Archives
Fire Island Celebrity history- RuPaul
Drag Queen superstar, television personality, actor, singer, and producer RuPaul sashays to Cherry Grove to perform in 2005.
Postcards from the Fire Island Pines
For many a visit to Fire Island resulted in a postcard sent with an image showing the events or beauty of the Island.
Staging Terry Miller’s 1981 play, PINES ‘79, in 2023
In September 2023, as part of David Baldwin’s monthly LGBTQ Play Reading Series, he produced and directed a reading of Terry Miller’s 1981 play, PINES' ‘79. Set in the first summer of The Beach Party (now known as “Pines Party”), the play follows one share house through the summer, with 5 scenes set in May, June, July, August, and September.
Pines 70th Anniversary (1953-2023)
In 2023, the Pines celebrated its 70th anniversary with a series of cultural events to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the community. The capstone event was a FIPPOA-sponsored beach celebration featuring a live band, fashion show, and sunset performance by DJ Lina Bradford.
Cherry Grove People- Michael Fesco
Michael Fesco was a creator. In the summer of 1969 this Broadway chorus boy between gigs found himself managing what was being referred to as the Boom Boom room in Cherry Grove. Within a month found himself running the whole complex That he would name The Ice Palace…
Fire Island Fashion History- Antonio Lopez
As the 1970’s arrived the Pines became the IT destination for many in the Fashion world. Some for the backdrop it provided, and many for the privacy and fun. Fashion Illustrator Antonio Lopez was one. Hanging out with friends french photographer Jean Eudes Canival and partner Fashion designer partner Fred Lansac’s home. Pool guests included actor David Duchovny and Jason Beghe.
The House that John Whyte built. Est. 1960’s
After purchasing the Pines Yacht Club and Botel with partners model John Whyte eventually bought them all out owning it all on his own. It was time to build his castle in the sand, and yes it had to have an ocean view. It would survive the Hurricane Donna of 1962 as others got washed away. Home to the sounds of Opera, food, friends, and famous guests, but most of all the memories of a time gone by…
Pines Profile - Scott Bromley (b. 1939)
R. Scott Bromley is an architect, visionary, and ongoing creative force. His contributions over the past six decades have played a huge role in shaping the landscape and culture of the Pines and the LGBTQ+ community. From the legendary Studio 54 to the beach houses across Fire Island to the legendary Pines Party, his story is about what happens when talent meets inspiration in a place of love.
DJ Chris Camuso
As a resident DJ in Fire Island Pines for over 20 years DJ Chris Camuso brings an encyclopedia of knowledge of dance music to the floor weekly during season. In addition he creates our Halloween decor for the annual end of season Halloween party.
The Valerian Rybar/ Jerry Herman/ Pines Club home Est. 1983
Bigger is always better in Fire Island Pines, and so it goes with the largest house on the largest piece of privately owned property in the Pines. Created by the Yugoslavian man the New York Times called “ the worlds most expensive decorator.” Valerian Rybar together with Jean-Francois Daigre founded the Valerian Rybar & Daigre Design Corporation of New York and Paris where his taste for the opulent and extravagant was his signature.
I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor- The history…
On January 20, 1979 Gloria Gaynor’s recording of "I Will Survive" was released and started its way up the music charts. “I Will Survive” became one of the quintessential anthems for Gay Pride that year and has held strong as a favorite of gay men everywhere.
Fire Island Pines 60th Anniversary 1953-2013
Seasons come and go, but anniversaries must be noted. In 2013 the Pines commmunity celebrated their 60th anniversary. As done in the past a party was required and done…
Fire Island Pines 50th Anniversary 1953-2003
Another decade another Anniversary as Fire Island Pines celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a party and the premiere of the documentary “ When Ocean Meets Sky.”
Fire Island Pines Pop-Up Museum 2013
In 2013 we were asked to be part of an exhibit taking place at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City. It then traveled to the Pines as part of the 60th anniversary.
Fire Island Pines 40th Anniversary 1953-1993
In 1993 the Pines community celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an elaborate party. A host committee was formed to plan it. Much research and effort went into the event including flags, posters, a journal, memorabilia, and of course the party celebrating it all.
Fire Island Art History- Bernard Perlin
The 1930’s through the 50’s saw a migration of the Art world finding their way to Fire Island for inspiration, freedom , and community. Painter Bernard Perlin would join friends like George Platt Lynes, Lincoln Kirstein, Paul Cadmus, Jared French, and more to express their creative…
Fire Island Pines People- John Burlingame Whyte
There have been the many who came after, but the true creator of Fire Island Pines, and its reputation today is former owner John Whyte. John a former model and business man helped to establish the sophisticated aura that still lingers today…
Fire Island Celebrity history- Mart Crowley
Fire Island Pines was drawing all creatives including playwright Mart Crowley whose play “Boys in the Band” was introducing the gay lifestyle to the world. That influence was now arriving in the Pines changing the demographic from predominantly straight to a growing population of gay…
DJ Vito Fun
How do you make a Tea Dance your own? By creating it… So DJ Vito Fun did. He got his start in music as an intern for a producer , eventually making his way up to mixing engineer. “I was born a DJ,” he laughs. “I DJ’d my first party in the fourth grade. I was introduced to the dance floor in 1995 at Roxy, then graduated to a residency at The Tunnel. “I’m too wild for a real job at this point. Music is all I know.”
Fire Island Celebrity history- Dionne Warwick
Like her hit song, singer Dionne Warwick maybe had to ask about the way to San Jose, but she found her way to Fire Island instead. She initially visited in 1968, but returned to the Pines in 1991 to support many AIDS benefits.