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Volume 63 | Issue One FREE
F i re Is land’s L onges t R unning News Sour ce S i nc e 1957
M a y 24, 2019
INSIDE: Silent Founding of While You Walt Whitman
Fireworks? Cherry Grove Were Away... at 200
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.com
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.com
THE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 5
Volume 63 | Issue One
EDI T OR’ S WI NDOW
by Shoshanna McCollum
editor@fireisland-news.com
Fi r e I sl and’ s Longest Running N ews Source Since 1 9 5 7
May 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
IN THIS ISSUE COMMUNITY IN EVERY ISSUE
12 ISLAND REFLECTIONS: COLUMNS 37 ADULT COLORING PAGE
FIRE ISLAND’S Lauren Stevens
14 KISMET
OFF-SEASON 2018/2019 Bradlee White 36 ADVICE COLUMN
Shoshanna McCollum Camille Mercogliano
17 OCEAN BEACH BOARD 15 SALTAIRE
Hugh O’Brien 10 AROUND & ABOUT
MEETING 5/18/19
Emma Boskovski 39 BOOK REVIEW
16 OCEAN BEACH AREA Rita Plush
18 OP-ED: LOT 26 Joey Macellaro
AND THE FOUNDING 48 BUSINESS DIRECTORY
19 OCEAN BAY PARK
OF CHERRY GROVE 35 CALENDAR
Carl Luss
22 INTERVIEW: OCEAN
Barbara Placilla
20 CHERRY GROVE
Lorna Luniewski
54 DAY IN THE LIFE
Connectivity
BEACH ELECTION Robert Levine OF FIRE ISLAND My opening letter of the season is always one of
CANDIDATES 2019 Reader Contributed Photos welcome, but this time I don’t feel it really has
21 FIRE ISLAND PINES
Danielle Lipiec Robert Levine 33 DINING REVIEW: been all that long since we’ve last been in touch.
24 HORSESHOE CRAB FIRE ISLAND COFFEE Last autumn we upgraded our website, and decid-
Danielle Lipiec Shoshanna McCollum ed to keep Fire Island News operating on a part-time
Cartoons by Eric Pedersen basis, if for no other reason than the time felt right
25 IN MEMORIUM: 44 ENVIRONMENT
HERMAN WOUK Karl Grossman to do so.
Peter Greenberg 47 EYE ON FI The new frontier was an exciting one for us here
29 SUFFOLK FIGHTS Timothy Bolger at FIN, as news articles and events were added to
PLASTIC POLLUTION 8 FROM FIN ARCHIVES the website at a steady pace, and we kept our social
Lorna Luniewski media presence strong. Indeed it was a family effort,
40 GREAT SPACES:
41 SHORT-TERM RENTAL SANDSPIT LIGHT as photographer Lauren Chenault documented how
HOME RISKS RISE Anika Lanser the island changed as the seasons progressed; report-
WITH POPULARITY er Emma Boskovski contributed articles when she
43 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Timothy Bolger Donnie DeSanti was on break from college; and sales representative
42 ROCKETS RED GLARE: Beth Errico and I saw each other regularly to talk
46 HISTORY
SILENT FIREWORKS DO Thomas McGann business and gossip, but always with an eye on the
A BANG-UP JOB coming summer ahead.
Emma Boskovski 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Even when there was still ice in the bay it was
45 BUILDING WITH A 38 NYC THEATRE becoming evident that our efforts were gaining
Leonard Feigenblatt
BIRD’S EYE VIEW ON momentum, as we received phone calls, letters, and
LONG ISLAND 50 SHOPPING AROUND photographs uncharacteristic of the normally quiet
Emma Boskovski months out here. Our gamble was a success because
49 OBITUARIES: IRVING LIKE you folks out there were reading and responding.
Laura Schmidt Now we are back here again full circle, with the
CHRISTY EDWARDS first paper of the season. Bringing it to you was not
Barbara Gaby Placilla
so hard, because our wheels never got rusty. Fire
Island’s 2019 season promises to be one of great
adventure, one that we all will enjoy together, and
PUBLISHER..................................... Craig Low
EDITOR........................................... Shoshanna McCollum
FI RE I SL A N D N E W S one with closer connectivity than ever before.
MANAGING EDITOR..................... Lorna Luniewski 260 Montauk Highway
Bay Shore, New York 11706
SOCIAL MEDIA/WEB EDITOR........ Anika Lanser
631-583-5345
REPORTERS.................................... Emma Boskovski,
info@fireisland-news.com
Anika Lanser, Danielle Lipiec
and Lauren Schmidt www.fireisland-news.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS......................... Lauren Chenault,
Sean Fitzthum, James Hardy
and Robert Sherman
DESIGN/PRODUCTION................. Coree Chambers
and Pamela Gurman for
Fat Cat Graphics
AD DESIGN................................... Joey Macellaro
DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR .... Emma Boskovski
BRAND COORDINATOR .............. Danielle Lipiec
SALES REPRESENTATIVES............... Beth Errico and Erika Phelan
ACCOUNTING............................... Mariluz Valdez
Founding publisher Jay Garfield Trien and the Official Paper of Record
Suggestions and comments ON THE COVER:
FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING: are important to us! Photo by
CALL: 631-583-5345 or EMAIL: SALES@FIREISLAND-NEWS.COM Please share how you feel Craig Low
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.com
THE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 6
THE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 7
LETTER T O THE E D I T O R >>
To the Editor, wholesale spraying of pesticides insecticide per year. Should we real- mailed by calling 631-852-4270)
I just wanted to share with my fel- amusing anymore. ly be part of that? I do not consid- and it is good for one year. And if
low Fire Islanders a problem that I lit- I’m not even convinced it kills er myself an alarmist. The world there is a public health emergency,
erally ran into last August while on mosquitoes. Two weeks later in Sep- endures. Fire Island will survive, I such as an outbreak of West Nile,
a rare midweek run in Ocean Bay tember, talking with a neighbor, I guess, despite every thing we throw they will spray regardless.
Park. Suffolk County Vector Control was subject to blood loss with the at it, at least for now. I’m just trying To me, it’s all about the envi-
was spraying for mosquitoes. I had mosquitoes so numerous! Normally I to support Fire Island wildlife. ronment. I will take a few stings to
no idea this was still going on, but could take it, but not this time. It was My bird feeder attracted the first reduce the amount of poison (and
I am generally only out weekends worse than I have ever seen. red wing blackbirds that I have seen it is poison) into our air. We can
now, and this was midweek. So here we have a situation where in over 30 years. I have planted debate about environmental poli-
As a child in Ocean Beach in we are treating mosquitoes as we milkweed and flowers for butterflies. cies in Washington, and what the
the ‘60s, I thought it was great fun always treated them – carpet-bomb- But if we are fumigating an entire effects will be. We can worry about
when this noisy contraption drove ing Fire Island with insecticide – and island, to what end are such efforts? global warming and sea level rise
down the street in the middle of I’m not even sure it’s working. Are we I spoke to someone at Suffolk and bee colony collapse. I can’t do
the day noisily producing clouds even thinking about this? Even worse, County Vector Control. If I under- much about that. But the law in New
of insecticide (DDT? Who knows?) exactly what are we killing? stand what he was telling me, there York allows me to opt out of hav-
and we would rush to close the The United States alone uses are mosquitoes that come out during ing a giant can of Raid directed at
windows. I guess I just don’t find about one billion pounds of the day, and different ones take the my house, and I will exercise that
overnight shift. They spray at dusk to option. Please join me.
Cartoon by Eric Pederson kind of get both, and to try to avoid —Michael Moss, Ocean Beach
beneficial insects. Also they do this
midweek, so I guess the humans
exposed are mainly moms and chil-
dren. Personally, if spraying meant
a mosquito would never bite me Have something to say? Write us at
again, I would still be against it. editor@fireisland-news.com. Elec-
The Vector Control representative tronic submissions only, no paper
also informed me that I can opt out letters please – 350 words or less
of the spraying program, renewable advised. We reserve the right to edit,
annually. That is what I am doing, abridge, or not publish any letter as
and I urge others to do so as well. we see fit. Opinions expressed in Let-
There is a downloadable form on the ters to the Editor are not necessarily
Suffolk County website (or it can be those of Fire Island News.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Good Government Does Not Require
Hostility. Just the Opposite.
First, let me say welcome home to all our residents I often laugh when I hear some people say that I assure you that you are and that we have much
and taxpayers, and to those who rely on Village we need more open debate (friction) among board to show for it, with a lot more to come. (30 million
government in so many ways. members as if getting along is a sign of dysfunction. dollars of improvements paid for by others with
As you can see, your Board has completed a (Take a look at Congress.) another 20 million to come!)
lot of work, including a great many projects you Let’s be real. Some people just thrive on fric- I didn’t start out longing for any particular board
don’t or can’t see. Knowing that we have com- tion and disruption. They believe that this cloaks member. Just give me straight up people who will
pleted $30.5 million dollars of Infrastructure them with the appearance of “I’m fighting for you!” do the work and are there for the right reasons.
work (largely paid by others) with over $19 mil- (Sometimes actually fighting but that’s another story.) Reasons that don’t include an agenda of disruption.
lion more to go in the next few years gives me Here is what I’ve learned as your Mayor for The current board you have is just that. Plain
great hope and pride in our Village. Thankfully, a good many years, and longtime Trustee before and simple. We don’t always agree. Trust me. The
and with hard work, we were able to keep the tax that. I have sat on Boards with a “disruptive fight- difference is that we settle our disputes or diver-
increase to 1.9% and see no reason we can’t fin- er.“ I have watched the melee caused by what is gent points of view politely, civilly and with good
ish this trajectory in that fashion. Almost all the really political grandstanding and personal pol- intent in executive session. We don’t try to throw
pain from Sandy is behind us but we have much itics for way too long in this town. It must end. someone under the bus for enjoyment, ego or polit-
to do still. The exhaustive list of completed proj- It’s not healthy. A good idea can come from any- ical gain. Those days are over as far as I am con-
ects and FEMA reimbursements ($30.5 million) is one. Any stakeholder. But unless there is a strong, cerned. Onward and upward. Reelect Chris Norris
available on the Village website. congenial, non-disruptive energy working on your and Matt Blake and that’s what you will get.
On that note, I want to turn to the related mat- behalf, nothing good will get done. It might make Thanks for listening.
ter of your representation in our government. some people feel they “are being heard more” but —Mayor Jim
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.com
THE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 8
FRO M THE F I N A R C H IVE S >>
“The Ukulele Ladies” THE STRINGED INSTRUMENTS are timeless, and these
lovely ladies look familiar. Gotta love the circa 1920’s flapper
We are asking everyone to tiptoe through style bathing attire, and their elegant shoes! Anybody out there
recognize these girls? Write to us at info@fireisland-news and
their memories to identify these ladies. tell us what you know!
Your Source for Fire Island www.fireisland-news.com
THE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 10
A ROU N D & A B OUT >>
The Year in Pictures
FIN staff photographer Robert Sherman captures a transgender rights rally at New York City Hall last October.
polar plunge of a different sort, FIN photographer
A
Three cheers as Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter spearheads the Suffolk AHRC (Association for
Lauren Chenault captures the essence of the island’s Habilitation and Residential Care) Foundation’s Polar Plunge this past April. (Photo courtesy Town of Islip)
deep freeze this past January.
citizens of Cherry Grove seem pretty happy about their new
The Frequent FIN photo contributor Alain Thomas was at his Paris home on that fateful day,
dock. See pages 12 and 20 to read more about it. (Photo courtesy and captured this haunting image of the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral.
of Robert Levine) (www.alianthomas.net)
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 11
A RO UN D & A B OUT >> Continued
Todd Bol, creator of the Free
Little Library concept died
last October, but his legacy
lives on in three of them
that stand proudly on Fire
Island: Fair Harbor, Corneille
Herman Wouk: 1915-2019. Read the article by Estates, and this one in Crews were busy rebuilding Lighthouse Promenade over the winter.
guest contributor Peter Greenberg on page 25. Ocean Bay Park. (Photo by Read our article on page 12, and Hugh O’Brien’s column on page 15 to
(Photo by Shoshanna McCollum) Lauren Chenualt) learn more. (Photo by Lauren Chenault)
Actor Joseph Smith takes a bow in his riveting performance as Augustin-Jean Fresnel to help celebrate the 160th Anniversary of Fire Island Lighthouse last November.
