Mel Fante’s Melbamar Boutique
Melbamar was the brainchild of Mel Fante. The emporium by the sea was many of the names it was called. A boutique for the discerning Pines clientle. Filled with everything unique it was a mainstay in the Pines where one could find the perfect gift .
Owned by Mel Fante the high-living Vice President of Design for American Airlines, Fante epitomized the wealthy cohort of jet-setters that was drawn to the Pines in the golden age of the 70’s in the Pines. His own taste is what propelled Melbamar from a local store to the Bloomingdales of the Pines.
With only about 400 square feet of space Melbamar carried a varied amount of products. 1,999 of them included a 24 Kt. toothbrush, a stuffed panther, and mosquito tent/ netting for one. Manager Jim Peters and assistant manager/buyer/ merchandiser Bob Lisi worked hand in hand so that the physical space limitations worked for them as opposed to against them. Together they put together an inventory that reflects the diverse tastes and moods of the customers. As the season progressed they would add or delete items to reflect the changing moods and trends.
Jim Peters
the store featured the work of many Pines artists like Max Murphy below.
Encounter An Adult Fire Island Game featured the art of artist Ferron Bell.
Rockshots was a provocative series of postcards that were part of the unique inventory.
The Fire Island Coloring Pad. Art by Ferron Bell.
In the early 90’s longtime Pines resident Linda Gottlieb (below) bought the Melbamar business and ran it for several years.
The legacy of Mel Fante’s Melbamar lives on in the many items still living in Pines homes, and the memories of a time gone by…
