Archives
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.
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.
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.
DJ Lina Bradford
For 10 years DJ Lina Bradford ruled the deck at Sip n Twirl in Fire Island Pines. Creating the phenomenon called Twirlina Tea. What was a mixture of music, performance art and lovefest was an experience that is irreplaceable. Before that, and now after is a history that is like no other…
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…
World AIDS Day…we remember.
1987. As we celebrate World AIDS Day we remember the rose ceremony that was a tradition began in the Pines as more and more from the community were lost to AIDS. Many brought a rose as a symbol of love. These were then thrown into the ocean at the close of the service…
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 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…
The GMHC Morning Party 1991-1994
The GMHC Morning Party had grown up. It was time to bring it onto the beach.
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.
PAWS Est. 1984
As the Pines community grew so did its animal population. Most noticeably the many pets that would arrive with homeowners and renters. However after season it was being noticed that some pets were left behind to fend for themselves. In addition during season pets got lost with no form of identification. So with that Pines longtime residents Myra Kahan and Lee Frey created PAWS Pines Animal Welfare Society.
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…
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…