Archives
Pines People - Jay Pagano (b. 1945)
For more than 50 years, including more than 25 on the FIPPOA Board, Jay Pagano helped move the Pines forward. Through good times and bad, he worked tirelessly to ensure it remained a place of freedom, beauty, connection and love. His example, and the values he embodies, will stand among his most enduring legacies to a community he loves dearly.
Pines Profile: Alice Thorpe (1902-2006)
Alice Thorpe was more than an early settler of Fire Island Pines—she was one of its founding spirits. A fierce lover of nature, she was a pioneer in environmental protection. Alice helped shape the Pines into the vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally conscious community it is today.
Lambda Legal: Where Fire Island History Meets the Fight for Equality
What began as a radical idea around a pool in Fire Island Pines, Lambda Legal is now the nation’s most influential LGBTQ+ legal organization. It continues to have deep roots in the Pines, with its annual fundraiser, Lambda in the Pines, being the country’s longest-running queer fundraiser. It is a shining example of the ingenuity, dedication, persistence and resilience of the Pines Community in support of the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the country.
“Fire Island Fever” 1979
In the 1970’s Fire Island became a wanted backdrop for the Gay Porn Film and photographic market. The beauty of nature and the freedom made it the perfect location for filming. Also their was plenty of hot young men willing to shed some inhibitions for extra cash. And so in 1979 Adult Filmaker Jack Deveau created “Fire Island Fever.”
“SUNRISE” The party that inspired “Beach.” 1978
It was 1978 and house parties in the Pines were happening weekly. The housemates of the TV House as it was known wanted to throw one of their own. Fire Island was known for its parties. The housemates of the TV House were all from the world of the creative. Scott Bromley an up and coming architect who had just designed Studio 54 nightclub in NYC, his partner Interior designer Robin Jacobsen, Colin Birch; Design Director for Bonwit Teller, to name a few.
“The Ponderosa” The Taussig House Est. 1957.
Known as “The Ponderosa” after the ranch home on the television show “Bonanza.” Built by Ted & Doris Taussig and designed by Architect Felix Augenfeld in 1957.
Postcards from the Fire Island Pines
For many a visit to Fire Island resulted in a postcard sent with an image showing the events or beauty of the Island.
Staging Terry Miller’s 1981 play, PINES ‘79, in 2023
In September 2023, as part of David Baldwin’s monthly LGBTQ Play Reading Series, he produced and directed a reading of Terry Miller’s 1981 play, PINES' ‘79. Set in the first summer of The Beach Party (now known as “Pines Party”), the play follows one share house through the summer, with 5 scenes set in May, June, July, August, and September.
Cherry Grove People- Michael Fesco
Michael Fesco was a creator. In the summer of 1969 this Broadway chorus boy between gigs found himself managing what was being referred to as the Boom Boom room in Cherry Grove. Within a month found himself running the whole complex That he would name The Ice Palace…
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…
Pines Profile: Scott Bromley (b. 1939)
R. Scott Bromley is an architect, visionary, and ongoing creative force. His contributions over the past six decades have played a huge role in shaping the landscape and culture of the Pines and the LGBTQ+ community. From the legendary Studio 54 to the beach houses across Fire Island to the legendary Pines Party, his story is about what happens when talent meets inspiration in a place of love.
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 Art History- Bernard Perlin
The 1930’s through the 50’s saw a migration of the Art world finding their way to Fire Island for inspiration, freedom , and community. Painter Bernard Perlin would join friends like George Platt Lynes, Lincoln Kirstein, Paul Cadmus, Jared French, and more to express their creative…
Fire Island Pines People- John Burlingame Whyte
There have been the many who came after, but the true creator of Fire Island Pines, and its reputation today is former owner John Whyte. John a former model and business man helped to establish the sophisticated aura that still lingers today…
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…
Sticks and Stones- The movie 1969-70
The topic of Gay and Fire Island were off limits in Hollywood, but somehow movies got made. Yes the budgets were low, however the Camp aspect was high, and so we have “Sticks and Stones” Stan Lopresto’s 1970 Fire Island film which documents a July 4th party thrown by Peter and Buddy, lovers in a strained relationship. Partygoers include leather queen George; a hippie known as “the Lavender Guru”; nervous newcomer Bobby; and Fernando, a biker boy with a new Prince Albert piercing. It doesn’t get campier than that…
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…
Art History- Peter Hujar
Like many artists Photographer Peter Hujar found his way to Fire Island. He died of AIDS in 1987, leaving behind a complex and profound body of photographs. He was a leading figure in the group of artists, musicians, writers, and performers at the forefront of the cultural scene in downtown New York in the 1970s and early ’80s, and was enormously admired for his completely uncompromising attitude towards work and life. He was a consummate technician, and his portraits of people, animals, and landscapes, with their exquisite black-and-white tonalities, were extremely influential.
