When we’re talking about the queer history of Cherry Grove, it can seem easy to discount the influence of the straight people that were here first, but a lot of what they created in the early years, would be the foundation for the community when it became gay and is still very much part of how the space is utilized today.
A sense of togetherness, specialness and freedom.
That seems to be what was always in the heart of Cherry Grove.
We talk with members of the "founding families", to find out how their ancestors arrived in Fire Island and how they have made it their home generation after generation. We'll talk about their lifestyle in mid-twentieth century Cherry Grove and how things began to change when they gays began to frequent this sleepy beach town.