail fungus? Nah, I didn’t think so.
Anyway, this article now will concern itself with doors. That’s what I was in search of when, on the penultimate day of May, I roamed the streets of Jenkintown, a nice village three miles south of Willow Grove, the town that I call home. Both communities are in the Philadelphia burbs.
Doors had been in the back of my mind as a story idea since 2017 or so, after I discovered that there are a goodly number of WordPress writers who launch door-oriented pieces into cyberspace on Thursdays. Their leader is a guy named Norm, who began a Thursday Doors theme in 2014 (click here to see Norm’s website). And so, I’m going to follow the leader by pressing the Publish button for this story during the opening minutes (in my time zone) of Thursday, June 18.
Concentrating on Jenkintown’s doors was right in my wheelhouse. After all, on walking excursions here and there during the last few years I’ve sometimes kept my eyes on alert for specific subjects: the color green for instance, shadows, store and street signs. Doing that kind of thing helps to make life interesting for me. On a low but real-enough level, it’s like a research project or detective work. It’s fun, basically.
I hit Jenkintown’s sidewalks at around 11:30 in the AM and concluded my mission at a quarter past noon. I might have stayed out longer than I did were it not for a vivid Sun that was getting a thrill from making me schvitz most admirably.
I walked along most of the blocks in Jenkintown’s business district and along a sampling of its residential streets. One thing I realized is that the vast majority of doors in Jenkintown are vanilla. That is, non-threatening standard concoctions of wood, glass or metal, or a combination thereof. Yet, I deemed some of them as absolutely photograph-worthy, because of the decorations on or near them, or because of their silent commentary upon our present times.
Take the Uptown Event Center’s door, for example. How many ordinary, metal-framed glass doors such as this are in the world? Many tens of millions, no doubt. Yet, it looks as sharp as can be, flanked as it is by a lady singer and a sax man. Cool. Very cool.
And what could be plainer than the opened door of Velvet Sky Bakery? It stands out, though, in a major way. With a table holding disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer beside it, it’s a reminder that we live in the days of coronavirus. This is a door through which you do not enter. You place your order from the sidewalk, pay when the items are brought to you, and walk away.
On the other hand, sometimes you cross paths with grandeur, such as the front doors of Immaculate Conception Church. Lovely creations of golden brown wood, they are all the more impressive thanks to the elegantly-chiseled stonework that surrounds them.
And then, in a category all its own, there’s a sprinkler room door, which is attached to the back of a building that I otherwise didn’t make note of. As of this writing it’s my favorite door in Jenkintown. That deep, deep color. That monolithic presence. Man, the door is the definition of gravitas.
We’d be in trouble without doors. I suppose that humans invented them in caveman days. Maybe way before that. Maybe later. Whatever the case, they provide protection from the elements and from members of the fauna categories, and they help to give us privacy. Right, duh! There are all kinds of philosophical interpretations that might be made regarding doors too. But I ain’t exactly Jean-Paul Sartre, so for me to go beyond the kiddie end of the pool in those matters would be a huge mistake. I will say this though: The Doors — and I’m referring to the rock and roll band — took their name from The Doors Of Perception, a book by Aldous Huxley that praises the use of psychedelics to open the mind’s doors, thus expanding one’s insights. I’m all for allowing more of life’s possibilities to present themselves. But there’s no need for psychedelics. For example, who knows what realms you’ll travel to when, non-medicated, you listen to Break On Through (To The Other Side), the opening track of The Doors’ first album, from 1967. Let’s find out:
(Please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this essay. I thank you.)
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Fab photos as always, Neil. If I ever visit your neighbourhood, I’m going to know my way around.
That track takes me back. I must have played the Doors debut album until there was hardly a groove left on the record, in my late teens.
I have come to the belief that doors were put on this planet so that we humans can fulfil our ordained destiny, which is to perpetually open them for cats.
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George, I have to say that your insight into the primary purpose of doors is genius!
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“Gravitas.” I love that word! Never seen it applied to a door, although I get it, looking at your photo. And the King’s Corner pub door looks downright medieval.
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I have a feeling that, unconsciously, I’d wanted to use the word “gravitas” in one of my pieces. It finally has happened.
