Archives
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…
Louis Katz - Murderer on Midway
Louis Katz was the owner of Uncle Charlie’s, a popular chain of gay bars in the 1980s, and infamous for murdering his ex-lovers’s new boyfriend in a love-triangle knife fight and fleeing the country.
Future Pines 2013…
In planning the new Pavilion, plans were being made for the entire properties. The Pavilion was designed by HWKN architects. The plans called for a futuristic modern feeling, so Charles Renfro at Diller Scofidio + Renfro designed the rest of the properties. Not exactly a beach esthetic, nor any nod to what had come before…
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.
The CO OPs Est. 1960
The Home Guardian of New York who were developing the Pines initially zoned the Co Op area as business. They saw it as a hotel and retail spaces. After rethinking the plan they applied to Brookhaven town to modify the zoning and were approved, and so the relatvely new concept of the CO OP became part of the Pines community.
Welcome to Fire Island Pines. A Family Community… the sign
In 1952 the Home Guardian Company of New York began planning a new community called Fire Island Pines. Designed and envisioned as what they called “A family community.” They communicated this with a large sign in the harbor.
Drag Race in the Pines 1989.
Before RuPaul coined the name “Drag Race” the Pines had one of their own…
Fashion history- Perry Ellis
Like many from the Fashion world designer Perry Ellis too found his way to the Pines.
Fire Island Pines Community House/ Whyte Hall Est.1854-2007
Where Whyte Hall stands was once a historic building. First known as a Lifesaving Station in what was once Lone Hill, then converted into what was called the Community House in the now Pines. Like everything there is a history and so it goes…
The Fire Islander Guide Est.1970’s
In an age of no social media or internet we had various publications that gave us all our Fire Island information. The Fire Islander was one…
The Island Scene magazine. Est . 2004-2005
Before the advent of the internet and social media the only way to get F.I. news was through newspaper and magazines. Island Scene was one such magazine.
1950’s Halcyon days in Fire Island Pines by Peter Bennett.
Peter Bennett is an avid photographer. His work can be see online, and that is just how we found him and his and his halcyon days in Fire Island Pines memories.
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.
Fire Island Pines People- Doris Taussig
There have been many women who have been the pioneers of the Pines, however one of its earliest trailblazers was Doris Taussig. Daughter of the original landowners of the Pines Doris created her own path of history.
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 Belvedere Cherry Grove Est. 1957
As you arrive by ferry to Cherry Grove to your left sits a castle like building that stands out with its white facade. Is it a palace of some long ago prince? I guess you could say it is. John Eberhardt created a fantasy here. His own. That he has left for all to experience…
The Radio Flyer Red Wagon Est. 1917.
The Radio Flyer Red Wagon was a symbol of Fire Island Life. Like everything life changes. Simpler times made the wagon the perfect vehicle to transport everything we needed for a Fire Island stay. Today’s society needs more, giving way to large carts to now transport more, making our little red wagon a thing of the past.
DJ Kevin Burke
DJ Kevin Burke was the house DJ at the Pines and Dunes Yacht Club, better known as the Botel, now the Blue Whale for 14 summer seasons from 1977 to 1987 for 5-7 days per week beginning early June and ending late September.
The Chemical Bank boat Est. 1981.
The floating bank branch called Cee Bee I was commissioned by Chemical bank in 1981. The 36 foot boat provided Fire Island residents with complete banking services with the exception of safety deposit boxes.