Archives
The Pines Dog Show Est. 1965
Fire Island has been a haven for many, yet also for our babies. Meaning our pets. Dog’s, cat’s and more make up Fire Island Families. See how we shoed them off…
Find your house…
Before the advent of the drone you had to fly a plane over your destination for a photograph. In the late 90’s into the 2000 this photographer did just that…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Halston
There are many people with just one word names tell you everything. Halston was one. Like many he too found his way to Fire Island…
The Islanders Club Est. 1968
How does one get to Fire Island? Well Blue Flettrich had just the right idea. A luxury bus was the only way to go…
Fire Island Pines People- Peggy Fears
Peggy Fears was a former Ziegfeld showgirl who found her way to Fire Island where she invested in the then growing community by building her Yacht Club and Botel bringing her Broadway and Hollywood friends creating an aura of sophistication that continues today…
Pines People- Paul McGregor
Paul McGregor was unique person who made his mark in the world. In Haidressing, Nightlife, and to all he touched.He who found a home for him and his family in the Pines creating a legacy that continues today…
Fire Island Pines People- Arden Catlin
Many would be surprised to know the several women that played a role in the history of the Pines. Arden Catlin was one. She was a Pines pioneer who was one of the first Realtors, business owners, and the first Postmistress of the Pines.
The Invasion Est. 1976- The 70’s
The Invasion is a joint history between Cherry Grove and the Pines. Established in the Bicentennial year of 1976 it remains a day where both communities come together to celebrate.
After Dark magazine on Fire Island Circa 1972
After Dark 1968-1983 was an entertainment magazine that covered theater , cinema, stage plays, ballet, performance art, and various artists, including singers, actors and actresses, and dancers, among others. First published in May 1968, the magazine succeeded Ballroom Dance Magazine....
Fire Island Celebrity history-Liza Minnelli
Many celebrities visit Fire Island and actress/ singer Liza Minnelli was one…
The Seaplane history
One of the fastest and most glamorous ways to get to Fire Island was and still is the Seaplane. Becoming more popular and visible in the 1960’s through today it was the only way to arrive. For celebrities it was not only fast, but indiscreet. Slightly soggy, but glamorous just the same. With the advent of the dock you could really arrive in style…
Longtime Companion~ 1990
Filmed in the Pines in 1989 when the world still was finding out about the plague called AIDS that was rampant in places like New York, San Francisco, and Fire Island. Filming took place pre season in the spring. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating as it was a rainy spring making outdoor filming difficult. Cast was put up in several homes and crew at the Botel. Then president of FIPPOA Alan Brockman and many community members were against the filming as there was fear of the showing of the community in a film about AIDS.
Nudity on Fire Island
Fire Island and nudity have a long history together. Always a safe haven for the naturist, it offered just the right amount of privacy and a unique natural setting . In the Fire Island Pines early beginnings as Lone Hill it drew a bohemian population that took part in nudism.
Fire Island Pines People: Robin Byrd
Among the personalities known to frequent Fire Island Pines, none stood out quite like Robin Byrd. Robin Byrd is a former American porn actress, host of “The Robin Byrd Show,” and current Pines resident.
Pines People-Bill Riordan & Angelo Bosica, a love story…
In the 1950’s drug stores not only filled your prescription, but there was usually a food counter, ice cream and coffee. Pines resident Bill Riordan would go to a drug store where a young man named Angelo Bosica worked as a soda clerk to flirt with him. At a time when being gay could cause you to be arrested, Bill Riordan and Angelo Bosica fell in love…
The Meat Rack on Fire Island Est. 1950’s
The stretch of land between The Pines and Cherry Grove in Judy Garland Memorial Park is officially known as the Carrington Tract for the historic Carrington House, but to insiders, it’s simply known as the Meat Rack. The Meat Rack on Fire Island was a safe haven for repressed homosexuals to fully express and experience their sexuality.
1960’s Beefcake comes to Fire Island: Jim Stryker
When you think about gay culture in the 1960s on Fire Island, one icon comes to mind: Jim Stryker. This blonde, blue-eyed, physique model epitomized an era of muscle-headed beefcakes, free-spirited playboy jocks, and beach boys.
Jim Stryker was discovered by photographer Walter Kundzicz and it was through his (frequently semi-nude or fully-nude) portraits against the natural setting of Fire Island, that Stryker rose to fame.
Fire Island Celebrity history-Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Presley former wife of singer Elvis Presley finds love, life, and Fire Island Pines.
Art history- Ferron Bell
Artist Ferron Bell was a painter of dreams and whimsy that he realized on not only canvas, but wood and other objects. He was deeply involved in the Pines community and has left a legacy to be cherished and remembered by.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Elizabeth Taylor
1982. Actress Elizabeth Taylor arrives in the Pines. She dines at the "The Cultured Elephant" (now Canteen). She was there for lunch July 15, 1983 staying on her mexican boyfriends yacht "Chiquitita". Manager Thom Finn sent her over a Strawberry Daiquiri she turned around to thank him, and this photo was taken and published in People magazine the next week.