Archives
The Fire Island Muses of George Platt Lynes & the PaJaMa collective
Artists George Platt Lynes and the collective PaJaMa vacationed on Fire Island in the 1930s and 40s with a parade of attractive young gay men who served as models and muses for the artists. Here we look at 10 of these Muses - captured in their prime by the artists on Fire Island.
“SUNRISE” The party that inspired “Beach.” 1978
It was 1978 and house parties in the Pines were happening weekly. The housemates of the TV House as it was known wanted to throw one of their own. Fire Island was known for its parties. The housemates of the TV House were all from the world of the creative. Scott Bromley an up and coming architect who had just designed Studio 54 nightclub in NYC, his partner Interior designer Robin Jacobsen, Colin Birch; Design Director for Bonwit Teller, to name a few.
Fool’s Paradise Drag Party 2014- It’s a Madge, Madge, Madge, Madge, Madge World.
Fool’s Paradise is a once a year Drag Party that was created as a tradition in 1996 by a fun creative group of Gays. In 2014 they decided to create a record for the Guinness World Records by having a party with the most people dressed as Madonna, and that is just what they did!
“The Ponderosa” The Taussig House Est. 1957.
Known as “The Ponderosa” after the ranch home on the television show “Bonanza.” Built by Ted & Doris Taussig and designed by Architect Felix Augenfeld in 1957.
Fire Island Celebrity history- RuPaul
Drag Queen superstar, television personality, actor, singer, and producer RuPaul sashays to Cherry Grove to perform in 2005.
Postcards from the Fire Island Pines
For many a visit to Fire Island resulted in a postcard sent with an image showing the events or beauty of the Island.
Staging Terry Miller’s 1981 play, PINES ‘79, in 2023
In September 2023, as part of David Baldwin’s monthly LGBTQ Play Reading Series, he produced and directed a reading of Terry Miller’s 1981 play, PINES' ‘79. Set in the first summer of The Beach Party (now known as “Pines Party”), the play follows one share house through the summer, with 5 scenes set in May, June, July, August, and September.
Pines 70th Anniversary (1953-2023)
In 2023, the Pines celebrated its 70th anniversary with a series of cultural events to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the community. The capstone event was a FIPPOA-sponsored beach celebration featuring a live band, fashion show, and sunset performance by DJ Lina Bradford.
Raffle for History!
A Raffle for Prizes as a fundraiser for Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society
Cherry Grove People- Michael Fesco
Michael Fesco was a creator. In the summer of 1969 this Broadway chorus boy between gigs found himself managing what was being referred to as the Boom Boom room in Cherry Grove. Within a month found himself running the whole complex That he would name The Ice Palace…
Fire Island Fashion History- Antonio Lopez
As the 1970’s arrived the Pines became the IT destination for many in the Fashion world. Some for the backdrop it provided, and many for the privacy and fun. Fashion Illustrator Antonio Lopez was one. Hanging out with friends french photographer Jean Eudes Canival and partner Fashion designer partner Fred Lansac’s home. Pool guests included actor David Duchovny and Jason Beghe.
The House that John Whyte built. Est. 1960’s
After purchasing the Pines Yacht Club and Botel with partners model John Whyte eventually bought them all out owning it all on his own. It was time to build his castle in the sand, and yes it had to have an ocean view. It would survive the Hurricane Donna of 1962 as others got washed away. Home to the sounds of Opera, food, friends, and famous guests, but most of all the memories of a time gone by…
Fire Island Pines People- Scott Bromley
From Studio 54 to Fire Island Pines Architect Scott Bromley has left his mark. A longtime Pines resident who defines the word community…
A Walk through History: The Shaw /Shore Walk
A guided walking tour. All outside. We will not be going into any of our locations. On the private Shore Walk.
DJ Chris Camuso
As a resident DJ in Fire Island Pines for over 20 years DJ Chris Camuso brings an encyclopedia of knowledge of dance music to the floor weekly during season. In addition he creates our Halloween decor for the annual end of season Halloween party.
The Valerian Rybar/ Jerry Herman/ Pines Club home Est. 1983
Bigger is always better in Fire Island Pines, and so it goes with the largest house on the largest piece of privately owned property in the Pines. Created by the Yugoslavian man the New York Times called “ the worlds most expensive decorator.” Valerian Rybar together with Jean-Francois Daigre founded the Valerian Rybar & Daigre Design Corporation of New York and Paris where his taste for the opulent and extravagant was his signature.
I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor- The history…
On January 20, 1979 Gloria Gaynor’s recording of "I Will Survive" was released and started its way up the music charts. “I Will Survive” became one of the quintessential anthems for Gay Pride that year and has held strong as a favorite of gay men everywhere.
Fire Island Pines 60th Anniversary 1953-2013
Seasons come and go, but anniversaries must be noted. In 2013 the Pines commmunity celebrated their 60th anniversary. As done in the past a party was required and done…
Fire Island Pines 50th Anniversary 1953-2003
Another decade another Anniversary as Fire Island Pines celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a party and the premiere of the documentary “ When Ocean Meets Sky.”
Fire Island Pines Pop-Up Museum 2013
In 2013 we were asked to be part of an exhibit taking place at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City. It then traveled to the Pines as part of the 60th anniversary.