The Meat Rack on Fire Island Est. 1950’s
The stretch of land between The Pines and Cherry Grove in Judy Garland Memorial Park is officially known as the Carrington Tract for the historic Carrington House, but to insiders, it’s simply known as the Meat Rack. The Meat Rack on Fire Island was a safe haven for repressed homosexuals to fully express and experience their sexuality.
What Was The Meat Rack?
Since the early 50s, the men of Cherry Grove found refuge and release in the wooded paths that connect the two communities of the Pines and Grove. In the early days, Cherry Grove’s gay population was a big draw for many closeted homosexuals and encounters would intialily take place on various boardwalks. However, as The Grove became more populated, these activities began to move east to the woods.
There were several rules of conduct that kept the community safe through anonymity including “no lights” and “no talking.” Other than that, all other activities were considered a go. The Meat Rack, or “The Rack,” as it was commonly called, was a place where barriers of race and social class fell to the wayside and individuals could explore the casual sexual encounters that they were looking for. Unfortunately, word got out to the mainland, and the Suffolk Police led raids of the area which outed many.
See more here: 1968: After Dozens Of Acquittals, Police Forced To End Raids On Gay Haven.
Nudity, Sexual Freedom, and Pop Culture
Nudity was always a huge part of Fire Island’s culture but unfortunately, the Fire Island National Seashore struggled with regulating it in a way that was fair to residents.
The 1970s, however, gave way to sexual freedom and really allowed the Meat Rack to thrive. It was a place where anyone could go for a casual encounter with one or more, or simply to watch…
In the camouflage of trees, the Meat Rack came to represent a place where anyone could connect–regardless of age, size, or beauty. Carnal pleasure was the number one priority and nothing else was more important.
As the Meat Rack’s reputation grew, it became the inspiration for many iconic works of pop culture, including the cult porn move, “Boys in the Sand.” It was also a place that inspired many nude pieces including works by George Towne, Robert Zash, Sam Zalutsky, and Sean Basil McGiver. Even today, the Pines Nude Drawing Group uses the Meat Rack as a backdrop.
Artwork Inspired By The Meat Rack
Artwok above by George Towne, Robert Zash, Sam Zalutsky, and Sean Basil McGiver.
