Archives
The Fire Island Beach Taxi
Before the Water Taxi on Fire Island there was the Beach Taxi. On the deserted beaches of the growing communities the rebuilt truck or utility vehicle would take people to church, the general store or from one community to another.
Fire Island Pines People- Leonard Frey
Leonard Frey was an actor who spent time here in the Pines. He originally wanted to become an artist, but in college he became interested in acting. He made his stage debut in an off-Broadway production of “Little Mary Sunshine” and his film debut as a celebrant in Passages from James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake (1966), but he first rose to prominence in the role of Harold, the self-proclaimed “Jew fairy”, in both the stage and screen versions of The Boys in the Band (1970). Written by playwright Mart Crowley who also spent time here.
The Octagon House Est. 1966
Architect Earl Combs chose the octagon shape for his own home in the Pines because its geometric shape appealed to him esthetically. There were practical advantages such as the form is well braced against strong winds; being close to a circle. It provides a great deal of living space ( eight rooms and two baths.) On a high sloping plot 70′ x 100′. The cost at the time to build the house only was $30,00 including a lot of built in furniture.
Fire Island Art history- Jim French
Jim French was an American illustrator and photographer who created the male erotic photography studio Colt Studio, as well as its two predecessors, Arion Studio and The Loger Studio. He was another creative who spent time on Fire Island.
Ship N Shore Est. 1953/ Pines Pantry 1974
The First and Only Grocery Store in Fire Island Pines
Original copy by Juan A. Ramirez NY Times July 22,2022
For nearly 70 years, Pines Pantry has been a one-stop shop for fresh fish, baked goods and lube.
Pines People- Ron McKenna
Ron McKenna was a community minded person, and when he found Fire Island Pines he knew he had to be part of the communities fabric, and so he became deeply involved. In the best way. Because of his relatability he created a bond with the town of Brookhaven where the decision making happened about who could do what in the Pines. With this he became revered and relied upon in the community. It was the legacy he left that has never been replaced…
Art history- Frank O’Hara
Fire Island was a haven for many artists. Poet Frank O’Hara was just one. His poetry was intermingled with the growing Art scene in New York. His untimely death on Fire Island only fueled his legend…
Pines People- Pepper Fee… Growing up Pines.
In the 1960’s as the Pines was establishing itself as a community children were a big part as many straight local families from Long Island were investing as a summer home. They would have the opportunity to grow up in a different atmosphere than the one they would live in across the bay. Pepper Fee was one…
Fire Island Art history- W.H. Auden
Cherry Grove drew many people from the Art world including poet W.H.Auden. It was here they could escape New York City and all its trappings to create their Art…
Fire Island Art history- George Platt Lynes
From the late 1920s until his death in 1955,George Platt Lynes was one of the world’s most successful commercial and fine art photographers. But in his view, his most important works were his nude photographs of men. Yet during Lynes’s life, few even knew of their existence.
The Dune House on Fire Island Est.1968-69
The Dune House, located on 4 Ocean Walk, is a quirky standout juxtaposed against modern houses on Fire Island Pines. This home was designed by bohemian boat builder, furniture designer, and architect, Peter Asher, and takes inspiration from the concrete structures by Spanish architect, Felix Candela.
Pines/ Cherry Grove People- Rose (Bob) Levine
Arriving in Cherry Grove in 1955 Bob Levine found home. A home for not only himself, but for Rose Levine the drag alter ego he created. Cherry Grove became his stage at the Arts Projects Community theater. He decided to cross the Meat Rack to the Pines and make a name for himself there also, and did…
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.
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…
The Pyramid house Est.1960.
1960. There is a magical house at the eastern end section of the Pines called the Pyramid house as that is its shape. Designed by architect Julio Kaufman from Buenos Aires. Just one of the many unique homes here it boasts a spectacular view of the dunes and ocean upon entering…
The Parties of the Pines 1970’s
Parties have always been a Fire Island trademark. Getting their start in Cherry Grove, theme parties were a weekly happening. There was something about the freedom of Fire Island that allowed everyone let their hair down.
Interview with New York’s original leather daddies: Frank Olson and Don Morrison
Frank Olson and Don Morrison were among the most important founding members of the leather scene in New York City. They were famous for hosting legendary S&M-themed parties in Fire Island and their home in Manhattan. In 1970, they opened The Eagle’s Nest, New York’s premier leather bar.
The Biennial Art Show
Art has always been part of the Pines community. The beauty of the beach has inspired many. In the 70’s it became a melting pot for the creative as designers, artists, architects, and theater people found their way to the Pines.
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.