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I follow a blogger who lives in Rome and periodically posts photos of doors. Doors are interesting. From the boarded up to the very humble to the grandiose, they imply a sort of metamorphosis, the passage from one state to another; or, they just mean that you’re home. 😉
Great post. 🙂
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Hi. Doors can be interpreted in various ways, for sure. They’ve captured the imagination of many folks.
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“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Milton Berle
Have a great day – Jerry
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Hey there, Jerry. Milton was a clever guy. I wonder how many people under 50 ever heard of him.
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I would be a bit interested in your extra terrestrial medical practice…
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The space aliens have sworn me to secrecy. Sorry!
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What could be better, a story plus some splendid doors!
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Hey, Sheree. Many thanks for stopping by. I was happy to find as many interesting doors as I did in Jenkintown.
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😎
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You have me curious about the space alien visits and toenail fungus cures.
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The space aliens will be very displeased with me if I say anything further. I don’t want to anger them!
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I wonder what kind of doors space aliens use? I just read about a tribe of native Americans that used to live in houses they built out of planks of redwood. Their doors were beautiful~perfect circles. They were low, though, and it looked like you’d have to crawl to get in. I found that interesting. The typical American today would be way too proud (let alone fat) to bend over and crawl through their front door.
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Hi. Thanks for dropping by. Those people were flexible!
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Indeed they were.
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I think a lot of people love doors. They are symbolic, beautiful, even the decrepid ones are wonderful. They are a photographer’s treat and you took some fine pictures of them. I like your assignment and glad you got off the couch!
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You know, you’ve given me an idea. Maybe some day I’ll do a piece about doors that are in disrepair.
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Thanks for the tour of doorways in your neighborhood & beyond, ending with an entry into some music as pertinent today as it was in my formative days. As always, when it’s over, don’t forget to “turn out the lights.”
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Hello there. You’re right about the music. In fact, the entire first album by The Doors still sounds great. It’s fabulous.
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“This is a door through which you do not enter. You place your order from the sidewalk, pay when the items are brought to you, and walk away.” A beautifully written description of our times, with the door as the center.
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Afternoon, Laurie. And thanks.
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I wish i could put up a picture of my favourite door of all time….the pied de biche at Thouars. The knocker was the doe’s foot, as the name suggests, on a door which was at the end of a tiny lane in the old town and it gave access to a real gentlemens’ club in the best sense of the word, a place where men got together over a glass to play cards and put the town to rights. The club’s articles required of its members honesty, a quiet nature, mutual respect and friendship, so, not surprisingly, the local politicians were not admitted.
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Only honest and respectful people were member of that club — Trump would have been barred.
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No chance of membership for him!
The local senator in the 1980s was so miffed at being refused membership that he tried to have the club closed down…again, no chance!
It was founded in 1840 and is still going strong.
The second part of this link describes a visit I made to it years ago.
http://real-france.blogspot.com/2010/05/boules-to-all-that.html?m=0
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There is something oddly appealing abouit doors, isn’t there. A metaphor for decision making maybe? An allegory to rival Moby Dick? Dunno but I do like them.
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“A metaphor for decision making” — I think you’re right!
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Great photos, Neil, alongside your entertaining commentary. I have always loved doors, as they are full of possibilities I feel. X
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Hey there, Jane. One thing for sure is that they are a basic part of civilization.
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Some interesting doors, indeed!
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Hello, Becky. Walking around while looking for doors was a lot of fun for me. I didn’t know what I’d find.
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A doors story was a great opening for your creativity. It really gives us a window on your mind.
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Thanks, Debra. I enjoyed working on this story. Enjoy the rest of the week.
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I just posted a picture of a door yesterday, I love ’em too, even more than tales of alien toenail fungus! I like the shot of the private residence, with the straw hat & flowers. But I’d be more likely to use the one before it of the pub. And thanks also for the jolt of Doors, I was just going to make a cup of coffee, don’t need it now!
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I know what you mean: That song is dynamite!
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I love the idea of themed photo explorations. I put together a little group of windows photos once. And I wrote a blog post about bridges. There’s an infinite number of topics to capture with pictures. P.S. I was hoping you’d mention The Doors.
