This stairway has an interesting history. E. A. McIlhenny had a friend, Charles W. Ward from Long Island, who sailed his yacht, the Ethel M. Ward, to Avery Island each fall during the early 1900's to visit and to hunt. He built the boathouse that is still visible in Jungle Gardens, and set up large living and cooking tents up the hill from the boathouse. Eventually the tents acquired a roof and walls, resulting in a house with a rather peculiar layout. After Mr. Ward quit coming to the Island due to health issues, one of E. A. McIlhenny's daughters lived in the house with her husband for a a few years beginning in 1920. Several years later, the house burned down due to faulty wiring, and all that remains is the lovely staircase and a Camellia garden where the house once stood.

Camellias are native to eastern and southern Asia. They became very popular in Europe in the mid 1800's, and gardeners in South Louisiana began importing them to improve our gardens. E. A. McIlhenny took a special interest in the beautiful plants. By 1941 he had collected over 700 varieties of Camellias to grow in Jungle Gardens, at least 18 of which he originated. See The History of Jungle Gardens by Lisa B. Osborn, Shane K. Bernard, and Scott Carroll).

Picnic area at Jungle Gardens under Southern Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss, with Resurrection Fern in abundance.