25 Years Ago

 It's June, 1979. Pope John Paul II returns to his homeland of Poland for a nine-day visit. More than 250,000 Poles greet him when he arrives.

 Actor Jim Hutton, 45, a Binghamton native, dies from liver cancer. He was best known as TV's Ellery Queen.

 New York Governor Hugh Carey says that by the end of the year we will be paying $1.50 a gallon for gas.

 The Civil Aeronautics Board gives Allegheny Airlines permission to change their name to USAir.

 The Federal Government grounds all domestic DC-10s because of the discovery of new engine-mount defects.

 Actor Jack Haley, 79, dies. He was best known for his role as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.

 More than a million people attend the Pope's last Mass during his trip to Poland.

 John Wayne, 72, dies. He appeared in more than 200 films, and won an Oscar for his role in True Grit.

 A Delta Airlines jet is hijacked while on route from New York to Fort Lauderdale. 

 Mandatory odd-even gas rationing is implemented in New York City. 

 Elvis Presley's father, Vernon Presley, 63, dies from heart failure.

 Wilson and Binghamton General Hospitals consider merging into one Regional Medical Center.

 Drazen's Department Store files for bankruptcy and plans to close their Ithaca Store. Their stores in Endicott, the Oakdale Mall, and downtown Binghamton will remain open.

 In Owego, a three-day auction is held to sell the contents of the Pumpelly house at 44 Front Street.

 The Yegatta Regatta River Regatta is held in Binghamton. More than 400 rafts are entered and the event raises about $10,000 for charity. 

 Local gas prices at full-service stations range from 85.9 cents for regular to $1.03 for unleaded gas.

 Monday night TV shows include Little House on the Prairie, The White Shadow, M*A*S*H, WKRP in Cincinnati, and Lou Grant.

 Movies playing in local theaters include Good Guys Wear Black, Walk Proud, The In-Laws, Prophecy, Rocky II, Butch & Sundance The Early Years, Alien  Escape from Alcatraz, The Main Event, Moonraker, and Nightwing.

 Top tunes include Hot Stuff by Donna Summer, Love You Inside Out by Bee Gees, We are Family by Sister Sledge, Goodnight Tonight by Wings, and Just WhenI Needed You Most by Randi Vanwarmer.

 And "you-pick" strawberries at local farms cost 48¢ a pound.