Pines Historical Society

14/10/2026

14/10/2026

Gary Clinton and Don Millinger fell in love in 1972. More than fifty years later they are still showing us what love can make possible.

By living openly and authentically, they forged extraordinary lives of activism, service, and community. From Penn Law to Lambda Legal, the ACLU to Fire Island Pines, they have helped advance LGBTQ+ equality, strengthen institutions, mentor generations, and build a remarkable chosen family. And at the heart of it all is a relationship in which each has been the other’s North Star.

Few moments capture the power of their authenticity more publicly and powerfully than Gary’s response to Chief Justice John Roberts who asked in his dissent on marriage equality: “Just who do we think we are?”

In an open letter published in The New York Times, Gary answered the Chief Justice with the authority of a life lived on his own terms – and then turned the question back on him:

“That’s who I am, Chief Justice Roberts. Who are you?”

It was a remarkable moment in the story of two men whose love for each other has become a force for change far beyond themselves.

Check out our latest Pines Profile on two of the Pines finest, Gary Clinton and Don Millinger. Read more at this link: https://www.pineshistory.org/the-archives/gary-clinton-b-1951-amp-don-millinger-b-1954

07/10/2026

Fire Island Pines is famous for its architecture. But great architecture is only half the story. Someone has to turn those designs into homes that last.

For more than 60 years, no one has done that better than Bill Katen. A master craftsman, Bill has worked with some of the Pines’ greatest architects, creating some of the most iconic houses in the Pines. But his contributions go beyond buildings. Along with his wife Doreen, a highly successful realtor in her own right, he made the Pines his home, forming lifelong friendships, supporting it through its darkest days, and helping shape its very character.

Now approaching 90—and still working—Bill is indeed worthy of the title some of his fellow builders bestowed upon him:

“The Dean of Construction.”

Read our latest Pines Profile on Bill Katen at this link: https://www.pineshistory.org/the-archives/pines-profile-bill-katen-b1937

30/09/2026

💫 2026 opened an exciting new chapter for Pines history. Finding Fire Island Season 2 reached 130,000+ people around the world—and our programs brought Pines history to new audiences.

💫 In 2027 we will introduce programming to engage you more!

💫 HELP US write the next chapter

💫 Become a member of the Pines Historical Society to help us create and launch these new programs.

➡️ COMMENT “MEMBER” and we will DM you a link with more info on membership 💚

09/09/2026

For over 30 years the Seashore Defense Fund (SDF) has provided an essential service to our community: helping protect the beach that is existential to the Pines.

A community led and supported non-profit, it provides emergency response after major storms, including: dune fencing, beach grass, restoration efforts, and education. SDF works year-round to prepare, preserve, and protect our shoreline. And when Mother Nature strikes, it is there to help protect the Pines.

On Sunday, September 13 @ 11am in the Harbor, you can help SDF continue that important work by joining their SDF 5K Run for the Dunes—a community race/walk in the Pines dedicated to protecting the shoreline we love!

Click the link in our bio to learn more about SDF and the important work they do.

04/09/2026

When August comes to a close, thousands of people begin planning their next summer in Fire Island Pines. And as they plan, they look for the obvious things: location, pool, deck, views, bedrooms, and (nowadays) air conditioning. But ask almost anyone who’s spent time here, and they’ll tell you there’s another feature that quietly shapes the Pines summer experience: the outdoor shower.

Part necessity, part ritual, and part social institution, the outdoor shower has been woven into the fabric of Pines life for generations. From the earliest campers who improvised with buckets and hoses to today’s beautifully designed cedar sanctuaries, these spaces have been where beach days end, conversations begin, friendships deepen, and countless memories are made.

Our latest feature, “The Outdoor Shower Revealed,” explores the surprising history and cultural significance of one of the Pines’ most beloved architectural traditions. It’s a story about design, practicality, freedom, and why something as simple as an outdoor shower has become one of the defining symbols of life in Fire Island Pines.

Read the full story and see the remarkable photographs spanning nearly a century of Pines history: https://www.pineshistory.org/the-archives/the-outdoor-shower-revealed

03/09/2026

This Saturday, September 5th, 2026, is the 30th Anniversary of the Fire Island Pines Drag Party held at its original location at 197 Midway from 4 pm to 7 pm. The theme is Ho Down. As per usual: admission is free, but drag is mandatory. Slip on your best Ho Couture and sashay to Midway to celebrate a Fire Island Pines Tradition. Check out the entire Wigstory at link in comments.

26/08/2026

There are people you remember. And then there are people whose absence you feel.

Gil Neary is one of those people. Two years ago he left us, far too early. Today, we remember him and celebrate his life.

For decades, Gil was a larger-than-life presence in Fire Island Pines. Funny, generous, outrageous, loving and completely unapologetic about who he was, Gil brought the ‘Hell Yes!” wherever he went.

Gil’s warmth and acceptance were legendary. When he saw you, he said hello. When he welcomed you into his home, you felt like family. And when Gil threw a party, you knew you were in for a night to remember.

Gil loved the Pines. He served on the FIPPOA Board, supported countless community organizations and causes, mentored newcomers, celebrated the Invasion in spectacular fashion, and for more than 25 years opened Reflections for a birthday party that became the unofficial beginning of summer. He was all about living out, loud and proud, making the Pines – and everyone around him – brighter and bolder.

When Gil died suddenly in 2024, it felt as though a light had gone out in the Pines. His Celebration of Life was a dance party, packed with people who loved him – just the way he would have wanted it.

Gil may be gone, but his presence can still be felt on every boardwalk, every pool party and every time a queen slips into a pair of high heels.

You can read Gil’s Pines Profile "A Builder of Community and Culture” at this link: https://www.pineshistory.org/the-archives/gil-neary-community-leader-philanthropist-and-cultural-bridge-builder-1957-2024

p.s. To the incredible members of our community, we welcome you to send us any of your favorite pictures of Gil to add to our archives.

19/08/2026

One of the most influential voices in fashion and style, Hal Rubenstein helped redefine magazine publishing and men’s fashion while leaving an indelible mark on American culture. Today, through his podcast The Happy Grown Up, he continues to inspire people to embrace life with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

In the Pines, for more than fifty years Hal has influenced the way we entertain, celebrate, tell stories, and build community. He helped reimagine Pines Party, co-founded Ascension Party, hosted fashion shows and has generously given back to the place that has been a major source of inspiration. His story is what happens when you blend incredible talent with a simple, yet profound decision: choose life.

Read Hal’s full Pines Profile here: https://www.pineshistory.org/the-archives/hal-rubenstein-b-1950

Photos:
1) Hal Rubinstein
2) Hal with Todd Sears and David Nickle
3) Hal with Donatella Versace
4) Hal with Tim Gunn
5) Hal with Calvin Klein
6) Hal with David Nickle

12/08/2026

For more than 70 years, the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) has helped transform the Pines from a rustic beach community with no electricity or running water into a Gay Mecca, with some of the most beautiful beach houses in the world, equipped with 21st century conveniences.

Led by a board of elected, unpaid volunteers from the homeowner community, FIPPOA has been at the forefront of this transformation that involved addressing the unglamorous, but necessary issues like garbage collection, fire protection, boardwalk maintenance and harbor access. It also helped the Pines deal with numerous challenges, including hurricanes, fires, homophobia, AIDS, economic downturns, and climate change. Through its work the Pines is today one of the leading communities on Fire Island and a driving force for inclusion, volunteerism, and civic leadership.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from FIPPOA’s history is that none of this happened by accident. For over seven decades generation after generation of community volunteers have stepped forward to solve the problems and improve the Pines. Working quietly, intelligently, often without recognition – and sometimes even the object of derision – FIPPOA has been steadfast in its mission of protecting and strengthening the Pines.

Read the full Pines Profile: The Story of FIPPOA (est. 1953) and discover how generations of volunteers helped build—and continue to safeguard—the community we all love.

https://www.pineshistory.org/the-archives/the-story-of-fippoa-est-1953

Listed here are the 5 more recent FIPPOA presidents who are pictured in this post and in our story. FIPPOA was founded in 1953.

Ron McKenna - 1982
Alan Brockman - 1984
Ron Martin - 2006
Jay Pagano - 2010
Henry Robin - 2020

Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association