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SAFE/HAVEN AUDIO CLIPS

In 2015 CGAC volunteers began documenting community members through audio and video interviews to capture their amazing stories and knowledge of Cherry Grove's history.


Excerpts from some of these interviews has been used as part of our Safe/Haven exhibition.



Introduction to the Safe/Haven Exhibition Walking Tour in Cherry Grove.


Cherry Grove resident Jack Dowling describes his experience coming to the Grove in the 1950s.


Grove resident Audrey Hartmann describes discovering the safehaven of the Grove, while visiting a neighboring community.


Audrey Hartmann discusses the risks of being outed as gay person in the 1950s.


Michael McPherson, who still lives in Cherry Grove today describes the campy costume parties of the 1950s.


Cherry Grove resident George Cabell details his dramatic experience hiding during police raids of the famous Meat Rack, a popular cruising location on Fire Island.


Long-time resident of Cherry Grove Edrie Ferdun (who's still owning the floor at community tea-dances) comments about lesbian sexuality in the Grove when she first arrived.


Grove resident and cabaret icon Robert "Rose" Levine describes how he first discovered the historic Cherry Grove Theater.


Audrey Hartmann recalls how her partner Maggie McCorkle made the theater a more inclusive place for women.


Artist and Cherry Grove legend Jack Dowling expresses his passion for the queer community that exists because of the gay men and women who paved the way in the 1950s.