I asked this question of the ALHFAM (Association for Living History,
Farm and Agricultural Museums) list, and received the following
response from one of the most knowledgeable members of the list on
this topic.  I hope this will be helpful information for everyone!

Martha Katz-Hyman
**************************

       "Anytime I am asked about a 19th Century (or before) double staircase
in relation to seeing up a woman's skirts, I always ask them to imagine
trying to get up any set of stairs without lifting the FRONT of their
long skirt. If you don't, you will tread all over it. When you lift the
front of your skirt, the back comes in close to the legs, so it is near
on to impossible to see up it from the back (especially in a hoop). If
you are walking down the stair, you can lift up, or a little out and
away, and I imagine, unless you are a real cad, (or 10 years old) a
fellow is not going to be laying on the stairs to catch that small
opportunity to look up a skirt as you step down. If anyone wonders
about it, they should put on a long skirt and walk up and down the
stairs and see just how silly it is to think that there was a need for
two staircases for modesty's sake. I have seen absolutely no primary
sources (or secondary, for that matter) to support the two staircase
idea for any other reason than architectural symmetry/design.
Conspicuous consumption maybe, but modesty....I don't think so!
        "I have been on tours when the docent or guide has brought this up,
(and it has been predominantly in the South where one finds many more
dual staircases) and the willingness of the general visitor to buy into
it hook, line and sinker is always distressing. I tend to speak up and
either ask for a demonstration, if they are wearing a long skirt, or
share:  "When I am wearing a long skirt........."

Signed,

Kandie Carle
aka The Victorian Lady
Who has just returned from Budapest and Vienna where she walked up and
down many a staircase (dual and otherwise) in  long gowns, and danced
'til 4:00am at the Opera Balls. Her ankles are safe."

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).