Archives
Fire Island Pines People- Nikki Fried 1943-1997
Nikki Fried was a former nun who found her way to Fire Island. Her friend there Sandy Paul help her to find a job in publishing in New York city. Her love affair with Fire Island Pines began then and there. Her work in publishing led to consulting work with banks. Much of which could be done remotely. She would take off every August to stay in her beloved Pines, and worked her consulting schedule to spend as much time there as she could. From Spring to Fall.
The David Barrett house Est. 1955
Every house has a story and this one certainly does. Built in 1955 it consisted of the main house and pool house. Interior Designer David Barrett started in humble beginnings only to end up as a in demand top interior designer with several homes including this one…
The GMHC Morning Party: Sweet 16 - 1998
The GMHC (Gay Mens Health Crisis) Morning Party began in 1983 by a group of concerned Pines community members as a way to bring awareness to the growing AIDS crisis. Originally held at private homes after a night of all night dancing it had grown into a full fledge Circuit party. Circuit parties occur on a specific weekends and in a specific cities once a year, and there are many parties on “the circuit”, travel and planning are required. Travelling from party to party becomes part of a circuit boy’s lifestyle. Unfortunately drugs were also part of the party which became a conflict for GMHC…
Fire Island Architecture history-The A Frame house Est.1965
Beginning it’s life as a simple modernistic A frame of the late 60’s its design seemed to fit right into it’s plot of land facing the Great South Bay. Built by owners Vera and Paul Weidenhoffer as a family summer home it’s frontage gave you a front row seat to the most beautiful sunsets of Long Island.
Fire Island Architecture history: The Angelo Donghia/ Ron Chereskin/ Howard Goldfarb Home Est.1964-2005
Like many designers who were drawn to the Pines designer Angelo Donghia was no different. The word was out about the new hip Pines community, and all were coming. Architects, Interior designers, and artists of every kind were creating a melting pot of everything creative.
Fire Island Pines People- Jack and Rita Lichtenstein
People make community, and this couple certainly made the community called Fire Island Pines. Early settlers and pioneers Jack owned a Liquor store business and together with wife Rita they deeply involved themselves in the theater, in both Cherry Grove and the Pines leaving a legacy of memories for family and freinds…
“Beach” Fire Island’s 1st beach party- the party that started it all. 40th Anniversary 1979-2019
In 1979 the Pines community came together to raise funds for a new fire truck. The event was called “Beach.” It was a party that was a first of it’s kind, and changed the Pines forever. In 2019 we came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary…
Fire Island Architecture History: Lincoln Centre Est.1977
Sitting on a dune at the ocean at the western end of the Pines is the house known as Lincoln Centre. It was built and designed by Architect Arthur Erickson and Interior designer Francisco Kripaz. Kripaz designed the interiors to acknowledge the dramatic views of the sea and beach with translucence and clarity rather than attempt some grandiose or eccentric statement.
The History of Fire Island’s Carrington House
The Carrington house played a unique role in the development of the mid-century American arts as an artist’s retreat for Frank Carrington’s friends and acquaintances, including Truman Capote and Lincoln Kirstein.
Fire Island DJ Steven Oliveri
DJ Steven Oliveri started his DJ career when he turned 23 playing all of the clubs on Long Island. His residency on Fire Island has a long history beginning in Cherry Grove at The Ice Palace and The Monster…
The Twin Arch houses. Est. 1974 and 1976
In the mid 70’s Jerry Gloor and his partner Claudio began the building of two homes that were identical. The properties were not close to one another, but both shared an ocean view. Jerry owned much property in the Pines and would hire a plane to fly over to document the growing Pines community and his multiple properties.
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.
Fire Island Pines People - Alan Brockman 1931-2004
Alan Brockman was a longtime former president of FIPPOA (Fire Island Pines Property owners Association). Under Brockman’s leadership, FIPPOA experienced a sustained period of growth and evolution and Fire Island Pines was largely defined as the community we know today.
Night & Day 2 Benefit 1992
As the 1990’s began the need for benefits for the growing AIDS crisis became important in the Pines community. This one given by John Francis and John Gilliam. They were known as the Boulevard Boys, and played a role in benefits both in the Pines and NYC.
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…
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…
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…
Creating The Fire Island Dance Festival
Since the first performance in 1995, the annual Fire Island Dance Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in Fire Island Pines.

