Archives
Fire Island Celebrity history- RuPaul
Drag Queen superstar, television personality, actor, singer, and producer RuPaul sashays to Cherry Grove to perform in 2005.
Fire Island Fashion History- Antonio Lopez
As the 1970’s arrived the Pines became the IT destination for many in the Fashion world. Some for the backdrop it provided, and many for the privacy and fun. Fashion Illustrator Antonio Lopez was one. Hanging out with friends french photographer Jean Eudes Canival and partner Fashion designer partner Fred Lansac’s home. Pool guests included actor David Duchovny and Jason Beghe.
The House that John Whyte built. Est. 1960’s
After purchasing the Pines Yacht Club and Botel with partners model John Whyte eventually bought them all out owning it all on his own. It was time to build his castle in the sand, and yes it had to have an ocean view. It would survive the Hurricane Donna of 1962 as others got washed away. Home to the sounds of Opera, food, friends, and famous guests, but most of all the memories of a time gone by…
The Valerian Rybar/ Jerry Herman/ Pines Club home Est. 1983
Bigger is always better in Fire Island Pines, and so it goes with the largest house on the largest piece of privately owned property in the Pines. Created by the Yugoslavian man the New York Times called “ the worlds most expensive decorator.” Valerian Rybar together with Jean-Francois Daigre founded the Valerian Rybar & Daigre Design Corporation of New York and Paris where his taste for the opulent and extravagant was his signature.
I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor- The history…
On January 20, 1979 Gloria Gaynor’s recording of "I Will Survive" was released and started its way up the music charts. “I Will Survive” became one of the quintessential anthems for Gay Pride that year and has held strong as a favorite of gay men everywhere.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Mart Crowley
Fire Island Pines was drawing all creatives including playwright Mart Crowley whose play “Boys in the Band” was introducing the gay lifestyle to the world. That influence was now arriving in the Pines changing the demographic from predominantly straight to a growing population of gay…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Dionne Warwick
Like her hit song, singer Dionne Warwick maybe had to ask about the way to San Jose, but she found her way to Fire Island instead. She initially visited in 1968, but returned to the Pines in 1991 to support many AIDS benefits.
The Solar House Est.1976
Before we became aware of the importance of recycling and the use of solar energy there was a home in the Pines that was ahead of it’s time. At the top of Beach Hill on the ocean is the home with a history…
Fire Island Architecture history: The Angelo Donghia/ Ron Chereskin/ Howard Goldfarb Home Est.1964-2005
Like many designers who were drawn to the Pines designer Angelo Donghia was no different. The word was out about the new hip Pines community, and all were coming. Architects, Interior designers, and artists of every kind were creating a melting pot of everything creative.
“Beach” Fire Island’s 1st beach party- the party that started it all. 40th Anniversary 1979-2019
In 1979 the Pines community came together to raise funds for a new fire truck. The event was called “Beach.” It was a party that was a first of it’s kind, and changed the Pines forever. In 2019 we came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Sal Mineo
Like many celebrities actor Sal Mineo found his way to the Pines. He is best known for his role as John "Plato" Crawford in the drama film Rebel Without a Cause, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at age 17. A closeted gay in a world on non acceptance, he truly was a pioneer in the acting world of theater and film.
Celebrity history- Patti Smith by Robert Maplethorpe
The 1970’s brought artists of every kind to the Pines including Patti Smith a singer, songwriter, poet, painter and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses.
Studio 54 The Documentary & Where Ocean meets Sky exhibit 2018
On Saturday September 8th, 2018 FIPHPS held their 3rd annual end of season event with the advance screening of the new film by Matt Tyrnauer “Studio 54 The Documentary.” Also included was the exhibit of 1970 aerials “Where Ocean meets Sky.” The event sold out making it the largest attended event at Whyte Hall.
Fire Island Music history- Mel Cheren
Mel Cheren was an entrepreneur, record company founder and nightclub boss who funded his lovers dream of the nightclub called “Paradise Garage.”
Hooray for Hollywood party @ Reflections 1988
Gloria DeMann and her husband Larry were famous throughout the Pines for throwing extravagant parties at their Bayfront home called Reflections. “Hooray for Hollywood” was one of their biggest…
Boardwalk Talk 2017 : Fashion of the Pines- Pat Cleveland.
In the 1970’s Fashion came to the Pines in many forms, and with that came the models. Most famously among them was model Pat Cleveland. Not only for her beauty, but for involvement in the community fashion shows.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Marilyn Monroe
Many celebrities in the 1950’s found Fire Island to be a refuge from their stardom. Actress Marilyn Monroe was one. Her mentors famous acting coach Lee Strasberg and his family had a home on Fire Island where she would shock onlookers upon arrival…
Hollywood Shore Leave Party 1988-1994
Like many parties/ benefits throughout the 80’s they created a tradition that lasted through the years. Hollywood Shore Leave is one…
Once upon a time…Almost Summer: Donna Summer in the Pines…
Once upon a time there was a singer who helped to create a sound that defined an era. Her name was Donna Summer, and here is her story of how she almost played in the Pines…
From the Pines with Love 1990
After the success of the first “From the Pines with Love” benefit in 1985 it was decided to have another. Beginning with a dinner at the home of Annette and Herbert Katzin. Chaired again by John Whyte with huge community support. Benefitting CRI Community Research Initiative.