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| Cherry Grove was established in 1880 by Archie Perkinson who bought
1/4 mile of beach and named it Cherry Grove for it's many cherry trees.
Soon visitors started coming. "Aunt Dell" served dinner and was famous for
making the first salt water taffy's which she later shipped to Atlantic
City. The old Jeremiah Smith house (infamous wrecker) was added on to and
turned into a hotel. Oscar Wilde was one of the first famous guests in
1882. By prohibition time the hotel was a well known destination known for
it's bootleg liquor, free lifestyle, and entertainment. It would only make sense for such an establishment since Fire Island was one of the main avenues for alcohol to come into the greater New York area. Freighters would anchor outside the territorial waters and small, low skiffs would carry the caskets onto shore through the surf. From here it would further be distributed throughout the region. The 1938 hurricane, a devastating event, all over the island nearly wiped out CG. The hotel and a few houses remained. Today CG boasts nearly 300 houses and a busy, upscale business area by the Bay. Over the next few decades CG strengthened it's reputation as a celebrity and gay beach resort. Many well known composer, writers, and artists summered or vacationed here.
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