In 1975, the two large metallic
lions were placed at the south entrance to the Tioga County Courthouse
in Owego. The lions once guarded the entrance to a large brick mansion
which was built by Dr. and Mrs. Wilson in the 1860s at the corner of Main
Street and Central Avenue in the village. The lions were originally in
front of a ouse in New York City which Mrs. wilson used to pass by when
shewas a child. When the New York City house was demolished, Dr. Wilson
bought the lions for his wife and brought them to Owego. In 1903, Dr. Wilson's
widow transferred the deed to James J. Walker. The house was sold tothe
Grand Union in 1965 and was torn down to create room for a parking lot.
The Walker family kept the lions, however, and stored them in a barn behind
their house on Main Street. In 1975, Ella Walker, duaghter of James J.
Walker, loaned the lions to the county and asked that they be placed in
front of the courthouse.
See "25
Years Ago"
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