(Photo by Shoshanna McCollum)
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 12
Island Reflections: Fire Island’s
Off-Season 2018/2019
By Shoshanna McCollum
Ice Palace Condemned: The condemned notice
placed on the entrance to the Ice Palace on Friday,
May 3, was the shock heard round Fire Island, as
Cherry Grove residents, neighboring communities,
and visitors who have good memories of the icon-
ic nightclub exchanged a moment together. The
condemnation also included Cherry Grove Pizza,
Rainbow Gift Shop, and the recently rebuilt Grove
Hotel. Soon after the news broke, we wrote an arti-
cle about the matter on our website on May 9, and
appreciate how widely it was shared by our readers.
“Town officials have met with the owner several
times since the order of condemnation was posted in
an effort to ensure that all deficiencies are corrected
and the building is safe for the public,” said Deputy
Town Attorney Beth Reilly in a published statement
released by Brookhaven on May 16. “We will con-
tinue to work with the owner in an effort to have this
business opened as soon as possible, once all safety
concerns are addressed.”
In a stunning turn of events Brookhaven lifted the
condemnation late the following day, Friday, May
17, 2019. Ice Palace and Cherry Grove Pizza did not
waste a moment in opening their doors. While there
are still many unknowns in this complicated situa-
tion, concerns about how Cherry Grove’s economy
Contract 31B in Progress. (Photo by Lauren Chenault)
would have fared without these cornerstone busi-
nesses in place have been put to rest.
IT WAS A MILD WINTER ON FIRE ISLAND, FIN reporter Laura Schmidt’s Dec. 12, 2018
except when it was bitter cold. That is the perfect article “A Requiem for the Homes” can be found Island Infrastructure
metaphor for how Fire Island’s off-season went on our website. Every off-season is busy with maintenance and
down in a nutshell. Things were quiet, unless there The Deer: No summary of the Fire Island’s repairs, but over the 2018/2019 hiatus Fire Island
was commotion. There was harmony, unless there 2018/2019 off-season would be complete without had major projects underway in several focal point
was discontent. The waters were calm, unless they mention of the fate that met Fire Island’s white tailed communities.
were choppy – you get the idea! Gathered here are deer population at the hands of decision makers at Saltaire Promenade: The debates of concrete
some of the items that defined another deceptively Fire Island National Seashore and the Long Island versus wood for the rebuilding of Lighthouse Prome-
tranquil off-season. Region of New York State Parks Department. That nade and Beacon Walk were faithfully transcribed in
story however is both a sad and complicated one. Emma Boskovski’s coverage of the Saltaire Village
Island Headlines Summarizing it into an overview format proved to meetings last summer. Eventually they went with
House Deconstruction: It was a bitter harvest for be impossible. A standalone article on this important wood. The work diverted vehicle traffic most week-
many residents of Ocean Bay Park, Davis Park and subject will be forthcoming. days, requiring motorists to keep even a closer eye
Fire Island Pines as U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers Fire Island to Moriches Inlet (FIMI), known
as Contract 31B, finally commenced late last fall.
We knew demolition of oceanfront homes to
make way for this final phase of post Superstorm
Sandy beach renourishment was imminent, but
emotions ran deep as shoreline homes that long
defined much of the identity of these communi-
ties were being dismantled piece by piece.
However unlike most phases of this enormous
FIMI project, which was sub-contracted to com-
panies out of state, Brownie Companies of Long
Island was awarded 31B. Known for house ele-
vation and structure moving services, Brownie
has become a trusted source, and a local contrac-
tor meant Fire Island residents were hired for the
work. The homes met their fate by neighbors who
understood the breadth of this somber task. The new Ocean Beach ferry terminal now in service. (Photo by Lauren Chenault)
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 13
on the shoreline tides when planning cold-stunned Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle.
travel. This work was not without its It was transferred to Riverhead’s treat-
share of complaints by year round Fire ment facilities, where it was expected to
Island residents. (More on that later.) be released upon making a full recovery.
On March 20, U.S. Senators Schumer 12/29/18: With the help of some
and Gillibrand announced $2.5 million Good Samaritans, Fifth Precinct Suf-
worth of federal aid to go toward the folk County Police rescue a dog from
reconstruction of this walkway. the Great South Bay witnessed cling-
OB Police and Ferry: It has been ing to floating debris near the West Say-
six long hot summers of weary travel- ville area. Wilbur, a hound mix, was
ers in Ocean Beach having to bake in the examined by a local animal hospital and
sun while waiting for the ferry, but all of reunited with his owner.
that came to an end in March of 2019. 1/6/19: An automobile was found
Conceived by architectural design- floating in the Great South Bay near
er and village resident Joel Silverberg, Bayport, triggering a helicopter search
the new Ocean Beach Ferry Terminal is for the driver and possible passengers
a multi-purpose building, housing the by Suffolk Police and Bayport Fire
police station headquarters and freight Department. The vehicle was ultimate-
house. In some ways, it still has the feel- ly determined to be abandoned, with no
ing of its predecessor structure, some- drownings taking place.
thing Silverberg was certainly aiming 2/12/19: Two crew members with
for, but now the north side of the build- Wilbur was saved by the SCPD from chilly bay waters shortly after Christmas. injuries were evacuated from a barge by
ing takes advantage of the bayside vista (Photo Nixle.com) USCG Fire Island near Fire Island Inlet
such a location easily affords. Collections, gathered among the staff, raised $800 to after the pump system in their vessel malfunctioned.
Cherry Grove Dock: Suffering age, storm purchase gift cards to help support impacted families 4/18/19: The captain of a commercial clam
damage, and heavy use the decision was made to – but it did not end there. A GoFundMe campaign dredge was rescued off the coast of Point O’Woods
rebuild the Cherry Grove dock. Town of Brookha- created by Board of Education Member Kathleen by Suffolk County Marine Bureau after suffering a
ven approved the project, and a $2.9 million bond Skelly-Kurka trended island-wide and raised almost medical incident.
secured by the Cherry Grove Property Owners $18K within days.
Association in July 2018, but the real work began When the 35-day shutdown was over, other Island Stars
as the summer wound down. Year round, as well parts of the nation were not so fortunate. In Califor- “Love” endures. The popular sculpture by Lau-
late staying/early returning Grove residents were nia the poaching of wood devastated Joshua Tree ra Kimpton that graced Fire Island Pines last sum-
without ferry service for an extended period of National Park, to the extent that experts say it might mer as a temporary art installation is now a footnote
time. Refuse collection was also hobbled during take centuries to recover. On a lighter note, at Point of Fire Island’s past, but not forgotten. Kimpton’s
this interim period, as garbage freight barges were Reyes National Seashore near San Francisco, a creation has found a permanent home in Las Vegas,
without a place to land as construction was ongo- local beach was taken over by elephant seals in the where it can be found in The Venetian Resort Hotel’s
ing. The sacrifice paid off with the project reaching absence of rangers and tourists. As it was birthing lobby. So those who are missing it, and maybe
completion at a swift pace, and the official ribbon season when the rangers returned, the decision was wish to play some slots, know it’s just a short plane
cutting ceremony on May 18. See Robert Levine’s made to close off the nursery beach as the mother ride away.
column on page 20 for more information. seals reared their pups. Famed fashion designer, and Water Island resi-
dent, Michael Kors underwent a rebranding of his
Island Nation Island Rescue company at the end of 2018, with a name change
Election 2018: While blue waves may have swept 10/6/18: A man, boy and their dog were rescued inspired by another island he loves – Capri Holdings.
our nation last November on the Republican strong- by U.S. Coast Guard Station Fire Island, after their The name change came as part of Kors’ acquisition
hold of Long Island, it was more a blue ripple on Fire boat capsized off Cedar Beach near Fire Island Inlet. of Versace a few months prior, according to Forbes.
Island’s shores. In spite of strong localized efforts to 11/11/18: Another water rescue from a cap- Donatella Versace has stayed on as the company’s
unseat the 1st and 2nd District U.S Congress, Lee sized boat took place off Democrat Point by Suffolk chief creative officer.
Zeldin and Peter King stayed in office although mar- County Marine Bureau. Kudos to actor and Ocean Bay Park area regu-
gins were close. With historic takeover of the New 11/24/18: Members of the USCG Fire Island lar John C. Reilly for his well-earned Golden Globe
York State Congressional chambers in 2018, Monica and the Riverhead Marine Foundation saved a Best Actor nomination for his work in the acclaimed
Martinez won the 3rd District seat vacated by former film, “Stan and Ollie.” His other 2018
Islip Superintendent Tom Croci. She is the first Dem- film “Holmes and Watson,” direct-
ocrat to take that district in over a decade. Fourth ed by Ethan Cohen, did not enjoy the
District State Senator Phil Boyle bucked the trend same level of critical success. Howev-
however, and now remains one of the 22 Republi- er this slapstick-loving editor thought
cans presently in State Senate minority. the film was a hoot, and predicts it will
Shutdown: The longest government shutdown in become a cult classic for generations
the U.S. was felt on Fire Island just like it was in oth- to come.
er parts of the country. Holiday season visits to Fire Congratulations to Fire Island
Island Lighthouse had to be rethought by many local Pines’ Andy Cohen on his recent
families as the Long Island landmark was shuttered. induction into the world of father-
Presence at the ranger booth was next to none, while hood! Benjamin Allen Cohen was
permits and other business at the Patchogue head- born in early February, weighing in
quarters remained in a suspended state. And while at 9 pounds, 2 ounces. The 50-year-
the U.S. Coast Guard kept working, families based at old executive producer of the “Real
Station Fire Island were without paychecks. Wives” franchise, and host of Bravo’s
At Fire Island School, where several Coast Proud father Andy Cohen with newborn son Ben, and his dog Wacha. “Watch What Happens Live” con-
Guard children attend, this was not allowed to stand. (Bravo.com) ceived the child with a surrogate.
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 14
K I S M ET
by Bradlee White | kismet@fireisland-news.com
Kismet Kapers
WELCOME BACK! Bye, bye winter. Memorial Day weekend events
Bye, bye rain (we hope). Looks like it include a second annual KLAW book
will be a very busy summer with events sale at Seabay and Burma, on Saturday,
for everyone. May 25, at 11 a.m. This year’s event also
We are all saddened by the death of features a slew of craft materials (yarn,
Carole Thomas from metastatic cancer. needles, etc.) and a pre-auction display
Carole was my neighbor and friend and of both a child’s and an adult’s bikes.
a valued contributor to both KLAW and The Kismet Fire Department will hold
the KFD Auxiliary. an open house, with rides and fire hose
We extend congratulations and best demos, on Sunday, May 26, at 11 a.m.
wishes to Danielle and George on their Moving on to June, the Kismet
marriage, announced by the ribbon Community Association will meet
around their door. Longtime renters Sunday, June 2. Homeowner reminder:
John, Robin, Jen, Joe and Scott are proud Dues are due. The 22nd Annual KLAW
new owners of “Way Way Yonder” on Flea Market is set for Saturday and
Seabay, and have already put in a new Sunday, June 15 and 16, at the Fire
ramp, bicycle rack, windows, outdoor House, with auctions and new and
shower and dryer shed. They’ll tackle slightly used treasures at bargain
indoor renovations anon. prices. Doors open at 10 a.m. on both
The contractors are racing the days. The Annual Burger cook-off on
calendar and the weather with home the beach off Seabay is scheduled for
improvements. There are two homes June 29. Everyone is invited to cook
being raised: Terry Corio’s former house and/or eat. See John B. if you want to
on Pine and Burma and the Arthur house enter the competition.
on downtown Oak. Looks like Lauren is July will kick off with KFDA bingo
having some roof work. Best of all, for 1 on Tuesdays, beginning July 2, with
the community, are the fabulous new separate times for tweens/kids and for
solar lights along the dark paths between adults. Adult movies will start Sunday
Pine and Seabay, on both Maple and evenings at 8 p.m., beginning July 7;
Burma. (Formerly referred to as “the with the tweens/kids movie times to
gates of hell” and path of “Children of be announced. The Sandcastle building
the Corn.”) What a difference for night contest will be back on July 6, at 10
travelers. No more jumping into the a.m., at the beach off Pine. The July
phragmites at the sound of a ghostly 4 Parade and KFD BBQ will be held
bell. They were funded by KFD Auxil- July 7. This longstanding event begins
iary’s Community Day earnings, which with kids in costumes in parent-drawn
were loaned to KCA. Erected by Sam wagons ending at the Bay, for a patri-
Wood, they work well – even with our otic moment, then prizes for great
recent limited solar fuel. floats. KFD members serve up food,
The year rounders are surely drinks and auction tickets. As usual,
approaching the new season with mixed KLAW will be auctioning a new bike.
emotions – crowds, driving restric- Repeating last year’s event of the
tions, but again, we will all be enjoying season, there is another KFDA Commu-
good times. With a number of Kismet nity Day scheduled for July 20. This was
seasonal homeowners checking in, 2 a super fun event and not to be missed!
