25 Years Ago

  It's February 1981. President Ronald Reagan celebrates his 70th birthday with a private party at the White House.

 Rock & Roll musician Bill Haley, 55, dies of a heart attack. His band, called Bill Haley and His Comets, recorded hits such as Rock Around the Clock and Shake, Rattle and Roll. 

 In Las Vegas, fire breaks out at the Hilton Hotel, one of the largest hotel/casinos in the world. Eight people die in the fire.

 Pope John Paul II travels to the Philippines.

 Richard Petty wins the Daytona 500 race in Florida.

 President Reagan announces his plans to improve the economy by implementing a $41 billion cut in federal spending.

 Jean Harris is found guilty of murdering Dr. Herman Tarnower, the Scarsdale Diet doctor.

 In London, Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Prince Charles, 32, to Lady Diana Spencer, 19. During a TV interview, when asked if they are in love, Diana replies, "Yes, of course." The prince adds, "Whatever ‘in love' means."

 At the Grammy Awards, Best Pop Vocalist goes to Kenny Loggins for This Is It and Bette Midler for The Rose. Anne Murray is chosen as Best Female Country Vocalist for Could I Have this Dance. George Jones is chosen as Best Male Country Singer for He Stopped Loving Her Today.

  An early morning fire in the basement of the State Office Building in Binghamton causes toxic fumes and ash to spread throughout the 18-story building. Cleanup may keep workers out of the building for a week.

 A winter storm dumps about 4 1/2 inches of snow on the Southern Tier.
 SUNY-Binghamton's Theater Department performs Spoon River Anthology in the Watters Theater. Tickets are $4, $3, and $2.

 State University Trustees vote to raise tuition for undergraduates from $900 to $1,050.

 Twelve days after the State Office Building fire, the cost of the cleanup reaches $300,000 and may cost more than $1 million. The Broome County Health Commissioner states that it will be years before the building reopens.

 Juanita Crabb, 32, begins her campaign for mayor of Binghamton.

 Imogene Coca appears at the Forum in Makin' Whoopee. Tickets are $13.50, $12.50, and $11.50.

 In Johnson City, Hancock's Apparel Shoppe closes after 70 years in business.

 At the Vestal Plaza, Resnick's closes.

 Two more toxins are found in the State Office Building. Cleanup procedures now include gutting the interior and destroying the furniture. How long will it be before workers return to the building?

 Monday night TV shows include Little House on the Prairie, The White Shadow, That's Incredible!, House Calls, M*A*S*H, Dynasty, Foul Play, and Lou Grant.
 Movies playing at local theaters include Altered States; Fort Apache, the Bronx; Hangar 18; The Competition; My Bloody Valentine; The Devil and Max Devlin; 
Mountain Family Robinson; Jazz Singer; and Raging Bull.

 Top tunes include Nine to Five by Dolly Parton, I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit, Celebration by Kool and the Gang, Woman by John Lennon, and Passion by Rod Stewart.

 And roses are in short supply for Valentine's Day. A single rose costs about $2.50, a half dozen about $15.