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Hi, Lori. Glad to hear from you. Yeah, this story wouldn’t have seemed right to me if I’d left out The Doors.
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Always liked the Doors and doors (both have quite the artistic appeal) . . . you have, as always, fantastic photos. 🙂 Take care, my friend.
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Hey there, Tyler. I’ve never thought about it too much, but I suppose that a sizeable number of people are door-lovers. Subconsciously, if not consciously.
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We need a new front door and were going to get it this spring until Covid.
They reflect the personality of the homeowner, so it’s interesting to see what people choose.
Hope you’re well,
eden
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Hi. Speaking of Covid: My wife just got home from a brief visit to a shopping center very near our house. She says that all the stores there now are open. They’d been closed for three months. Masks are required, though. And distancing, etc.
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We are still phase 1 given our high density and city life. Certain shops/eateries are open if they have curbside pickup or have a patio. We can now increase our bubble from 5-10.
What a strange life this is!
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Great post! I love doors too, and The Doors, great writing!
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Hi Tiffany. I thank you!
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I think you would be an excellent botanist; you have the enquiring mind and the sharp eye!
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I enjoy nature a lot, but my knowledge of what precisely I’m looking at has loads of room for improvement. That’s an understatement!
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Alien toenail fungus … is that what did in Jim Morrison? Happy Doors Day!
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Hi there, JT. You know, I wonder why Thursday is the “official” doors day on WordPress. Maybe there’s a true reason, or maybe it’s just one of those things.
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I’m glad to see you included the musical group! But those are actually interesting doors you found on your walk. I’ve seen other blogs do the door theme, and it has made me realize that some really are unique and quite interesting. Sometimes we just need to pay attention, I think! Thanks for helping us do that.
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Afternoon, Ann. Which of the doors do you like the best?
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I think the King’s Corner pub, because it’s so unusual. Although I also like church doors…so solid. Possibly because I spent four years of my childhood on the campus of a seminary, and the doors to our apartment building (student housing) were solid wood and very, very heavy!
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Would be a good name for a band.
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I sometimes wonder about band names. Credence Clearwater Revival always seemed like a strange name to me, for example.
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That’s a whole other take Neil. You’re onto something.
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Doors on a Thursday? I knew not – might join in. Anyway, great piece on doors. And The Doors…
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The doors of Fife or Edinburgh await you. Hi Andrew. Take care.
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Neil, you’re the only blogger I know who can make doors sound interesting ❤
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Thanks, Kathy. You’ve made my day!
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Doors are so full of symbolism, Neil. I’m glad you have found your monolithic favorite. 🚪
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And you know what? — I don’t even know what a sprinkler room is.
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😀
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Mind-blowing doors, as Huxley might say 🙂
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Maybe I’ll put The Doors Of Perception on my to-be-read list. That list is already 50 miles long, though.
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Doors, portals, barricades, opportunities … you’ve hit upon an important item here. Another great post, and I’m inspired by your “themed walks”.
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Hi Carmel. Many people and some nations believe that open doors/cooperation result in a better world. Mankind’s got a long ways to go in those respects, though. Thanks a lot for your input. Much appreciated.
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Nice photos and I like the depth you bring to this eulogy on doors…. I have an interest in facades too but only for aesthetic reasons 😂
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Hello, and thanks for entering your thoughts. You know, it’s about 7AM where I live. A few minutes ago I opened two doors at the rear of the house to let in some cool morning air. Take care, and enjoy the weekend.
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great post, Neil; love that lady singer and sax man; we have a cafe with similar figures down our way called ‘Louie’s with a life size statue of Satchmo 🙂
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Hi. Armstrong lived in a modest house in the borough of Queens, which is one of the five boroughs that comprise New York City. It’s been turned into a museum. I’d like to go there some day.
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Hey Neil; took your advice, visited the website and am hooked. Left a comment and am now a follower !
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👍👍
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Really enjoyed reading this today. What a great array of doors and Im sure an interesting walk. A great encouragement to get off that sofa and all its trappings I’m sure.
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Hi. I’m glad to hear from you. That sofa and I have become too close! Be well. See ya.
