Archives
The Outdoor Shower Revealed
The Outdoor Shower has been a part of the Pines since the first intrepid beachgoers crossed the dunes to camp and enjoy the beach. From its rustic beginnings to the sophisticated designs of today, the Pines outdoor showers have evolved with the culture of the community, moving from necessity to luxury and back again. This is its cool (and sometimes steamy) soap-history.
Pines Profile - Gil Neary 1957-2024
Gil Neary was one of the Pines’ most beloved. His life was defined by joy, generosity, and unapologetic pride. A visionary real estate broker and community builder, he helped shape Fire Island Pines into the vibrant haven it is today through his warmth, charisma, and boundless embrace of people. He championed gay life and culture with unashamed exuberance, celebrating every moment to the fullest. There is no doubt, Gil made the world brighter, bolder, and better.
Pines Profile - Richard Burns (b. 1955)
Some leaders make history from the front of the stage. Others build the institutions that make history possible. Richard Burns belongs firmly in the latter category. Over the past five decades, his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment have helped create and strengthen many of the organizations that transformed LGBTQ+ life in America. This profile tells the remarkable story of a man whose influence has profoundly shaped LGBTQ+ life in America.
Pines Profile: Bob Levine (b. 1933)
Robert “Bob” Levine, known to generations of Fire Islanders as the incomparable Rose Levine, is an indelible part of Fire Island history. For more than seventy years, Bob has been one of the most recognizable, beloved, and enduring figures in the history of both Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. While he best known as a legendary drag entertainer, Bob has also been a chronicler, a social icon, and a bridge builder between Fire Island’s two LGBTQ+ communities.
Pines Profile - Bob Howard (b. 1941)
For more than five decades, Bob Howard has helped shape Fire Island Pines. Although often referred to as the “Dean of Real Estate,” his impact reaches far beyond property lines. In his time, Bob founded High Tea, led the Pines Conservation Society for two decades, and has more than four decades (and counting) of service with the Pines Fire Department —all while championing nearly every civic and charitable effort in the community.
In moments of celebration and in times of crisis, Bob has been a constant, galvanizing presence. He didn’t just build a business, he helped build the Pines itself, earning his place as one of its most respected and beloved leaders. His life is a testament to reinvention, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to a community that became not only his home, but his life’s work and enduring legacy.
Pines Profile - Douglas E. Harris (b. 1950)
Doug Harris has spent his life doing something both rare and invaluable -- building worlds where people can thrive. Whether helping shape the regulatory architecture of the global capital markets, elevating LGBTQ+ elders through SAGE, or steering the Pines towards becoming a more open and welcoming community, Doug’s legacy is defined by brilliance, perseverance, risk taking, and an extraordinary gift for connection.
Halloween in The Pines
1970’s. It begins with a simple night at the famed Sandpiper, and evolves into Halloween in the Pines as a closing of season tradition.
Pines Profile - 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.
“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.
DJ Chris Camuso
As a resident DJ in Fire Island Pines for over 20 years DJ Chris Camuso brings an encyclopedia of knowledge of dance music to the floor weekly during season. In addition he creates our Halloween decor for the annual end of season Halloween party.
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 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…

