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Keeping Out the Gays: The Pines in the late 1950s
1950's Gary Clinton 1950's Gary Clinton

Keeping Out the Gays: The Pines in the late 1950s

Gary Clinton has been on the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association Board for twenty of the past twenty-five years. Since early 2023 he and his Board colleague, Russell Saray, have been organizing, digitizing, and researching FIPPOA’s records going back to 1953, which they have dubbed “The FIPPOA Papers.”

Based on that research, Gary has written “Keeping Out the Gays: The Pines in the late 1950s” for the Fire Island Pines Historical Society.

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Pines 70th Anniversary (1953-2023)
John Dempsey John Dempsey

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.

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Pines People- Ron McKenna
Pines People, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000 Robert Bonanno Pines People, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000 Robert Bonanno

Pines People- Ron McKenna

Ron McKenna was a community minded person, and when he found Fire Island Pines he knew he had to be part of the communities fabric, and so he became deeply involved. In the best way. Because of his relatability he created a bond with the town of Brookhaven where the decision making happened about who could do what in the Pines. With this he became revered and relied upon in the community. It was the legacy he left that has never been replaced…

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A Dual in the Sun. The Rockefeller/Ron Martin home Est. 1965
Architecture, Community, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000 Robert Bonanno Architecture, Community, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000 Robert Bonanno

A Dual in the Sun. The Rockefeller/Ron Martin home Est. 1965

Designed by Architect Harry Bates at the height of his Fire Island Career. 607 Shore Walk remains an intact example of Bates style as well as classic 60’s architecture. Built in 1965 by Walter Reich for Alan Morton, the two simple glass boxes that are the main house and a separate cottage inspired the house’s original name “Dual in the Sun.”

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The Seaplane history

The Seaplane history

One of the fastest and most glamorous ways to get to Fire Island was and still is the Seaplane. Becoming more popular and visible in the 1960’s through today it was the only way to arrive. For celebrities it was not only fast, but indiscreet. Slightly soggy, but glamorous just the same. With the advent of the dock you could really arrive in style…

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