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Welcome to #ThursdayDoors! So glad you found our little group of door lovers.The King’s Corner Pub and Immaculate Conception are my two standouts from this batch. Thanks for the tour of Jenkintown. Do feel free to share your future doorscursions with us as well 🙂
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Hey there, Norm, and thanks. You know, the door from King’s Corner is growing on me. I like it a lot. Keep up the good work. You started a movement!
Neil Scheinin
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Some interesting looking doors there – I used to collect fridge magnets of doors as very different depending on the country you visit. Dublin’s Georgian doors very nice but also Greece’s rustic ones. Had to stop the collection once the fridge went inside a kitchen cabinet!
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Magnets of doors. That’s a cool collection. Whoever came up with the idea of making fridge magnets was a genius of sorts.
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Doors are interesting for sure, and so is the band. I still have The Doors debut album, the first one I ever bought with my paper route money.
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Morning, Des. That album really holds up over time. It took the world by storm all those years ago, and still sounds great.
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Enjoyable! Reminded me of the Doors of Dublin posters—-
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Hello, and thanks for the visit. Online, I took a look at some of those posters a few minutes ago. They’re nice. I hadn’t known about them before.
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Hey Neil: Before I read this post, I thought you would be writing about a musical band called ‘The Doors’. Isn’t there one??? I don’t follow them I must say. But, I AM fascinated by doors and the last time I was in France, I photographed dozens of wonderful and unique old doors, so I really enjoyed these. Thanks, Muriel
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Morning. Right, The Doors were very popular in the late 60s to early 70s. Their most famous song is Light My Fire.
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An impressive set of doors. The teal house door with the “straw hat” makes me feel I should up my home decoration game.
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I know what you mean. That door is charming.
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Love an ode to doors! The colorful ones always make me wonder why the owners chose the bold over the mundane.
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Right, there aren’t all that many doors that stand out. Most are straight off the assembly line.
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A great post with wonderful pics. I did one Thursday Doors post, thought for sure I’d do another one, and then promptly forgot. 🙂 But I do like your ending for sure — probably the best Doors tune, IMHO. – Marty
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Hi Marty. I love that song too. That whole album rocks!
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I enjoyed your tribute to doors and The Doors (great tune).
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Thanks, Caroline. Appreciated. Enjoy the upcoming week!
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I think it’s called character. That’s what’s lacking in everything these days. But I guess every single thing we create or build can’t be unique: not enough time or resources? So it’s a special treat to see big red doors and impressive stone carvings.Thanks for the peek.
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Right, it’s hard to compete with mass production. Still, there are many people//small firms that make hand-crafted ceramics, furniture, glass ware, clothes, etc. The world is better for all of that.
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What a wonderful piece. Thanks for writing it. And, I agree, “We’d be in trouble without doors.”
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Hi, and thanks. I hope you’re staying cool in these recent hot days. Keep your doors closed!
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The gravitas door looked like a cleaned up version of something found in Peaky Blinders, which my husband and I are wending our way through at the recommendation of you and some of your commenters. So I expect something awful to either emerge from it or be taking place behind it. No ordinary sprinkler there.
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Hi. You might be right! By the way, have you watched Dead To Me? My wife and I like it a lot.
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Not yet. I reach my gore threshold and must then switch to comedies.
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Great photos! Focusing on doors, I think, helps us to remember to look at things more–to take notice–to see signs around us every day. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi. Thanks for your input. Right, there are all kinds of fascinating things around us. Pretty much everything, I think.
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I’m with you on the fascination of doors, Neil. Especially that open one, at the Velvet Sky Bakery. Despite the block from actually entering, I’m drawn to imagine the kinds of cakes that might be inside a shop with a name like that. I did enjoy this post, I feel I’m getting a kind of patchwork picture of your neighbourhood.
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Hi. Some years ago, for one of my milestone birthdays, my wife bought a birthday cake from Velvet Sky.
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That makes it sound even more like a special shop.
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Some doors are just wonderful and you’ve got to wonder what might be found the other side of them.
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We’ll never know! Hi, and thanks for stopping by.
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I’ll be looking at doors everywhere I go now! I loved the different colours. 🙂
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It was a fun walk. I’ll probably do another doors story some day. Enjoy the weekend. Take care.
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