Archives
“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!
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.
Fire Island Pines 40th Anniversary 1953-1993
In 1993 the Pines community celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an elaborate party. A host committee was formed to plan it. Much research and effort went into the event including flags, posters, a journal, memorabilia, and of course the party celebrating it all.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Dionne Warwick
Like her hit song, singer Dionne Warwick maybe had to ask about the way to San Jose, but she found her way to Fire Island instead. She initially visited in 1968, but returned to the Pines in 1991 to support many AIDS benefits.
Fire Island Pines People- Nikki Fried 1943-1997
Nikki Fried was a former nun who found her way to Fire Island. Her friend there Sandy Paul help her to find a job in publishing in New York city. Her love affair with Fire Island Pines began then and there. Her work in publishing led to consulting work with banks. Much of which could be done remotely. She would take off every August to stay in her beloved Pines, and worked her consulting schedule to spend as much time there as she could. From Spring to Fall.
The GMHC Morning Party: Sweet 16 - 1998
The GMHC (Gay Mens Health Crisis) Morning Party began in 1983 by a group of concerned Pines community members as a way to bring awareness to the growing AIDS crisis. Originally held at private homes after a night of all night dancing it had grown into a full fledge Circuit party. Circuit parties occur on a specific weekends and in a specific cities once a year, and there are many parties on “the circuit”, travel and planning are required. Travelling from party to party becomes part of a circuit boy’s lifestyle. Unfortunately drugs were also part of the party which became a conflict for GMHC…
“Beach” Fire Island’s 1st beach party- the party that started it all. 40th Anniversary 1979-2019
In 1979 the Pines community came together to raise funds for a new fire truck. The event was called “Beach.” It was a party that was a first of it’s kind, and changed the Pines forever. In 2019 we came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary…
Ascension Party 2006-2017
In 2006, Pines then owner Eric von Kuersteiner had a vision to create a fun daytime party for the new generation of Fire Island. He named it Ascension. It grew into the island’s most anticipated and busiest weekends, with three days of stellar events, thousands of cute guys and unsurpassed entertainment—all raising money for charity, benefitting the Fund in the Sun Foundation.
Night & Day 2 Benefit 1992
As the 1990’s began the need for benefits for the growing AIDS crisis became important in the Pines community. This one given by John Francis and John Gilliam. They were known as the Boulevard Boys, and played a role in benefits both in the Pines and NYC.
The Invasion Pop-Up Museum @ the Historic Carrington Cottage
Everything you wanted to know about the Invasion, but didn’t know who to ask!
Studio 54 The Documentary & Where Ocean meets Sky exhibit 2018
On Saturday September 8th, 2018 FIPHPS held their 3rd annual end of season event with the advance screening of the new film by Matt Tyrnauer “Studio 54 The Documentary.” Also included was the exhibit of 1970 aerials “Where Ocean meets Sky.” The event sold out making it the largest attended event at Whyte Hall.
Hooray for Hollywood party @ Reflections 1988
Gloria DeMann and her husband Larry were famous throughout the Pines for throwing extravagant parties at their Bayfront home called Reflections. “Hooray for Hollywood” was one of their biggest…
Fire Island Pines People- Alexandra Akira
Alexandra Akira arrived on Fire Island at fourteen years old, she would soon call this magical wonderland her second home. A love affair with Fire Island that she carries to this day. The journey began while traveling out to Long Island from her home in Connecticut as a groupie for the rock band Twisted Sister as love of music is part of her story…
Fire Island Dance Festival Est. 1995
Since the first performance in 1995, the annual Fire Island Dance Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in Fire Island Pines.
The Ultimate Oz Party 1995
The 1990’s brought the Benefit to Fire Island Pines. With the advent of AIDS it became clear that the community needed to join the fight. God’s Love We Deliver was just one of the many organizations that reached out to the Pines for support.
Hollywood Shore Leave Party 1985-1994
Like many parties/ benefits throughout the 80’s they created a tradition that lasted through the years. Hollywood Shore Leave is one…
Once upon a time…Almost Summer: Donna Summer in the Pines…
Once upon a time there was a singer who helped to create a sound that defined an era. Her name was Donna Summer, and here is her story of how she almost played in the Pines…