Archives
Fire Island Celebrity history- David Geffen
Business magnate, producer, film studio executive, and philanthropist David Geffen was a frequent visitor to the Pines throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. He would hang with friends designer Calvin Klein, Andy Warhol, Steve Rubell and more. He would purchase Calvin Klein’s home and get involved in the community.
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.
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…
Sea Shack Cherry Grove Est.1952-1979
The Sea Shack 1952-1979 was a restaurant and gathering place in Cherry Grove Fire Island.
The Pines Invasion of Cherry Grove Est. 1987.
The Pines Invasion of the Grove was a benefit created in 1987 for FAIRPAC -friends and advocates of individual rights political action committee. It would happen annually throughout the 90’s…
The Pines Phone Book 1988-2009
Before the Cell phone, E Mail, and the Internet there was the Pines Phone Book, a place where one could find a friend new or old…
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.
The Monster Cherry Grove Est. 1969
Before it became the institution it is known as today, The Monster (Greenwich Village, NYC) started out as a restaurant in Cherry Grove on Fire Island. The Monster was named after a carved wooden sea serpent from the Coney Island carousel. Joe Scialo opened the restaurant and bar in 1969, where it swiftly evolved into the hottest gay nightspot of the time. From there, the concept expanded to Key West where it became immensely popular with snowbirds who would flock to vacation there during winter seasons. At the height of its popularity, The Monster was even considered Studio 54’s rival.
DJ Morabito
Before the reinvention became Morabito there was a young girl named Susan in a mans world of the DJ with a dream…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Jerry Herman
1960’s-1990’s. Broadway composer Jerry Herman loved the Pines so much so that after moving away, he came back time and time again to become a resident three times purchasing homes on both the Ocean and the Bay.…
Art history-David Hockney
Like many artists of the era David Hockney found his way to Fire Island …
Fire Island Celebrity history- Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll was an American actress, singer, model, and activist from the Golden Age of Hollywood. At the height of her fame in the mid 1960s, she spent her summers at a modest ocean-front cottage in the Pines with her six-year-old daughter.
Cherry Grove People-Johny Poole
Cherry Grove icon Johny Poole and his Fire Island journey…
Pines Party 1999
As the GMHC Morning Party abruptly ended FIPPOA took the wheel creating their own called “The Pines Party.”
Grey Gardens Est. 1960’s.
Named after the famous home in the Hamptons “Grey Gardens” also lived in the Pines. However it had a very different story…
Pines People- Walter & Joyce Reich
Walter & Joyce Reich were straight people living in a gay community, however they were here first. Yet none of that mattered as they created community wherever they went…
The GMHC Morning Party 1983-1990.
The GMHC Morning Party was the Pines answer to the growing AIDS crisis. Beginning as a house party it became GMHC’s biggest fundraiser…
“The Fire Island” house.
From a Daytripper fantasy to a reality show failure the homes of the Pines all have a history…
The Origins of Fire Island’s Tea Dance at The Blue Whale
The Tea Dance was created in 1966 in the Pines by then owner John Whyte. It is now replicated in gay resorts around the world…