Archives
The Pavilion 2004- 2010
In 2004 longtime owner John Whyte sells the Pines properties to Eric Von Kuersteiner. Von Kuersteiner begins sweeping changes with a plan to revive the Pines and bring a new generation. With that comes a new Pavilion Nightclub changing the cornerstone of the Pines…
Fire Island Music history- Mel Cheren
Mel Cheren was an entrepreneur, record company founder and nightclub boss who funded his lovers dream of the nightclub called “Paradise Garage.”
Hooray for Hollywood party @ Reflections 1988
Gloria DeMann and her husband Larry were famous throughout the Pines for throwing extravagant parties at their Bayfront home called Reflections. “Hooray for Hollywood” was one of their biggest…
Boardwalk Talk 2017 : Fashion of the Pines- Pat Cleveland.
In the 1970’s Fashion came to the Pines in many forms, and with that came the models. Most famously among them was model Pat Cleveland. Not only for her beauty, but for involvement in the community fashion shows.
Fire Island Pines People- Alexandra Akira
Alexandra Akira arrived on Fire Island at fourteen years old, she would soon call this magical wonderland her second home. A love affair with Fire Island that she carries to this day. The journey began while traveling out to Long Island from her home in Connecticut as a groupie for the rock band Twisted Sister as love of music is part of her story…
Fire Island Art history- W.H. Auden
Cherry Grove drew many people from the Art world including poet W.H.Auden. It was here they could escape New York City and all its trappings to create their Art…
The Carrington Chronicles- Chapter 1: The History of the Estate
Frank Carrington purchased his home on Fire Island in 1927. The property is located on the western boundary of Fire Island Pines, one half mile east of Cherry Grove. He lived there until 1975. He played an important role in the development of the mid-century performing arts in American culture.
The Fresco / Doll House Est.1974
Fire Island Pines has always drawn designers of every kind, and sometimes they build their dream homes leaving behind their personal stamp on history…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Marilyn Monroe
Many celebrities in the 1950’s found Fire Island to be a refuge from their stardom. Actress Marilyn Monroe was one. Her mentors famous acting coach Lee Strasberg and his family had a home on Fire Island where she would shock onlookers upon arrival…
Creating The Fire Island Dance Festival
Since the first performance in 1995, the annual Fire Island Dance Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in Fire Island Pines.
Fire Island Pines People- David Baker
David Baker was a historic figure in the growth of the arts in the Pines. He was passionate about the Pines and what he could bring to the community through his gift of music in composing…
Fire Island Art history- George Platt Lynes
From the late 1920s until his death in 1955,George Platt Lynes was one of the world’s most successful commercial and fine art photographers. But in his view, his most important works were his nude photographs of men. Yet during Lynes’s life, few even knew of their existence.
Tom Bianchi Fire Island Pines 1975-1983 Polaroids & more…
2013. Renowned photographer Tom Bianchi captured a moment in Pines history with his celebrated book. The book became the handbook for a new generation of gays finding their way to Fire Island wishing for a 70’s flashback of Sun, Sex, and Disco…
The Dune House on Fire Island Est.1968-69
The Dune House, located on 4 Ocean Walk, is a quirky standout juxtaposed against modern houses on Fire Island Pines. This home was designed by bohemian boat builder, furniture designer, and architect, Peter Asher, and takes inspiration from the concrete structures by Spanish architect, Felix Candela.
Fire Island Art history -George Stavrinos
Many artists made their way to the Pines leaving their mark on history with their art. George Stavrinos is one. An incredible talented artist whose gift was fashion illustration.
The Ultimate Oz Party 1995
The 1990’s brought the Benefit to Fire Island Pines. With the advent of AIDS it became clear that the community needed to join the fight. God’s Love We Deliver was just one of the many organizations that reached out to the Pines for support.
Hollywood Shore Leave Party 1985-1994
Like many parties/ benefits throughout the 80’s they created a tradition that lasted through the years. Hollywood Shore Leave is one…
Once upon a time…Almost Summer: Donna Summer in the Pines…
Once upon a time there was a singer who helped to create a sound that defined an era. Her name was Donna Summer, and here is her story of how she almost played in the Pines…
Pines/ Cherry Grove People- Rose (Bob) Levine
Arriving in Cherry Grove in 1955 Bob Levine found home. A home for not only himself, but for Rose Levine the drag alter ego he created. Cherry Grove became his stage at the Arts Projects Community theater. He decided to cross the Meat Rack to the Pines and make a name for himself there also, and did…
Shel Silverstein Covered Fire Island For 'Playboy'
Shel Silverstein was an American writer, poet, cartoonist, songwriter, and playwright. Though perhaps best known for his children's books, Silverstein did not limit his audience to children. During his rise to prominence in the 1950s, his illustrations were published in various newspapers and magazines, notably the adult-oriented Playboy.