The Dutch Door. Common in the Netherlands in the 17th century, Dutch settlers brought their split door to the United States, where it first appeared in rural houses in New York and New Jersey. Originally devised as an exterior door to keep children in and animals out, while allowing air and light to come and go. My dad’s homemade interior Dutch Door let air and light come and go but kept both children and pets out of the kitchen until we wiped our feet or cleaned our paws.