Archives
From the Pines with Love 1985
With the advent of the AIDS crisis Pines business owner John Whyte felt the need for a community response. With co-chair Ron English, and using his sign off on his popular weekly column in Fire Island News “From the Pines with Love” was created.
Fire Island Pines People- Lance Ferris
After a visit in 1979 to Fire Island , a young Lance Ferris arrived on his own in 1980 fresh from Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn. Taking a guide book he got his ticket on the Long Island Railroad and made his way out to Sayville. There he boarded a ferry to Cherry Grove. He had been to all the bars in NYC including Ice Palace 57. At 17 he had just left High School and was determined to get a job bartending at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, and so he did…
Fire Island Music History- “Hold on to my Love.”
There are many anthems that bring you back to the time you first heard them, or the person or feeling you had at that moment. '“Hold on to my love” is one.
Pines People- Barbara Ross
Barbara Ross married to Sherwood Ross of the Ross Cycle family was a fixture in the Pines throughout the 1970’s and early 80’s. Her yacht the “Barbara” was moored at the Blue Whale where she could see and be seen.
Art History: Robert Mapplethorpe in the Pines
Robert Mapplethorpe first came to the Pines as many do: as the guest of a new lover with a summer share. Summers in Fire Island would introduce him to the famous people he always aspired to be around.
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.