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Gaying the Pines
Today, Fire Island Pines is known as a Gay Mecca. LGBTQ+ people from around the world flock to enjoy its beaches, homes and entertainment in the full knowledge they can safely be their authentic selves here. But it wasn’t always that way. In a previous article Keeping The Gays Out: The Pines in the Late 1950s FIPPOA Board member and long time Pines resident Gary Clinton described the extensive efforts taken by some community members to keep gay people out of the Pines. As he noted, those efforts died down in 1959 after the largely gay population in Cherry Grove flocked to help the Pines fight the Memorial Day fire that destroyed the Botel. In this article, Gary describes when the shift occurred in the Pines and gays came to be in the majority.
The “Ripped” Party 1990-91
Parties in the Pines have always been very detailed and planned affairs. The creative in the community would lend their talents making them almost professional as invitations were designed by graphic design artists as well as decor. The best DJs of the eras would play and record them for posterity. The Ripped Party of the 90’s was just one.
The GMHC Morning Party 1995-1997
Created in 1983 as a community answer to the growing AIDS crisis the GMHC Morning Party grew throughout the 1990’s.
Rockshots Greeting Cards by Michael Rock & Tolin Greene
An image is worth a thousand words they say, and so it went with Photographer Michael Rock and the erotic images that became greeting cards known as Rockshots of an era…
A Dual in the Sun. The Rockefeller/Ron Martin home Est. 1965
Designed by Architect Harry Bates at the height of his Fire Island Career. 607 Shore Walk remains an intact example of Bates style as well as classic 60’s architecture. Built in 1965 by Walter Reich for Alan Morton, the two simple glass boxes that are the main house and a separate cottage inspired the house’s original name “Dual in the Sun.”
Fire Island Pines People- Doris Taussig
There have been many women who have been the pioneers of the Pines, however one of its earliest trailblazers was Doris Taussig. Daughter of the original landowners of the Pines Doris created her own path of history.
Crews Quarters Est. 1982
Realtor Doris Taussig opens “Crews Quarters. It was known as the friendly place. The place where the locals and more came to drink and socialize. More importantly it was the game of pool that brought people together…
The Belvedere Cherry Grove Est. 1957
As you arrive by ferry to Cherry Grove to your left sits a castle like building that stands out with its white facade. Is it a palace of some long ago prince? I guess you could say it is. John Eberhardt created a fantasy here. His own. That he has left for all to experience…
The Radio Flyer Red Wagon Est. 1917.
The Radio Flyer Red Wagon was a symbol of Fire Island Life. Like everything life changes. Simpler times made the wagon the perfect vehicle to transport everything we needed for a Fire Island stay. Today’s society needs more, giving way to large carts to now transport more, making our little red wagon a thing of the past.
Fire Island Pines People- Bobby Bonanno
Bobby Bonanno- My History: I have always been blessed to live near the water. The beach has always been a constant in my life. As a child in the summer I would travel from our home in the Bronx out to Shirley Long Island to my grandmothers house. There we would go to a place called Fire Island…
The History of Disco
Disco arrives in 1970 creating a soundtrack for an era that continues to linger today…
The Ice Palace Cherry Grove Est. 1970
As Disco arrives in Cherry Grove the Ice Palace opens bringing the DJ experience…
The Botel History Est. 1960
Standing the test of time is the Botel. Created from cinder block im 1960 after a previous fire, and named, and renamed its still here!
The Tommy Tune house Est. 1968- Reno 1984.
Sitting high on a dune on the ocean is the house where Tommy lived. Broadway star Tommy Tune that is. The Pines has always had a celebrity filled history, and Tommy was one of our brightest stars.
Dancing on the Bay Est. 1995.
During the 4th of July weekend in 1995 the first “Dancing on the Bay” was held at the Bayfront home of Pines resident Richard Winger. The party/benefit was held to raise funds for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender Community Center…
The Sloan/ Calvin Klein/ David Geffen house Est.1972
One of the most noted homes in the Pines is known as the Calvin Klein house, for the simple reason he owned it. Nothing came between Calvin and the Pines as he brought Studio 54 to the Island.
The Islanders Club Est. 1968
How does one get to Fire Island? Well Blue Flettrich had just the right idea. A luxury bus was the only way to go…