Theophilus Van Kannel

Who was Theophilus Van Kannel?

Theophilus Van Kannel was an American inventor, famous for inventing the revolving door, patented on August 7, 1888. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Van Kannel, who was recognized for his invention with the John Scott Medal by the Franklin Institute in 1889, founded the Van Kannel Revolving Door Company, which eventually was bought out by the International Steel Company in 1907. International Steel Company is the parent company of International Revolving Door Company. Theophilus had no family.

He invented and owned Witching Waves, an amusement ride introduced at Luna Park, Coney Island, in 1907.

Van Kannel died in New York City of heart failure and was buried in West Park Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio.