The town of Owego was organized on March 14, 1800. As with most of the small towns along the Susquehanna River, agriculture and lumber were the first major industries and continue to thrive today. The river was central to the town's development, with steamboats constructed on its banks carrying thousands of happy excursionists to Hiawatha Island to spend the day picnicking, dancing, and bowling at the island hotel. A number of farms disappeared in...