there is a swelling chorus of longing This well planned fundraiser offered lots
for warmer weather and less rain, especially on the competition is open to all. Email your design idea of fun and brought the community together.
weekends. We have already experienced our first to woodbuilt@aol.com or drop it in Sam’s mailbox Comedy Night is on for Aug. 9. Admission is $40.
crowded downtown with the May 4 Kentucky Derby outside his office. Deadline is May 24 at noon. The Kismet’s favorite, the Flower Ladies, will do two
showing, with beautiful big hats, English fascina- winner will be announced the next day. encores, one in July and one in August.
tors and confused winners and non-winners. The Pig Our Calendar of Events has already started, taking There will be more event details in future Kismet
Roast boasted hundreds of presold tickets and crowds us through August. Kapers. Sound exhausting? There’s always the beach
pouring off the ferry to feast under the big tent. KFD After Derby/Pig Roast weekend, the next event of or a cozy nook on the deck.
debuted their seasonal sweat and T-shirts at tables in the season was the Battle of the Bloody Mary with
the space between – the 2019 color is maroon. 15 contestants vying for honors at the Fire House on
The Kismet Historical Society invites entries for May 18, at 11 a.m., which will be covered in our next 1. Scott and friends working on “Way Way Yonder.”
a design competition for an official Kismet logo – edition. KFD will have hosted a CPR class May 22. 2. Caryn shows “before” Derby ticket to Dana Robin.
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 15
S A LTA IRE
SALTAIRE SUMMERY by Hugh O’Brien | saltaire@fireisland-news.com
of the Board once we’d agreed on how many doors O’Brien (two years). I don’t know whether that in-
it should have. So, same old machine, same old pop- dicates satisfaction or exhaustion on the part of the
corn, same old bags (popcorn, that is), but it looks electorate, but either way, we’re grateful for your
great in its new location. Oh, yeah, there’s an office, confidence and, of course, a campaign less taxing
meeting room, bathrooms, library, utility areas and than the Board.
stuff surrounding it in the form of a building. Now, there were a few post-Labor-Day highlights
Of course, in a project of this scope, erected last year. First weekend after Labor Day, the SVFC
under harsh winter working conditions, the occa- held a wet-down for the trio of new vehicles added to
sional mishap is bound to occur. Two of the work- its fleet during calendar 2018 – pumper, ambulance
ers disappeared the day we finished closing up the and pickup. Personnel from neighboring departments
downstairs wall, but, you know, I’m sure they’re (Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park, Kismet, Fair Har-
okay, probably in Atlantic City, and what, worst- bor) helped celebrate these automotive acquisitions
case scenario, they’ll have quite a tale to tell when in the traditional fire service manner, namely, blast-
the place gets its next renovation in 2100. Not to ing heavy streams of water onto the vehicles, which
mention all that accumulated overtime. Incidental- of course in this climate does them a lot of good: a
ly, we just left the contracts for that undertaking; baptism of water before the baptism of fire. Much
since the Village’ll be flush once we finish paying more effective than attacks with a Super-Soaker,
1 off this year’s projects in 2096. It’s all very effi- which should at least reassure homeowners nervous
cient, and after all, you can’t spell “efficient” with- about just how much water we can pump onto an ac-
HI THERE, AND WELCOME to the latest addition out the e, t and one of the i’s in “Saltaire.” tual burning house. Both home and visiting vehicles
to Saltaire’s never-ending, ever-spending roster of Next year we’ll be sounded their horns
civic improvements. This year, it’s reached right into boasting about our and sirens as accom-
the heart of civic-ness, and unless you veer left or rebuilt 14 Bay Prom, paniment, a boister-
right on Bay when you trundle off the dock, it’s one which will add the post ous din much appre-
you neither can, nor will want to, miss. You can’t office and courtroom ciated by neighbors
spell “Village Hall” without “Voila,” well, except for to its current tenants, and tennis players.
the o, so, voila – our new Village Hall. Public Safety and the Equally boisterous
Yep, right where the old one stood a new one has Medicine Show. Mean- will be another pan-
arisen from the Phoenician ashes, fittingly as it’s a while, an oft-asked cake breakfast hosted
monument to early Phoenician architecture, and question is, where will by the SVFC Sunday,
while the exterior (or “outside” as the builders call the post office and May 26, from 8 a.m.
it) looks fairly similar the big news is the revamped courtroom be this year? to around 11 or so.
interior, with a larger library (enough that we can Well, as a Village offi- However, fire
expand the sign so that it no longer reads “libary”) cial, I can forthrightly trucks weren’t the
and a bathroom respectful of its patrons’ privacy on state: beats me. Okay, 3 only ones baptized
the first floor, plus a second-floor office that’s more there are temporary last fall. On Sunday,
open, spacious and conducive to the work ethic. It locales set aside for each, but we’ll save those sur- Oct. 7, the minister at St. Andrews held a blessing
also has a mandated lift to enable disabled access prises for the first person given a summons for tam- of the animals. Seven dogs and one cat, each given a
to the office, so that never again will anyone claim pering with the mail. Oh, I almost forgot – we have sprinkling of holy water and praised by the minister
that the Village Administrator’s elevator doesn’t go a 40 percent reconstituted Lighthouse Prom way out for the love they give their families or, in the case
all the way to the top floor. The real crowd-pleaser east, all done up in shiny new wood. Ran into a few of the cat (Phoebe), that mask of contented expec-
is an upstairs alcove especially carved out to house problems this year (water) but got it all sorted out, tation that passes as love. Very sweet and a lot of
the popcorn machine that the Village has for years and the remainder should be hammered out by the well-behaved fun, though several of the pups seemed
used to fulfill the requirements of the free-lunch pro- start of summer 2020. It looks beautiful, will survive disappointed that the water came from a bowl and
gram mandated for the camp by the Department of a comet-generated tidal wave and, being wood, is of not the nearby hydrant. “Good God!” exclaimed one
Health and Human Services. At the building’s ded- course trip-proof, skid-proof, sand-proof, cut-open- passerby. No: “Good Dog!” Amen.
ication ceremonies the machine was singled out for your-foot-on-a-nail-proof, and will slow down traffic
attention by Colonel Orville “Red” Husk of the Suf- so much cars will actually back up through town.
folk County Marine Bureau, Imperial Rome’s roads are
a longtime backer of the unrivaled no more. 1. The cheerful façade of the new Village Hall bids
community who frequently Speaking of civic vir- a hearty Saltaire welcome to returning residents.
pops in to chew the fat with tues, our municipal elec- (Photo by Catherine O’Brien)
Mario during the winter. We tions are set for Friday, 2. “What drop in water pressure?” Firefighters
were going to go whole-hog May 24, and for the first from across the island douse the SVFC’s latest
and purchase a brand new time in five years all the automotive acquisitions last September.
machine to complement our candidates are running (Photo by Vern Henriksen)
brand new Village Hall, but unopposed: Village Jus- 3. “You mean, you’re not giving me the whole bowl?”
funds ran low and it was tice Frank Markus (four Phoebe becomes the lone cat baptized during
either that or the elevator,
which won out by a 3-2 vote
2 years) and Trustees Nat
Oppenheimer and Hugh
St. Andrew’s blessing of the animals in October.
