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.
The Fire Island Dance Festival
The Fire Island Dance Festival is a benefit for Dancers Responding to AIDS that showcases performances from world-renowned and emerging choreographers and companies in a stunning waterfront setting. It is one of the most eagerly anticipated and celebrated events of the Pines summer season.
The Annual Labor Day Drag Party (aka The Fools Paradise Drag Party) Est. 1996
The Labor Day Drag Party is a long-standing tradition in Fire Island Pines that holds a Guinness World Record for having the most Madonna impersonators in a single place. It is a stunning example of over the top glamor and fabulousness, done in a way that defies convention, that the Pines has come to represent.
“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.
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…
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 Pines 40th Anniversary 1953-1993
In 1993 the Pines community celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an elaborate party. A host committee was formed to plan it. Much research and effort went into the event including flags, posters, a journal, memorabilia, and of course the party celebrating it all.
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…
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 Pines People- Nikki Fried 1943-1997
Nikki Fried was a former nun who found her way to Fire Island. Her friend there Sandy Paul help her to find a job in publishing in New York city. Her love affair with Fire Island Pines began then and there. Her work in publishing led to consulting work with banks. Much of which could be done remotely. She would take off every August to stay in her beloved Pines, and worked her consulting schedule to spend as much time there as she could. From Spring to Fall.
The David Barrett house Est. 1955
Every house has a story and this one certainly does. Built in 1955 it consisted of the main house and pool house. Interior Designer David Barrett started in humble beginnings only to end up as a in demand top interior designer with several homes including this one…