Archives
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.
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…
From the Pines with Love 1985
With the advent of the AIDS crisis Pines business owner John Whyte felt the need for a community response. With co-chair Ron English, and using his sign off on his popular weekly column in Fire Island News “From the Pines with Love” was created.
Art History: Robert Mapplethorpe in the Pines
Robert Mapplethorpe first came to the Pines as many do: as the guest of a new lover with a summer share. Summers in Fire Island would introduce him to the famous people he always aspired to be around.
Celebrity history- Debbie Reynolds
2015. Actress Debbie Reynolds arrives in Cherry Grove to perform at the Community House Theater.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Kay Ballard
There were many celebrities like actress Kay Ballard who were familiar with the Pines. They were part of the inner circle of closeted stars who found the haven of Fire Island a place to be themselves.
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.
DJ Lina Bradford
For 10 years DJ Lina Bradford ruled the deck at Sip n Twirl in Fire Island Pines. Creating the phenomenon called Twirlina Tea. What was a mixture of music, performance art and lovefest was an experience that is irreplaceable. Before that, and now after is a history that is like no other…
The Earl Combs designed/ Steve Ostrow/ Paul Bernstein home Est.1970’s
149 Ocean Walk was designed by architect Earl Combs for Steve Ostrow. The home truly presented itself as the castle on the ocean. Steve Ostrow was a bisexual man who was the owner of the Continental baths.
Fire Island Celebrity history- David Geffen
Business magnate, producer, film studio executive, and philanthropist David Geffen was a frequent visitor to the Pines throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. He would hang with friends designer Calvin Klein, Andy Warhol, Steve Rubell and more. He would purchase Calvin Klein’s home and get involved in the community.
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.…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Lady Gaga
Before fame singer Lady Gaga performs at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove.
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.
Celebrity history- Joan McCracken
Many celebrities found the Pines their home. Actress Joan McCracken was one. The former wife of director Bob Fosse it was she who got the house in the divorce and made it her own.
Celebrity history- Andy Cohen
The Andy Cohen Diaries chronicles a year in the whirlwind life of the beloved pop icon, in his own cheeky, candid, and irreverent words, and some Fire Island Pines visits…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Barbra Streisand
1966. Actress/singer Barbra Streisand, just beginning her illustrious career arrives by seaplane in the Pines with her then Broadway show “Funny Girl” costar Kay Medford for lunch.