It's February 1974. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, a fire in a 22-story skyscraper kills 176 people.

In Berkeley, California, 19-year-old Patty Hearst is kidnaped at gunpoint from her apartment.

New York State Governor Malcolm Wilson imposes a voluntary "odd-even" gasoline rationing program. If your license plate ends in an odd number, you buy gas only on odd numbered days. If your license plate ends with an even number, you only get gasoline on even numbered days. Those with no numbers on their license plate are to get gasoline on odd numbered days. Drivers are also requested not to fill up their gas tanks if it is more than half full.

Skylab3 astronauts return to Earth after 12 weeks in space.

Julie Nixon Eisenhower predicts that the country will have a woman president within 10 years.

Nelson Rockefeller favors impeachment proceedings for President Nixon because that is "the only thing that's going to satisfy the American people."

In the New York area, more than half of the gas stations are closed. At the stations that are open, the lines of cars stretch for miles.

The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), kidnappers of Patty Hearst, demand that her father give away $300,000,000 worth of food.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Teddy Roosevelt, celebrates her 90th birthday by having tea with President Nixon.

Bess Truman, widow of President Harry S Truman, turns 89. Mrs. Truman lives as a recluse in Independence, Missouri, since the death of her husband in 1972.

Jack Benny, who always claims to be 39, celebrates his 80th birthday with a clam bake hosted by Frank Sinatra.

The Daytona 500 is shortened to 450 miles to conserve fuel. Richard Petty wins the race driving a 1974 Dodge. Petty finishes a full lap in front of runner-up Cale Yarborough.

Sonny Bono files for separation from Cher.

New York Governor Wilson makes the odd-even gas rationing plan mandatory.

At a news conference, President Nixon declares, "I do not expect to be impeached."

IBM's board of directors elects John R. Opel, 49, president.

The Home Dairy Company cafeteria and bakery at 58 Court Street in Binghamton closes after 37 years of business. The establishment was a favorite meeting place for businessmen and shoppers.

Werner Kemperer, 51, best known as Colonel Klink on "Hogan's Heroes," is in Binghamton to help raise money for the March of Dimes Telerama held at the Masonic Temple.

Gasoline prices rise to 50.4 per gallon. Many local dealers limit the amount of gas sold to drivers to $3.00. Some gas stations close on the weekends.

Most local gas station owners ignore the voluntary odd-even gas ration and sell gasoline to anyone on any day. However, most drivers are following the plan.

Robert Miller is named Tioga County's first public defender.

"The Exorcist" opens in Endicott. Eager movie-goers start lining up outside the theater two hours before showtime. One young man faints during the first half hour of the movie.

The Owego-Apalachin school officials vote to petition state and federal officials to repeal the year-round Daylight Saving Time law "so that our students will not be subjected to the danger of early morning darkness."

The Iron Kettle Inn on Route 17 in Waverly is destroyed in a fire.

Broome County increases its sales tax from 6 to 7.

Movies at local theaters include "McQ," "Serpico," "Superdad," and "Son of Flubber."

Billboard hits are You're Sixteen by Ringo Starr and Love's Theme by Love Unlimited Orchestra.

Monday night TV shows include "The Rookies," "The Magician," "Dick Van Dyke," "Here's Lucy," "Medical Center," and "Gunsmoke."

The latest fad is streaking (running naked in public).

And a ticket to see "The Exorcist" at the Cinema Theater on East Main Street in Endicott costs $3.00.