The Parties of the Pines 1970’s

Parties & BenefitsCommunity1960's1970's

Jan 17

Written By Robert Bonanno

Parties have always been a Fire Island trademark. Getting their start in Cherry Grove, theme parties were a weekly happening. There was something about the freedom of Fire Island that allowed everyone let their hair down. Creativity ran rampant. With a population of designers from all industries, costumes and decor could range from simple to elaborate.

Cherry Grove

It was only natural for the Pines to follow suit, however like the homes they were bigger and more elaborate. The “Pink Party” below in 1975.

Gustavo Novoa “Red Party” 1976

“Star Wars” party 1977

Photo’s by Meryl Meisler 1977. Star Wars Party Crucified Pose, The Pines, Fire Island, NY August 1977

Star Wars Party Overhead View, The Pines, Fire Island, NY August 1977 http://www.merylmeisler.com

“Just a Party” 1978

Photographer Tom Bianchi: Over the years the size and quality of the parties escalated until Charles de Rohan, a count (but for the French Revolution he reminded) threw the party coyly called, Just a Party. Charles owned the biggest property in the Pines and called his house Utopia. He built a dance floor over his pool, had several tons of lumber shipped over to reinforce the decks, provided three open bars, and instructed his security staff to keep out of the way unless they saw someone doing injectable drugs. Prudently, he floated an insurance policy on the Lloyds wire to cover the night. He also had a few thousand square yards of carpet delivered to the harbor, expecting to replace all the carpets ruined by ground in sand. He nailed cans of Crisco to the trees in his private “Meat Rack” for guests who might find love in the garden. Just a Party for sure. Charles welcomed the whole Pines- no list of names at the door. All came and the party culminated with the dance floor collapsing in a frenzy of heated bodies feeling no pain. The party eclipsed all that came before…