Archives
DJ Jim Burgess
Jim Burgess was a disco record mixer and New York DJ of the 1970s, and has been commonly referred to as one of the hottest DJ’s and Remixers of the Disco era.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll was an American actress, singer, model, and activist from the Golden Age of Hollywood. At the height of her fame in the mid 1960s, she spent her summers at a modest ocean-front cottage in the Pines with her six-year-old daughter.
Cherry Grove People-Johny Poole
Cherry Grove icon Johny Poole and his Fire Island journey…
Fashions of the Pines 1970’s
The Fashion Show takes center stage as it moves to it’s home at the Botel Pool and takes on a life of its own…
Grey Gardens Est. 1960’s.
Named after the famous home in the Hamptons “Grey Gardens” also lived in the Pines. However it had a very different story…
Pines People- Walter & Joyce Reich
Walter & Joyce Reich were straight people living in a gay community, however they were here first. Yet none of that mattered as they created community wherever they went…
“The Fire Island” house.
From a Daytripper fantasy to a reality show failure the homes of the Pines all have a history…
The Origins of Fire Island’s Tea Dance at The Blue Whale
The Tea Dance was created in 1966 in the Pines by then owner John Whyte. It is now replicated in gay resorts around the world…
Art history- Felice Picano
Like many in the Arts lives were touched by Fire Island and inspired. Felice Picano is the author of more than thirty books of poetry, fiction, memoirs, nonfiction, and plays who spent time here and reflected on it in his work.
Fire Island Pines People- Will Seagers/Matt Harper
Will Seagers has a colorful history in the Pines from waiting tables at the Blue Whale to the hot & heavy action in between shifts…
The Sloan/ Calvin Klein/ David Geffen house Est.1972
One of the most noted homes in the Pines is known as the Calvin Klein house, for the simple reason he owned it. Nothing came between Calvin and the Pines as he brought Studio 54 to the Island.
The Beach Olympics 1975-1981.
The Beach Olympics was a homespun event created in 1975. Most often as a fundraiser for the Pines Conservation Society. It brought the community together with unique events like wheel barrel and potato sack races, tug of war, and more.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Rock Hudson
Many celebrities found their way to the Pines. Closeted actor Rock Hudson was one…
The Pines Dog Show Est. 1965
Fire Island has been a haven for many, yet also for our babies. Meaning our pets. Dog’s, cat’s and more make up Fire Island Families. See how we shoed them off…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Halston
There are many people with just one word names tell you everything. Halston was one. Like many he too found his way to Fire Island…
Pines People- Paul McGregor
Paul McGregor was unique person who made his mark in the world. In Haidressing, Nightlife, and to all he touched.He who found a home for him and his family in the Pines creating a legacy that continues today…
Fire Island Pines People- Arden Catlin
Many would be surprised to know the several women that played a role in the history of the Pines. Arden Catlin was one. She was a Pines pioneer who was one of the first Realtors, business owners, and the first Postmistress of the Pines.
The Invasion Est. 1976- The 70’s
The Invasion is a joint history between Cherry Grove and the Pines. Established in the Bicentennial year of 1976 it remains a day where both communities come together to celebrate.
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…