Archives
The Parties of the Pines 1990’s
The theme parties, a tradition of Fire Island continues throughout the 1990’s.
The Pyramid house Est.1960.
1960. There is a magical house at the eastern end section of the Pines called the Pyramid house as that is its shape. Designed by architect Julio Kaufman from Buenos Aires. Just one of the many unique homes here it boasts a spectacular view of the dunes and ocean upon entering…
The Pines Care Center Est. 1984
With being isolated on a island there was a need for medical aid in case of a accident or emergency. FIPPOA answered this call with the establishment of Pines Care Center in 1984.
The Parties of the Pines 1980’s
As the 1980’s era arrived the themed house party was in full force in the Pines where the access to creative was only a sequin away. The parties got bigger and so did the themes…
The Parties of the Pines 1970’s
Parties have always been a Fire Island trademark. Getting their start in Cherry Grove, theme parties were a weekly happening. There was something about the freedom of Fire Island that allowed everyone let their hair down.
Season 2021… Post Covid?
With Covid-19 in the rear view mirror we moved into Season 2021 with caution, but hopeful of things returning to some normalcy.
Celebrity history- Debbie Reynolds
2015. Actress Debbie Reynolds arrives in Cherry Grove to perform at the Community House Theater.
DJ Max Rodriguez
DJ Max Rodriquez began his carreer in New Orleans. After going as far as he could in the big easy he moved to New York to study audio engineering. Spinning at Private Eyes ( later to become the Sound Factory) in the early 90’s gave him the springboard he needed to propel him into playing legendary clubs like Palladium, Limelight and the Roxy.
Interview with New York’s original leather daddies: Frank Olson and Don Morrison
Frank Olson and Don Morrison were among the most important founding members of the leather scene in New York City. They were famous for hosting legendary S&M-themed parties in Fire Island and their home in Manhattan. In 1970, they opened The Eagle’s Nest, New York’s premier leather bar.
The Pavilion Est.1980-2004
It was the end of the golden age of the Pines. At the end of the 1979 season the beloved Sandpiper was being replaced by a new club called the Pavilion. It was an end of an era, and many in the community were not happy…
The Biennial Art Show
Art has always been part of the Pines community. The beauty of the beach has inspired many. In the 70’s it became a melting pot for the creative as designers, artists, architects, and theater people found their way to the Pines.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Kay Ballard
There were many celebrities like actress Kay Ballard who were familiar with the Pines. They were part of the inner circle of closeted stars who found the haven of Fire Island a place to be themselves.
Fire Island DJ Howard Merritt
There were many DJs who added working on Fire Island to their resumes. It definitely added prestige. DJ Howard Merritt was one. Howard was a frequent visitor to the Pines as he had friends there, and would play at many house parties.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Carol Channing
As a good friend to Broadway composer Jerry Herman actress Carol Channing had special access to Fire Island. From her early visits in the 1960’s to her last to Cherry Grove in 2013 she made herself at home here.
A Very Natural Thing- 1974
An important film in the history of American gay filmmaking, "A Very Natural Thing" is considered the first feature film on the gay experience made by an out gay man to receive commercial distribution. Many scenes were filmed in the Pines.
DJ Tom Savarese
The early days of disco brought many young DJs to Fire Island to test the waters. DJ Tom Savarese was one.
DJ John Ceglia
Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s a group of talented DJs made their mark in the Pines as it was as noteworthy on your resume as a New York club. DJ John Ceglia joins our rank in Pines history.
Pinesfest 2016. The party/ benefit that almost wasn’t…
Pinesfest was the brainchild of Pines resident Greg Dyer. A New Beach Festival. September 3-5, 2016. Pinesfest was born out of the desire to carry on the incredible legacy of Fire Island Pines. Due to an impending hurricane the party never saw its true potential…