Cherry Grove People-Johny Poole
Arriving in 1963 Johny Poole with friend Charity Charles found a home. He settled into his house “No Strings”. There he met Jimmy Merry who owned the Sea Shack. He got his first job as a pool boy at the Tiffany Room.
With no working bar at the pool he would have to take an order then run the way around to the Sea Shack and back. Great exercize , but by the time he got back the ice was melting. There had to be a better way, and Johny figured it out. Taking an old dresser he created a makeshift bar area at the pool. At the end of the 1966 season those left would gather with what was left in liquor and a random blender found. There Johny began creating his signature drinks. The next season a tent pool bar was made and the Blender drink sensation was born. Peach Flip, and more became the drinks to have.
Johny Poole
started it out as John Marino in Swampscott Mass. attended school at Boston’s great classical high school Cardinal Newmans Prep, and undecided upon a future career then (priest, painter or poet) he took a job in Cherry Grove at Jimmy Merry’s Sea Shack.
He soon graduated to Jimmy Merry’s other property The Ice Palace where he created a persona and a drink tradition …
He took on a managers role and was involved in the many events that were held there like Fashion shows and more…
However it was his role at the bar that grew in noteriety. His blender drinks became a Ice Palace signature.
He would balance both bartending and managing together.
Johny & Byron.
He would create a special drink and Tex-Mex restaurant bar with his then partner Byron by the pool named “Ole Poole.”
He was involved with the community and recognized for it.
As the millenium approached changes were made as Johny moved onto Cherries on the Bay. At the same time a new important friendship was formed between him and Radio personality Elvis Duran in which Elvis invited him to be part of his show as “Uncle Johny.” This has pushed him into the spotlight that he has enjoyed.
In 2021 he celebrated 50 years on Fire Island.
2021. He began to have health issues, and with the support of friends Elvis and husband Alex Carr he decided to retire and enjoy life…
