Doesn’t the name Travis evoke images of a tight-knit community on Staten Island? This residential and industrial neighborhood has a story that stretches back centuries. It’s a story of ferries, factories and a community spirit that remains strong today.
Travis is bounded by Meredith Avenue and Victory Boulevard. William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge and the Fresh Kills also form boundaries. Some consider Travis part of the West Shore. Others see it as a Mid-Island neighborhood.
Once an Indian village, Travis was first known as Jersey Wharf. During the Revolutionary War, it was called New Blazing Star Ferry. A skirmish occurred here during the Battle of Staten Island. Ferries operated from Travis starting in 1757. For decades, it was part of the route between Philadelphia and New York.
In the early 19th century, the village was named Travisville after Captain Jacob Travis. Later, it was briefly known as Long Neck and Deckertown. The name changes reflect the area’s evolving identity.
A major turning point for Travis came in 1873. The American Linoleum Company chose Travis to build the nation’s first linoleum factory. Frederick Walton, the inventor of linoleum, spent two years setting up the factory here. Skilled English immigrants flocked to Travis to work at the factory. As a result, the area was renamed Linoleumville. By the early 20th century, the factory employed 700 workers. Many were Polish immigrants, creating a Polish enclave. The plant closed in 1931. Residents then overwhelmingly voted to rename the community Travis.
Despite its isolation, Travis has been touched by modern developments. The West Shore Expressway and the Teleport have altered the landscape. The area has faced challenges like poor air quality from the Fresh Kills Landfill.
Travis is known for its vibrant Independence Day parade. The parade has been held annually since 1911. Many of the community’s founding families rest in Sylvan Grove Cemetery. The cemetery is near Victory Boulevard and the West Shore Expressway. A local organization called the Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries of Staten Island is working to restore it.
Travis is also the home of the Mid Island Little League. This league famously won the 1964 Little League World Series. Mid Island Little League is located at Travis Avenue and Victory Boulevard.
Commercial development expanded in the 1980s. The UA Movie and Bowling Complex was built. The West Shore Plaza also arrived. A large industrial park called the Teleport was built. It houses internet and telecommunications companies.
Travis is protected by FDNY Squad Company 8. It is also served by Oceanic H&L Company No. 1. Oceanic was formed in 1881. This makes it one of the oldest volunteer fire houses in the country. The fire house was moved to its current location by horse.
The old Tennyson’s Confectionery still stands in Travis. It is now a balloon and party store. However, it once operated as a penny candy store for almost 100 years. It was a popular hangout for locals and firemen.
Victory Boulevard’s western terminus is in Travis. Established in 1816, it was once promoted as the fastest route from New York to Philadelphia. A ferry once linked Travis to Carteret, New Jersey. It stopped running in 1929.
Travis is also served by freight trains. These trains run on the Travis Branch of the Staten Island Railway. They connect to the Howland Hook Container Terminal and the North Shore Branch.
Travis is home to P.S. 26. Plans for a new elementary school were announced in 2020.
Ichabod Crane once lived in Travis. He detested Washington Irving’s fictional character of the same name. Isabel González dragged Linoleumville into the fight for Puerto Rican rights. Billy Urbanski, a baseball player, was born in Linoleumville. Pfc. Fred J. Walczak was present at the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Paul Zindel, the author, grew up in Travis.
Travis has a rich tapestry of history. It is a story of industry, community and resilience. From its days as Linoleumville to its present-day identity. Travis has retained a unique character that sets it apart on Staten Island.