(Photo by Catherine O’Brien)
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 16
O C EA N BEACH AREA
by Joey Macellaro | joe@fireisland-news.com
Precious Cargo
NEARLY 500,000 ROUND-TRIP FERRY FARES of Jennifer Moritz, Jon Randazzo, terminal, and that a golf cart is
to Ocean Beach are paid annually, and with summer Mary Ellen Kelly, and Scott Hirsch. once again available for seniors.
driving rules taking effect on June 15, nearly all of The co-presidents are Moritz and The freight house reopened at the
us will once again be ferrying to town. Whether we our own Chris Mercogliano. terminal on April 1. Fire Island
are residents of this unique and idyllic community or The former Michael’s Pizza Ferries freight manager Christo-
just passing through, most will agree that a beach- restaurant on Bay Walk at Evergreen pher Forgét notes that the freight
bound trip across the bay is much less an incon-
venience than a welcome respite – a half hour of
will operate this season as Beacheria
Pizza-n-Pasta under the management
3 house is a temporary waypoint for
smaller items and that perishable,
anticipation, or planning, or catching up with neigh- of Jon Randazzo. Jim Betz, own- landscaping, and building materi-
bors and friends. er of Maguire’s Bayfront Restaurant on Bungalow als cannot be brought inside.
This summer season brings with it a sense of clo- Walk, passed along information about a new partner- The village’s first bulk trash pickup day will be
sure for many of us. The loss of our ferry terminal in ship between the Fire Island Water Taxi and several Wednesday, June 12. Two items per property may
the fall of 2012 was one of the more visible afteref- Ocean Beach restaurants. After paying a full lateral be collected, and village hall must be notified of the
fects of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy, and fare to Ocean Beach from another Fire Island com- pickup by June 6.
the completion and reopening earlier this spring of a munity, customers will receive a voucher for a free The community has welcomed some new mem-
new terminal fills a void in our bay- ride home after presenting a receipt bers since last season. Former village trustee Jason
front downtown area. of entrée purchase from any Ocean Bendicksen’s daughter, Alex, gave birth to baby
In addition to all the human car- Beach participating restaurant. Lela in December. Rick and Carol Kushner’s
go carried across the bay, some rather Ocean Beach Association (OBA) daughter, Louise, welcomed a baby, June Kushner
unique items are sometimes delivered president Maria Silsdorf tells us the Riggs, with father Sky Riggs. The Kushners reside
to the beach – including a prefabricat- OBA is sponsoring a forum for vil- in Corneille Estates.
ed 4,700-pound Morello Forni pizza lage trustee candidates at the Commu- “The infamous ‘Bench Gang’ lost one of its most
oven, which arrived on May 8. nity House on Saturday, May 25, at beloved members,” said Anne Niland of Ocean
“It took 10 people a little over four 11 a.m., in addition to many other Beach, on the passing of Howie Solomon, who
hours to get it from the dock to the
deli,” said Travis D’Arienzo, own-
1 events and programs.
“This year we have purchased a
would often be found with friends on the benches
of Bay Walk. Also lost was Howard Solomon of B
er of the Mermaid Market, locat- Mobi-Mat, which is being installed on Street in Seaview (no relation); Anna LaViolette of
ed across the street from the dock at Ocean Breeze Bungalow Walk,” added Silsdorf. The mat will allow Summer Club; Ann Marie Krepela, fire department
and Bay walks. A Bobcat was used to transport the those who have difficulty walking EMT, trustee emeritus of the
oven – which had already traveled across the Atlan- on uneven ground to make their Free Union Church, and wife
tic from Genoa, Italy – and lift it through the store’s way across the sand more easily. of former Ocean Beach may-
front window. “Now that the village finished or Ed Krepela; noted watercol-
D’Arienzo is entering his fourth year as owner public spaces, we are looking for or artist Christy Edwards; Renne
of the year-round establishment. With the arrival of activities to fill them!” said Holly Roth, beloved wife and mother
the pizza oven comes major changes for the Mar- Etlin, president of the Ocean Beach who built Fire Island Real Estate
ket, including a name change to Dockside Brick
Oven Pizza and Deli. The staff now will be offer-
Community Fund (OBCF). The
OBCF has a full schedule of events
4 alongside her husband, the late
Ernest Roth; Debbie Smith;
ing personal size pizzas with customizable dough planned for the summer, including Tony Winick; Jim Heller; Lisa
and toppings, in addition to all the foods and ser- movie nights and recreational programs. Stern; Barbara Burns; and Irwin “Buddy” Gilsten.
vices previously available. Ocean Beach artist Wen- A village election will be held Friday, June 7, We will be highlighting high school and college
dy Erdmann designed a new mosaic tile sign for the from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Community House. graduates of the class of 2019 in the June 7 issue.
building’s exterior. Three candidates – incumbents Matthew Blake and Submissions with names and alma maters of resi-
Several local business owners have come togeth- Christopher Norris, as well as challenger Steve Einig dents of Ocean Beach and the surrounding commu-
er to form the Ocean Beach Chamber of Com- – will be vying for two trusteeships. Requests for nities must be received by May 31 for inclusion.
merce, a new non-profit organization formed to absentee ballots may be sent to Steven W. Brauti- As our community begins to once again hum with
facilitate “both economic and social growth in sup- gam, Village Clerk, P.O. Box 457, Ocean Beach, activity, I hope to see you on the boats or docks or
port of our members and the Ocean Beach com- NY 11770, by May 31. Completed ballots must be around town. Until then, enjoy the sun.
munity.” The Chamber’s executive board consists received by June 6.
