Archives
The Fresco / Doll House Est.1974
Fire Island Pines has always drawn designers of every kind, and sometimes they build their dream homes leaving behind their personal stamp on history…
The Dune House on Fire Island Est.1968-69
The Dune House, located on 4 Ocean Walk, is a quirky standout juxtaposed against modern houses on Fire Island Pines. This home was designed by bohemian boat builder, furniture designer, and architect, Peter Asher, and takes inspiration from the concrete structures by Spanish architect, Felix Candela.
Fire Island Art history -George Stavrinos
Many artists made their way to the Pines leaving their mark on history with their art. George Stavrinos is one. An incredible talented artist whose gift was fashion illustration.
Pines/ Cherry Grove People- Rose (Bob) Levine
Arriving in Cherry Grove in 1955 Bob Levine found home. A home for not only himself, but for Rose Levine the drag alter ego he created. Cherry Grove became his stage at the Arts Projects Community theater. He decided to cross the Meat Rack to the Pines and make a name for himself there also, and did…
Fire Island Fashion history- Photographer Arthur Elgort & Gia the first Super Model.
Many fashion photographers and models were here for the use of the Pines as a beautiful backdrop. Also for the fringe benefits of the party atmosphere. Such was the case with fashion photographer Arthur Elgort and one of the first super models simply known as Gia.
The Frank house Est.1958. / Boys in the sand house 1970
The Frank House designed by Andrew Geller Fire Island Pines, Fire Island, NY, 1958 Geller was inspired by the Franks’ pictures of the Mayan ruins at Uxmal Mexico to design this glazed pyramid, set among the rolling sand dunes. The result is a house sitting on one of the highest points in the Pines with panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean and the Great South Bay.
Celebrity history-Holly Woodlawn
Before the word transgender was where it is today there was Holly Woodlawn. A pseudo celebrity from the Andy Warhol factory. She was one of the first transgender performers of her time. As the 70’s were a time of great growth in the Pines, more and more celebrities of every kind were coming out.
Peter Berlin on the art of cruising in Fire Island
Photographer, filmmaker, porn star, and exhibitionist, Peter Berlin evades categorization; he is simply one of the greatest queer sex symbols of the 20th century. He was a living, breathing, cruising work of art.
471 Fire Island Blvd Est.1980
Architecture and design have always been part of Fire Island Pines history. Horace Gifford, Scott Bromley just to name a couple of architects who have put their stamp on the Pines. However many designers like Michael Schaible and Robert Bray limited their skill to only their own residence, creating their own vision for themselves.
The TV house Est.1965.
There are many homes in the Pines of notoriety, with shapes from octagon to pyramid by important architects. However there is one that has become a favorite for its unique shape and history called the TV House…
Fire Island Pines People- Lance Ferris
After a visit in 1979 to Fire Island , a young Lance Ferris arrived on his own in 1980 fresh from Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn. Taking a guide book he got his ticket on the Long Island Railroad and made his way out to Sayville. There he boarded a ferry to Cherry Grove. He had been to all the bars in NYC including Ice Palace 57. At 17 he had just left High School and was determined to get a job bartending at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, and so he did…
Pines People- Barbara Ross
Barbara Ross married to Sherwood Ross of the Ross Cycle family was a fixture in the Pines throughout the 1970’s and early 80’s. Her yacht the “Barbara” was moored at the Blue Whale where she could see and be seen.
The Pyramid house Est.1960.
1960. There is a magical house at the eastern end section of the Pines called the Pyramid house as that is its shape. Designed by architect Julio Kaufman from Buenos Aires. Just one of the many unique homes here it boasts a spectacular view of the dunes and ocean upon entering…
The Parties of the Pines 1970’s
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.
Interview with New York’s original leather daddies: Frank Olson and Don Morrison
Frank Olson and Don Morrison were among the most important founding members of the leather scene in New York City. They were famous for hosting legendary S&M-themed parties in Fire Island and their home in Manhattan. In 1970, they opened The Eagle’s Nest, New York’s premier leather bar.
The FIPAP Art Show Est. 1985-1987
Art has always been part of the Pines community. The beauty of the beach has inspired many. In the 70’s it became a melting pot for the creative as designers, artists, architects, and theater people found their way to the Pines.
Fire Island DJ Howard Merritt
There were many DJs who added working on Fire Island to their resumes. It definitely added prestige. DJ Howard Merritt was one. Howard was a frequent visitor to the Pines as he had friends there, and would play at many house parties.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Carol Channing
As a good friend to Broadway composer Jerry Herman actress Carol Channing had special access to Fire Island. From her early visits in the 1960’s to her last to Cherry Grove in 2013 she made herself at home here.
A Very Natural Thing- 1974
An important film in the history of American gay filmmaking, "A Very Natural Thing" is considered the first feature film on the gay experience made by an out gay man to receive commercial distribution. Many scenes were filmed in the Pines.
DJ Tom Savarese
The early days of disco brought many young DJs to Fire Island to test the waters. DJ Tom Savarese was one.