25 Years Ago
by Beverly Brown

It's March 1976. President Ford wins the Republican Presidential Primaries in Massachusetts, Vermont, Florida, and Illinois, but his opponent Ronald Reagan refuses to pull out of the race.

Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson wins the Democratic Primary in Massachusetts. Jimmy Carter wins the Democratic Primaries in Vermont, Florida, and Illinois.

Queen Elizabeth consents to the breakup of the 16-year marriage of her sister, Princess Margaret, 45, and Lord Snowden.

Prime Minister Harold Wilson, 60, shocks Britain by resigning.

Patricia Hearst is found guilty of armed robbery.

In Colorado, Andy Williams' ex-wife, Claudine Longet, 35, faces criminal charges in the shooting death of her lover, Vladimar "Spider" Sabich, 31, a former ski champion. Longet says that Sabich was showing her how to hold a gun when it went off.

Ronald Reagan upsets Ford's winning streak with his victory in the North Carolina Republican Presidential Primary. Carter wins the Democratic primary in that state.

Field Marshal Montgomery, 88, a World War II hero, dies in his sleep at his home in England.

Senator Hubert Humphrey visits Binghamton. He says Ford's economic policy will cost him the election.

In Owego, the American Legion Ambulance Service dedicates the "Dr. George F. Pritchard Memorial Heartmobile."

Town of Owego Supervisor William Engelhard and Tioga County Legislature Chairman Edward Hubbard think it would be a good idea if the county bought Hickories Park from the town.

The Kirby Band of Nichols celebrates their 100th birthday.

The Hiawatha Island Preservation Corporation, a nonprofit group formed by five Tioga County residents, wants to buy the 11-acre island and give it to New York State for a state park. However, current ownership of the island is in dispute.

Village of Owego Mayor Robert Burger suggests expanding the village police department's coverage area to include the entire Town of Owego.

The Town of Owego Board authorizes supervisor William Engelhard to offer $75,000 for the Parker home at 113 Front Street (pictured). The town plans to use it as a town hall.

Robert Burger is re-elected mayor of the Village of Owego.

The 24th Annual Winter Sports Banquet is held at the Owego VFW. The Outstanding Boy Sportsmanship Award is given to Dan Reynolds. The Outstanding Girl Sportsmanship Award is given to Karen Eiklor.

About 30 SUNY Binghamton students take over offices on the 8th floor of the university's Administration Building to protest budget cuts.

The Owego Free Academy Band participates in an exchange concert at Burrillville, Rhode Island.

Lyster Hetherington, 81, who worked with the Boy Scouts and taught science at OFA for 25 years, dies.

Monday night TV shows include The Rich Little Show, Sara, On theRocks, GoodHeavens, JoeForrester, All in the Family, Jigsaw John, and Medical Center.

Movies playing at local theaters include I Will, I Will . . . for Now with Elliot Gould and Diane Keaton; Taxi Driver starring Robert deNiro and Jodie Foster; Next Stop, Greenwich Village; The Legend of Big Foot; and Robin and Marian.

And if you're looking for a new car, a Ford Pinto Pony costs $2,995; a Bobcat 3-door hatchback costs $3,176; a Chrysler Cordoba is $4,977; and a '76 Chrysler Town & Country is $6,299.