Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
The Legacy of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: Meet the Cowboy Icon’s Nine Children
Roy Rogers, famously dubbed the “King of the Cowboys”, and his spouse Dale Evans, known as the “Queen of the West”, emerged as early luminaries in Hollywood’s nascent television era.
Rogers, celebrated for his role as the singing cowboy alongside his loyal palomino Trigger, ascended to become the preeminent star of Westerns during his time. He starred in more than a hundred films and headlined his own television series, The Roy Rogers Show.
Over the course of his life, Rogers fathered a total of nine children through his marriages with Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans. While some of his offspring followed his footsteps into the entertainment industry, others pursued quieter lives away from public scrutiny. Here’s an individual glimpse into each of Roy Rogers’ children:
Cheryl Rogers: Adopted in 1941 with his second wife, Grace Arline Wilkins, from Hope Cottage in Texas. Cheryl grew up in the presence of her father’s beloved horse Trigger and appeared in several of his films during her childhood, including Meet Roy Rogers and Trail of Robin Hood.
Linda Lou Rogers: Born two years after Cheryl’s adoption to Grace. Linda married Gary Johnson, a minister, and the couple shared over four decades together until his passing in 2008. Linda now resides in California, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Roy Rogers Jr. (Dusty): The only biological son of Roy Rogers, born shortly before Grace’s untimely death due to childbirth complications. Dusty made childhood appearances on The Roy Rogers Show and later managed his father’s career. He also performed with the Sons of the Pioneers and formed his band, Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders.
Robin Elizabeth Rogers: The only child born to Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, Robin tragically passed away before her second birthday due to complications from the mumps. In her memory, Dale authored the book Angel Unaware.
Dodie Rogers: Adopted at seven months old, Dodie, of Native American heritage, married Jon Patterson, a NASA employee, and they welcomed a daughter named Kristin. Dodie now enjoys her role as a grandmother.
Mimi Rogers: Born Marion Fleming in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mimi was discovered by Roy and Dale in a children’s home due to her exceptional singing talents. She became a cherished member of their family, marrying Dan, a Marine Corps member, with whom she had three children before his passing. Mimi is now a grandmother herself.
Debbie Rogers: Adopted during the Korean War after becoming orphaned, Debbie tragically died at the age of 12 in a bus accident in Los Angeles while traveling with other children from her church.
Sandy Rogers: Adopted following Robin’s passing, John David “Sandy” Rogers later joined the U.S. Army but sadly passed away at age 18 in a choking incident at a military hospital in Germany.
Tom Fox: Dale’s biological son from her previous marriage, Tom was raised by Roy and Dale. He pursued a career as a school teacher and music minister before his passing in 2012.
The saga of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ family is marked by a tapestry of happiness, sorrow, and love, emblematic of their enduring family values and profound legacy.
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