Archives
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 4th of July Boat decorating contest. The Aquaminium…
The Annual Boat Decorating Contest at the Invasion is tradition. Go big or go home. The Aquaminium went big…
Fashions of the Pines 1960’s
Fashion has always been a part of Pines history. Noted designers like Halston, Angelo Donghia, Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis and more have either visited or made a home here. It was natural for a Fashion Show to become a community event…
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…
The Island Club Est.1992-2005
Before you Sipped N Twirled you cruised at “The Crews Quarters”, then found yourself at “The Island Club”… Our clubs have a history too.
Art history- Felice Picano
Like many in the Arts lives were touched by Fire Island and inspired. Felice Picano is the author of more than thirty books of poetry, fiction, memoirs, nonfiction, and plays who spent time here and reflected on it in his work.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Colleen Dewhurst
Celebrities have always been drawn to the Pines as it gave them the anonymity they craved. However some like actress Colleen Dewhurst enjoyed the attention…
The Tommy Tune house Est. 1968- Reno 1984.
Sitting high on a dune on the ocean is the house where Tommy lived. Broadway star Tommy Tune that is. The Pines has always had a celebrity filled history, and Tommy was one of our brightest stars.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Madonna
1989. The end of the 80’s brings Madonna to Fire Island Pines to visit her brother Christopher Ciccone. She brings some friends along for the ride…
Fire Island Pines People- Will Seagers/Matt Harper
Will Seagers has a colorful history in the Pines from waiting tables at the Blue Whale to the hot & heavy action in between shifts…
Dancing on the Bay Est. 1995.
During the 4th of July weekend in 1995 the first “Dancing on the Bay” was held at the Bayfront home of Pines resident Richard Winger. The party/benefit was held to raise funds for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender Community Center…
The Sloan/ Calvin Klein/ David Geffen house Est.1972
One of the most noted homes in the Pines is known as the Calvin Klein house, for the simple reason he owned it. Nothing came between Calvin and the Pines as he brought Studio 54 to the Island.
Art History- John Laub
Artist John Laub was a prolific artist who left a legacy of art that relected the era in the Pines.
Leedom- Cott Residence. Est.-1963
Sometimes when designing a home on Fire Island there are rooms without a view. That is just where Architect Horace Gifford found himself at the home he was now designing for Kenneth Leedom director of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
The Pink Umbrella Project: An AIDS Remembrance 1995
1995. As AIDS raged on the Pines remembered. Harry Bader a Pines resident and a NY based event designer was inspired by artist Christo.
The Beach Olympics 1975-1981.
The Beach Olympics was a homespun event created in 1975. Most often as a fundraiser for the Pines Conservation Society. It brought the community together with unique events like wheel barrel and potato sack races, tug of war, and more.
A Walk in the Pines 1976
A 8mm home movie filmed by James Dybas donated by Michael J. La Rue showing a 1976 view of the eastern end of the Pines and where we meet up with singer Barry Manilow and friend ( Halston muse and actress) Pat Ast, and go to a Tea Dance.
Celebrity history- Peter Allen
Singer Peter Allen played a role in Pines history by supporting the community at benefits like “From the Pines with Love”, and “Hooray for Hollywood.”
Fire Island Celebrity history- Montgomery Clift
Actor Montgomery Clift comes to the Pines to stay. He becomes a very visible part of the community until 1966.