Standing in front of the United States Postal Service facility in Owego and just before the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Wednesday morning announced a major new effort to commemorate the life and legacy of legal pioneer, feminist icon and Upstate native Belva Ann Lockwood. Specifically, Schumer announced that upon returning to Washington, he would be introducing legislation in the Senate to rename the post office at 6 Lake Street, Owego, the “Belva Lockwood Post Office Building” in honor of this Tioga County trailblazer. Schumer explained that Lockwood, born in 1830 and former principal of the Owego Female Seminary, was one of their very first women accredited to practice law in the United States, the first woman to try a case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court and the first woman to appear on an official ballot as a candidate for President of the United States. He said she could not be more deserving of having this post office rededicated in her honor.
By Michael Baldwin