On April 13, the Ocean Beach village board
1. M
ermaid Market's new pizza oven was delivered
approved an agreement with Suffolk County to open
May 8. (Courtesy Travis D'Arienzo)
a crisis center on a 900-square-foot plot of land adja-
cent to the county’s emergency operations center in 2. Staff members welcome the new Dockside pizza
Yaphank. In the event a natural disaster hinders trav- oven. (Courtesy Travis D'Arienzo)
el to the beach, government and emergency opera- 3. Louise Kushner and Sky Riggs with baby June.
tions will continue from this facility. (Courtesy Shoshanna McCollum)
2 The village office tells us the wagon park is now
open on the east tennis court adjacent to the ferry
4. The Smith-Wersebe cottage has been replaced with
this new home on the bay at Evergreen.
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 17
Ocean Beach Board of Trustees
Meeting: 5/18/19
By Emma Boskovski
THE OCEAN BEACH Village Board The Suffolk County Department of budget modifications for 2018-2019 there are three current initiatives they
of Trustees meeting held on May Health began spraying for mosquitoes were made available for residents and are working on to take place short
18 in the new Ferry Terminal Boat in Ocean Beach, and the mayor advises also is available online. term: A Meet the Candidates forum
House began at 11:15 a.m. There splashing olive oil into puddles to take “In an effort for employees to gain will be held on Saturday, May 25, at
were 14 items on the general session measures to prevent mosquito bites. knowledge and efficiency in their 11 a.m., at the Community House; a
agenda to be discussed between the The Fire Department Report listed municipal duties, we are hereby autho- clothing drive in June, with date to be
board and those in attendance, includ- changing smoke alarm batteries as the rizing John Zois to attend Suffolk announced; and the summer member-
ing budget modifications, authori- sole contribution to the meeting. County background investigations for ship meeting on Saturday, June 22.
zation and approval of attendance at The Police Department Report stat- police applicants, to be held in Brent-
Suffolk County background investi- ed that there will be four new officers wood, at a cost of $350,” Brautigam
gations for police applicants, and dis- added to the current squad that patrols said to sum up item 12 on the agenda. Editor’s Note: Minutes to the Ocean
posal of “surplus vehicle.” Item 11, the village. It also was mentioned that The surplus vehicle listed in the Beach Board of Trustees meetings that
“accept and approval of Fire Island while the ferry terminal stands to be meeting schedule is a 2007 Ford F5D transpired off-season can be found on
Water Taxi, LLC Rider ‘B’ to Lease” confusing and new, beachgoers will pickup truck that was reported to have their website at www.villageofocean-
was motioned to be tabled for the soon learn how to line up to board the a minimum value of $1,000, with no beach.org/meetings.
next meeting. ferry, saying it is important that lug- present or future use to the village,
“We are pretty much ready for the gage remain with passengers as if lin- deemed by the chief of police. There- The Ocean Beach General Elections
summer,” said Mayor Matthew Blake ing up at the airport. fore, the clerk is authorizing the sale of will be held Friday, June 7, 2019, with
in his mayor’s report as the fifth item “It is a work in progress working the vehicle with the Ocean Beach logo polls open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., at
on the agenda. He turned the report with the ferry company about how to be removed. If bids are not received, the Ocean Beach Community House
over to Steven Brautigam, treasurer, passengers will move on and off the the truck will be disposed of. on Cottage and Bay walks. May 28,
who went on to explain that multiple ferry,” Blake said. “We also will be The brief meeting came to an 2019, is the last day to register to vote
systems are fully operational. building senior citizen benches at the end with the last item on the agenda, within Suffolk County in order to vote
Brautigam listed all wells, wag- ferry terminal. People can always hearing of the citizens. A representa- in this election. Call Village Hall at
ons, generators and water systems as come into this building.” tive from the Ocean Beach Associa- 631-583-5940 with questions about
fully operational, along with multi- A motion was made to present all tion took this opportunity to announce absentee ballot application.
ple facilities such as the tennis courts, “seasonal as needed” workers for the
baseball field and community house. ratification and approval of person-
He tacked on that a new women’s nel, which includes 38 police officers,
room is also open to the public in the 10 dispatchers, a chief lifeguard, two
community house. assistant chief lifeguards, seven senior
“Twenty new trees have already lifeguards, 22 lifeguards, 11 beach
been planted in the village and more attendants, two laborers, and two mari-
are on order and will be coming in,” na dock attendants.
Brautigam said. “Flowers and banners In addition, another motion was
are being put out as we speak.” made to discuss paid and elected offi-
It also was mentioned that a cer- cials in regard to the retirement sys-
tain private construction project, vis- tem. Considering that trustee positions
ible along the bay front and from the do not work a standard workday, an
ferry when approaching the village, estimate is made for how many hours
has been ordered to remove equipment they work that clocks into the retire-
for the summer, evoking a light cheer ment system. This motion is a require-
from the crowd. ment of the board every year.
“Anti-bird devices were installed Moving along swiftly to item 10,
at the ferry terminal, plastic spikes the budget was not discussed in detail
and owls, to scare away birds,” Brau- by the board, but a motion was made
tigam said. to approve the budget. The general
Cartoon by Eric Pederson
www.fireisland-news.comTHE FIRE ISLAND NEWSPAPER • May 24, 2019 • PAGE 18
OP-ED: Lot 26 and the
Founding of Cherry Grove
By Carl Luss
THE CHERRY GROVE COMMUNITY HOUSE Island National Seashore Long Island, N.Y.” (Fletch-
and Theater was listed on the National Register of er and Kintz, 1979), describes disputes over com-
Historic Places in 2013. It carries the additional mon vs. private land ownership, which characterized
qualification, “of national significance,” gateway to Fire Island land use and tenure. An oft-cited primary
Landmark status. The research and analysis accom- source is Green vs. [David S.S.] Sammis, as an adju- Island National Seashore have subsequently incor-
panying the application process was rigorous, simi- dicated dispute. Regional agencies document that 20 porated the 1868 date in their texts.
lar to a college term paper. Primary source material proprietors (freeholders) purchased undivided beach The contradiction of dates was recognized at the
(an era’s contemporary records, deeds, maps) and property at Fire Island Inlet in 1789. time of the National Register application. Charles
secondary sources (e.g. biographies, books written Many of the freeholders and heirs never consis- Dickerson, a one-time Cherry Grove resident, mud-
by historians - which may or not be based on prima- tently filed deeds or wills with Brookhaven docu- dled Cherry Grove’s narrative, and Esther Newton
ry sources), among other resources, are incorporated menting property transfers. Over 100 parties with compounded the confusion by not addressing the
into the historic narrative. Cherry Grove’s narrative claims to Fire Island property were notified of a discordant dates she noted.
