I saw a photo here, where the owner of a 1980's Newell seemed to have added a hinged floor section to cover the stair opening. The result of this would be similar to the new front entry stair opening with cover.
http://www.newellclassic.com/gallery...8/DSC06195.JPG
If owners are "in for the night" a cover for the stair opening might be a good idea.