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.
Souvenirs Fire Island: 1970’s The Photography of Meryl Meisler
Meryl Meisler is an American photographer. In the 1970s she photographed in New York City nightclubs and in the 1980s she photographed residents of Bushwick, Brooklyn, while working as a public school teacher there. She also frequented Fire Island where she photographed and captured the era of the 1970’s.
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.
Celebrity history- Patti Smith by Robert Maplethorpe
The 1970’s brought artists of every kind to the Pines including Patti Smith a singer, songwriter, poet, painter and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses.
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…
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 Music history- Mel Cheren
Mel Cheren was an entrepreneur, record company founder and nightclub boss who funded his lovers dream of the nightclub called “Paradise Garage.”
Boardwalk Talk 2017 : Fashion of the Pines- Pat Cleveland.
In the 1970’s Fashion came to the Pines in many forms, and with that came the models. Most famously among them was model Pat Cleveland. Not only for her beauty, but for involvement in the community fashion shows.
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…
The Fresco / Doll House Est.1974
Fire Island Pines has always drawn designers of every kind, and sometimes they build their dream homes leaving behind their personal stamp on history…
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.
Fire Island Art history -George Stavrinos
Many artists made their way to the Pines leaving their mark on history with their art. George Stavrinos is one. An incredible talented artist whose gift was fashion illustration.
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…
Fire Island Fashion history- Photographer Arthur Elgort & Gia the first Super Model.
Many fashion photographers and models were here for the use of the Pines as a beautiful backdrop. Also for the fringe benefits of the party atmosphere. Such was the case with fashion photographer Arthur Elgort and one of the first super models simply known as Gia.
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.
Celebrity history-Holly Woodlawn
Before the word transgender was where it is today there was Holly Woodlawn. A pseudo celebrity from the Andy Warhol factory. She was one of the first transgender performers of her time. As the 70’s were a time of great growth in the Pines, more and more celebrities of every kind were coming out.
Peter Berlin on the art of cruising in Fire Island
Photographer, filmmaker, porn star, and exhibitionist, Peter Berlin evades categorization; he is simply one of the greatest queer sex symbols of the 20th century. He was a living, breathing, cruising work of art.