Pines People- Walter & Joyce Reich
The Reich family have deep roots on Fire Island, especially in the Pines. Both of Walter Reich’s brothers Rohland and August were directors of FIPPOA. Also sister-in law Carole was secretary, and his wife Joyce Reich were all deeply involved in the community. Rohland Reich was a builder. A profession that Walter would follow into.
(L to R) Rohland, Carole, & Walter Reich
As a child young Walter Reich would do yard work for co founder of the Papermill Playhouse Frank Carrington. Who’s donated home to Fire Island National Seashore still sits vacant at the western end of the Pines. His roots began like many in Cherry Grove, but found his home in the Pines. He began a Beach Taxi service with brother Rohland using a model A Ford that was modified to carry people from one community to another.
Frank Carrington
Beach Taxi
Walter & Joyce Reich
After a stint in the US Navy he would take over his brothers building business and find his soulmate in Joyce Schick a local Bayshore gal.
Together they would make a home in both Long Island, and Fire Island. It is there they would build a family. A family of three daughters and a Fire Island family in the Pines. They brought their girls up in an atmosphere of acceptance. A tradition that has now been passed onto grandchildren.Both would get deeply involved in the Pines community in many organizations like the Fire Department, Pines Conservation Society, and more.
From 1974-2000 Walter and Joyce would run their Hardware store serving the community with everything from rakes to video rentals. Joyce served as the Pines Community Catholic Church Organizer, Captain of Communications for the FIP Fire Department, and was a Director of the following Fire Island Pines Organizations: Pines Care Center, Pines Historical Society, Property Owner’s Association, Chamber of Commerce and FI National Seashore Advisory Board.
In 1982 Walter would get involved in a project called “Seascape” with the Fire Island National Seashore Advisory Board.
They both were committed to community efforts, and enjoyed the fun along the way…
In 2010 I found a passion for Fire Island Pines History. Everyone I spoke to directed me to the Reich’s. They were the first people I spoke to, and welcomed me, and what I was doing. They saw the need to preserve the history as they were in a place of having seen much of it. At first quiet and reserved Joyce got involved in our conversations. I could see the spunk that she had. She had a deep commitment to the Pines. Whether it was the Fire Department, House Tours, Fashion shows, A Square Dance at the Pavilion, she was part of it. They traveled as a pair, her and her husband Walter. A deep devotion was plainly seen. They soon joined our board revealing a wealth of Pines history. Our mission is simple. Nobody leaves without their story being told...