ranged from its settlement through 1969, the year of pending partition action in 1871. (Perhaps the Per- The availability of digitalized records online in
New York City’s Stonewall Riots. kinsons were among those.) One of three unbroken 2013 allowed for a broader search of primary and sec-
Luckily, the Cherry Grove Property Owners As- chains of ownership belonged to Humphrey Avery ondary sources than was possible for Davidson’s and
sociation and the Arts Project had maintained min- whose three granddaughters inherited his Fire Island Newton’s research. The most significant turn back
utes and materials documenting their activities land part in 1871, subject to the dowager rights of time article, first printed in the Fire Island Weekly,
beginning in 1944. These primary source materials their mother Betsy Avery. That was Lot 26 (the fu- was picked up by David Bailey of SCN, (October
formed the backbone of the site’s application. ture Cherry Grove) so designated on the Jonathan 1958). In it, Mrs. Myra Jones Weeks of Patchogue,
Not so easily authenticated were the “origin leg- Sammis (Surveyor) map arising out of the Great NY, the granddaughter of Archer and Elizabeth Per-
ends” of Cherry Grove itself – when it was estab- Partition of 1871-1878. Neighbors shared their Fire kinson, states that her grandparents purchased or
lished as a settlement. Legend and historians of Island lots for cattle grazing and the harvesting of leased land on Fire Island in 1868 that became pres-
record say that Archie and Elizabeth Perkinson came sedge seagrasses. In civil law a “usufruct” is the right ent-day Cherry Grove. She states “the price was 25
to Fire Island in 1868. They built accommodations, granted an individual to use and enjoy the property cents a front foot extending from bay to ocean.” This
a small dock, and began offering food and lodging of another provided they care for and maintain it and/ citation did not appear in Davidson’s or Newton’s
to hunters and fishermen visiting the Great South or pay rent. works. It was apparently newly-recovered informa-
Beach. Over time they built a hotel and named their It is entirely possible the Perkinsons rented or in- tion in 2013.
lot Cherry Grove. formally shared a lot, or were unmolested common Weeks’ narrative is considered a family oral his-
The narrative’s accuracy came into question re- law tenants of the Avery property for a number of tory, repeated over several generations. Genealogists
cently when a social media site pointed to a sign in- years preceding the Great Partition. Yet to be discov- and academic historians incorporate such primary
scribed, “Welcome to Cherry Grove, est. 1869.” ered historic papers might confirm this. Secondary sources into historic narratives with caution. Mem-
Commenters endorsed jointly celebrating the 50th sources do state the Perkinsons bought Fire Island ories can become muddled over time, are sometimes
anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Riots and the 150th property shortly following the Great Partition settle- biased accounts, or are dimmed by the interviewee’s
anniversary of Cherry Grove. No one reading the so- ment (circa 1878). age. Weeks was only 72 in 1958.
cial media column ‘owned’ creating the sign with its A turn back time article in the Suffolk County Academic historians generally concur, however,
1869 date designation. News (September 1956) recounts a historic narra- that where information obtained through oral inter-
Whether or not an anniversary event is held is un- tor describing visitors ”going to Archie’s long before views exists nowhere else, it must be taken at face
important. Legitimizing the 1868 date is a valid ex- the community was named [Cherry Grove].” The re- value. Details like price and footage are emphatic,
ercise, however, especially at a time when “alternate sort’s name does not appear on the initial July 16, supporting Weeks’ accuracy recalling the 1868 date
facts” (aka personal opinion) trumps available evi- 1878 Sammis surveyed map. as well.
dence. The goal of historians is to avoid inadvertent- The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (August 1880) carries Weeks was not a first-person observer of events
ly creating historical mythologies in pursuit of facts. a correspondent’s letter. He visited “an unpreten- in 1868 of course. She was 14 years old at Archie’s
To cut to the chase, there are no primary source re- tious but very popular resort known as Cherry Grove death and 30 years old when Elizabeth Perkinson
cords discovered as yet that conclusively confirm House, where mine host, disperses roast clams, died. The family history can be presumed to have
1868 or 1869 as the founding date of Cherry Grove. chowder and lager beer.” been shared with her, however, by those who direct-
Fire Island in the 1860s was a resort destina- 1869 first enters the Cherry Grove narrative in ly experienced it. Weeks also may have had posses-
tion that included the David S.S. Sammis Surf Hotel an essay by Charles Dickerson appearing in the Fire sion of records substantiating her narrative in 1958.
and the Dominy House near the Fire Island Light- Island News in 1969, and repeated in his self-pub- Her recall is nonetheless subjective. Oral histories
house on the western end of the island. Steam ferries lished monograph in 1975. He has Archie Perkin- are neither considered final nor necessarily conclu-
from Babylon transported visitors to these locales. son posting a sign on his dock announcing “shore sive historical records. Taken together with other
People traveled by sailboat from Sayville and Pat- dinners” in 1869. No sources are cited to confirm facts they can reinforce the analysis and interpreta-
chogue (where the Perkinson family resided) to to- that date. tion of an event.
day’s Cherry Grove. Period newspapers evidence Esther Newton relied on Dickerson’s account in Our collective history is important not only in
these facts. her academic history, “Cherry Grove, Fire Island” Cherry Grove or to Fire Island, but nationally. Belief
Maps from the 1700s indicate lifesaving cabins (1993). In a footnote, however, Newton acknowledg- in its authenticity is essential. Until primary source
and rude fishing shacks dotting the Atlantic shore- es Madeleine C. Johnson as giving 1868 for the re- records are uncovered that refute the family narrative
line. No present day communities are named. “Heads sort’s founding. by a direct descendant of the Perkinsons, and its ac-
and Horns” is a named location of present day Cher- Johnson, in 1983, authored a discourse on Fire ceptance by historians of record, 2019 will mark the
ry Grove on 1830’s maps. Beyond such markers, lit- Island’s historic communities, “Fire Island 1650s 151st birthday of Cherry Grove.
tle documentation exists regarding land ownership. –1980s.” It was for many years the only published Carl Luss is the community historian of
An online report, “Historic Resource Study, Fire “history” of Fire Island. Local historians and the Fire Cherry Grove.
Your Source for Summer News on the South Shore www.fireisland-news.comYou can also read
