Archives
Fag Hag… An Ode To The Women Formerly Known As 'Fag Hags.'
Gay and straight Women have always been part of Fire Island Pines history. However, the straight girls that had a gay bestie, and who became one of the boys have played a role also. In the 1970’s these girls would be known as a Fag Hag. A name that was used both as affection and ridicule…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Sal Mineo
Like many celebrities actor Sal Mineo found his way to the Pines. He is best known for his role as John "Plato" Crawford in the drama film Rebel Without a Cause, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at age 17. A closeted gay in a world on non acceptance, he truly was a pioneer in the acting world of theater and film.
Fire Island Architecture History: Lincoln Centre Est.1977
Sitting on a dune at the ocean at the western end of the Pines is the house known as Lincoln Centre. It was built and designed by Architect Arthur Erickson and Interior designer Francisco Kripaz. Kripaz designed the interiors to acknowledge the dramatic views of the sea and beach with translucence and clarity rather than attempt some grandiose or eccentric statement.
Ascension Party 2006-2017
In 2006, Pines then owner Eric von Kuersteiner had a vision to create a fun daytime party for the new generation of Fire Island. He named it Ascension. It grew into the island’s most anticipated and busiest weekends, with three days of stellar events, thousands of cute guys and unsurpassed entertainment—all raising money for charity, benefitting the Fund in the Sun Foundation.
The History of Fire Island’s Carrington House
The Carrington house played a unique role in the development of the mid-century American arts as an artist’s retreat for Frank Carrington’s friends and acquaintances, including Truman Capote and Lincoln Kirstein.
Fire Island DJ Don Fendley
Don Fendley’s DJ career began in New York during the late-1960s at a Fire Island Pines club called The Blue Whale at the Botel. Fendley had become frustrated with the starting-and-stopping of the Blue Whale jukebox, so he suggested to the owner that he could bring along some of his own 45s and a couple turntables.
Fire Island DJ Steven Oliveri
DJ Steven Oliveri started his DJ career when he turned 23 playing all of the clubs on Long Island. His residency on Fire Island has a long history beginning in Cherry Grove at The Ice Palace and The Monster…
The Twin Arch houses. Est. 1974 and 1976
In the mid 70’s Jerry Gloor and his partner Claudio began the building of two homes that were identical. The properties were not close to one another, but both shared an ocean view. Jerry owned much property in the Pines and would hire a plane to fly over to document the growing Pines community and his multiple properties.
The Fire Island Beach Taxi
Before the Water Taxi on Fire Island there was the Beach Taxi. On the deserted beaches of the growing communities the rebuilt truck or utility vehicle would take people to church, the general store or from one community to another.
Fire Island DJ Mike Borowski
We like to think of DJ Mike Borowski as SuperDJ. Mike runs from NYC to the Pines in a 24 hour period, and does not miss a beat. Literally! From his infectious smile and attitude, to the love he spreads through his music DJ Mike Borowski has become a fixture in the Pines.
Fire Island Pines People- Leonard Frey
Leonard Frey was an actor who spent time here in the Pines. He originally wanted to become an artist, but in college he became interested in acting. He made his stage debut in an off-Broadway production of “Little Mary Sunshine” and his film debut as a celebrant in Passages from James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake (1966), but he first rose to prominence in the role of Harold, the self-proclaimed “Jew fairy”, in both the stage and screen versions of The Boys in the Band (1970). Written by playwright Mart Crowley who also spent time here.
The Octagon House Est. 1966
Architect Earl Combs chose the octagon shape for his own home in the Pines because its geometric shape appealed to him esthetically. There were practical advantages such as the form is well braced against strong winds; being close to a circle. It provides a great deal of living space ( eight rooms and two baths.) On a high sloping plot 70′ x 100′. The cost at the time to build the house only was $30,00 including a lot of built in furniture.
Fire Island Art history- Jim French
Jim French was an American illustrator and photographer who created the male erotic photography studio Colt Studio, as well as its two predecessors, Arion Studio and The Loger Studio. He was another creative who spent time on Fire Island.
Fire Island Pines People - Alan Brockman 1931-2004
Alan Brockman was a longtime former president of FIPPOA (Fire Island Pines Property owners Association). Under Brockman’s leadership, FIPPOA experienced a sustained period of growth and evolution and Fire Island Pines was largely defined as the community we know today.
Fashion of the Pines 2000’s
Fashion has always been part of the Fire Island Pines history. First, because we became a mecca for many of them including Geffrey Beene, Donna Karan, Perry Ellis, and of course Calvin Klein. So it was a natural for us to have a fashion show for a community charity and get them involved…
Souvenirs Fire Island: 1970’s The Photography of Meryl Meisler
Meryl Meisler is an American photographer. In the 1970s she photographed in New York City nightclubs and in the 1980s she photographed residents of Bushwick, Brooklyn, while working as a public school teacher there. She also frequented Fire Island where she photographed and captured the era of the 1970’s.
Night & Day 2 Benefit 1992
As the 1990’s began the need for benefits for the growing AIDS crisis became important in the Pines community. This one given by John Francis and John Gilliam. They were known as the Boulevard Boys, and played a role in benefits both in the Pines and NYC.
Ship N Shore Est. 1953/ Pines Pantry 1974
The First and Only Grocery Store in Fire Island Pines
Original copy by Juan A. Ramirez NY Times July 22,2022
For nearly 70 years, Pines Pantry has been a one-stop shop for fresh fish, baked goods and lube.
Celebrity history- Patti Smith by Robert Maplethorpe
The 1970’s brought artists of every kind to the Pines including Patti Smith a singer, songwriter, poet, painter and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses.
Pines People- Ron McKenna
Ron McKenna was a community minded person, and when he found Fire Island Pines he knew he had to be part of the communities fabric, and so he became deeply involved. In the best way. Because of his relatability he created a bond with the town of Brookhaven where the decision making happened about who could do what in the Pines. With this he became revered and relied upon in the community. It was the legacy he left that has never been replaced…