STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One of Travis’s most well-known spots is Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, which has been serving the community for more than 143 years.
“The Oceanic Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 of Travis, Staten Island, was established in 1881. At that time, the town was known as Linoleumville, home of the first linoleum factory in America. The Oceanic Hook & Ladder still occupies its historic fire station at 4010 Victory Boulevard,” according to the Historic Richmond Town website.
According to an article in the Advance/SILive.com, only 10 volunteer companies remain citywide with two of them on the Island: Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 and Richmond Engine Co 1.
Originally known as the Travisville Fire Company, Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 started operating from a building on Meredith Avenue. In 1902, the original building was relocated to its current location on Victory Boulevard, where it continues to serve the community.
In 1981, members of the Oceanic Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Co., of Travis, admire one of their two engines. They are, from left to right, Robert Tater, Jim Reid, John Glein and William Smarsh. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
Victory Boulevard, at the N.E. corner of Burke Avenue (right), showing the Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. May 19, 1932 (NYPL Digital Collections)Staten Island Advance
Oceanic Hook & Ladder #1 is one of the two still active volunteer fire companies on Staten Island. This photo was taken in front of their firehouse in Travis on Victory Blvd. (No Date)Staten Island Advance
The Oceanic Hook & Ladder volunteer fire company hold festivities before the start of the annual Travis Fourth of July Parade. Friday July 4, 2014. (Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimo) Staten Island Advance
Sights and scenes from the 112th Travis Fourth of July Parade on Monday, July 4, 2022. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Staten Island Advance
Volunteer firefighters from Travis' Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 make a sneak attack on the members of Engine Company No. 154 on the Victory Boulevard homestretch of the 99th annual Travis Fourth of July Parade. 2009 (Staten Island Advance/Jamie Lee) Staten Island Advance
Members of the Oceanic Volunteer Fire Co. make their way along Victory Boulevard during the Fourth of July Parade in 2002. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company #1, the communityÕs volunteer firefighters, July 1, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance
Sights and scenes from the 112th Travis Fourth of July Parade on Monday, July 4, 2022. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Staten Island Advance
Oceanic VFD marches in the 108th Annual Travis Fourth of July Parade Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Staten Island Advance/Bill Lyons) Staten Island Advance
Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company #1, the communityÕs volunteer firefighters, July 1, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance