Archives
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 DJ Howard Merritt
There were many DJs who added working on Fire Island to their resumes. It definitely added prestige. DJ Howard Merritt was one. Howard was a frequent visitor to the Pines as he had friends there, and would play at many house parties.
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.
A Very Natural Thing- 1974
An important film in the history of American gay filmmaking, "A Very Natural Thing" is considered the first feature film on the gay experience made by an out gay man to receive commercial distribution. Many scenes were filmed in the Pines.
DJ Tom Savarese
The early days of disco brought many young DJs to Fire Island to test the waters. DJ Tom Savarese was one.
Art history- Jack Brusca
Many artists have found their way to the Pines. Some for fun, sex, inspiration, or all of that combined. Artist Jack Brusca was just one.
DJ Warren Gluck
DJ Warren Gluck was a creative perfectionist in life and art. His music was always well planned out with thoughtful decisions. He rose to the top of his profession leaving his mark on all that were lucky enough to experience his magic.
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.”
The Earl Combs designed/ Steve Ostrow/ Paul Bernstein home Est.1970’s
149 Ocean Walk was designed by architect Earl Combs for Steve Ostrow. The home truly presented itself as the castle on the ocean. Steve Ostrow was a bisexual man who was the owner of the Continental baths.
The Gifford, Wittstein, Miller, & Bromley house. Est. 1963-1981
Architect Horace Gifford’s second house design for Robert Miller and his partner Edwin Wittstein began as a sketch in the sand…
Harvey Milk on Fire Island 1950’s
You would be surprized by people who you never thought could be part of Fire Island history. Visionary civil and human rights leader, and one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States Harvey Milk is one.
“Where Ocean Meets Sky” vintage aerial photo exhibit
In 2018 we created an exhibit of vintage 1970’s aerial photo’s. Unlike the aerial photo’s taken today using a drone, these photo’s were taken from a seaplane hired by longtime Pines resident Claudio and his then partner Jerry Gloor.
“Welcome to Fire Island Visions of Cherry Grove and The Pines” by Jack Nichols.
Jack Nichols was Gay activist who spent his entire adult life working for gay liberation. He documented his life on Cherry Grove and a Fire Island Pines coming out of its own closet…
Music history-Tom Moulton
Tom Moulton is a record producer whose name is synonymous with the Disco music. He invented the 12-inch disco single and mix. It all happened one day on Fire Island, and changed the way dance music was played in clubs forever…
Welcome to Fire Island Pines. A Family Community… the sign
In 1952 the Home Guardian Company of New York began planning a new community called Fire Island Pines. Designed and envisioned as what they called “A family community.” They communicated this with a large sign in the harbor.
The Fire Islander Guide Est.1970’s
In an age of no social media or internet we had various publications that gave us all our Fire Island information. The Fire Islander was one…
Mel Fante’s Melbamar Boutique
Melbamar Boutique was the brainchild of Mel Fante. The emporium by the sea and the Bloomingdales of the Pines were many of the names it was called. A boutique for the discerning Pines clientle. Filled with everything unique it was a mainstay in the Pines where one could find the perfect gift.
Sea Shack Cherry Grove Est.1952-1979
The Sea Shack 1952-1979 was a restaurant and gathering place in Cherry Grove Fire Island.
The Fire Island National Seashore. Est. 1964
Fire Island National Seashore was established by Congress on September 11, 1964, following a long history of preservation efforts, most with grass-roots support. Without the plan by master builder/ developer Robert Moses there would be no NPS. His role was a major turning point in Fire Island history.