Archives
Drag Race in the Pines 1989.
Before RuPaul coined the name “Drag Race” the Pines had one of their own…
Fashion history- Perry Ellis
Like many from the Fashion world designer Perry Ellis too found his way to the Pines.
Mel Fante’s Melbamar Boutique
Melbamar Boutique was the brainchild of Mel Fante. The emporium by the sea and the Bloomingdales of the Pines were many of the names it was called. A boutique for the discerning Pines clientle. Filled with everything unique it was a mainstay in the Pines where one could find the perfect gift.
Crews Quarters Est. 1982
Realtor Doris Taussig opens “Crews Quarters. It was known as the friendly place. The place where the locals and more came to drink and socialize. More importantly it was the game of pool that brought people together…
Sea Shack Cherry Grove Est.1952-1979
The Sea Shack 1952-1979 was a restaurant and gathering place in Cherry Grove Fire Island.
The Pines Invasion of Cherry Grove Est. 1987.
The Pines Invasion of the Grove was a benefit created in 1987 for FAIRPAC -friends and advocates of individual rights political action committee. It would happen annually throughout the 90’s…
The Pines Phone Book 1988-2009
Before the Cell phone, E Mail, and the Internet there was the Pines Phone Book, a place where one could find a friend new or old…
Carnival Rio party @ Reflections 1986
Throughout the 1980’S Gloria DeMann and her husband Larry were know in the the Pines for their lavish parties at their bayfront home called “Reflections.” Carnival Rio was just one of many…
The Fire Island National Seashore. Est. 1964
Fire Island National Seashore was established by Congress on September 11, 1964, following a long history of preservation efforts, most with grass-roots support. Without the plan by master builder/ developer Robert Moses there would be no NPS. His role was a major turning point in Fire Island history.
The Monster Cherry Grove Est. 1969
Before it became the institution it is known as today, The Monster (Greenwich Village, NYC) started out as a restaurant in Cherry Grove on Fire Island. The Monster was named after a carved wooden sea serpent from the Coney Island carousel. Joe Scialo opened the restaurant and bar in 1969, where it swiftly evolved into the hottest gay nightspot of the time. From there, the concept expanded to Key West where it became immensely popular with snowbirds who would flock to vacation there during winter seasons. At the height of its popularity, The Monster was even considered Studio 54’s rival.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Jerry Herman
1960’s-1990’s. Broadway composer Jerry Herman loved the Pines so much so that after moving away, he came back time and time again to become a resident three times purchasing homes on both the Ocean and the Bay.…
Art history-David Hockney
Like many artists of the era David Hockney found his way to Fire Island …
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…
Firemens Masked Ball 1989.
The Fire Island Pines Fire Department celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a masked ball…
Fashions of the Pines 1980’s
The 80’s come roaring in as the Fashion Show gets bigger and better…
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 GMHC Morning Party 1983-1990.
The GMHC Morning Party was the Pines answer to the growing AIDS crisis. Beginning as a house party it became GMHC’s biggest fundraiser…