Passing by C.O. Bigelow on Sixth Avenue off 8th Street yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice a black & white cat in the window. Curious to know more, I spoke with Bigelow owner Ian Ginsberg today for some background on the cat and learned of the store’s extensive history.
What we know as C.O. Bigelow was originally founded in 1838 by Dr. Galen Hunter as the Village Apothecary Shop, and, according to Mr. Ginsberg, it was a “big gathering place,” as apothecaries were at that time. The original location was next door where LifeThyme now stands. In 1880, the business was purchased by Clarence Otis Bigelow who changed the name and, in 1902, Mr. Bigelow had the building built which bears his name. The store has resided there ever since.
It was a tradition for the business to pass from employer to employee. However, in the ’30’s, the store was somewhat “rundown” so, in 1939, Ian Ginsberg’s grandfather bought it. Ian Ginsberg himself has been around the store “all his life.” The philosophy under his care has been to “remain independent” and not to attempt competing with chain stores like Duane Reade (down the block) but to make the business “something we can own,” playing on its history and independent status. So, you will walk in the store and you will still find a pharmacy as well as Bigelow’s own products alongside unique lines like Jane Iredale and Dr. Hauschka, among many others, and the people who work there are able to tell you about them.
As for Allegra the cat, she is about four years old and came to the store after previous cat Rex, who was well known to customers and had many fans, died. However, Mr. Bigelow, the cat who preceded Rex, was perhaps more famous – warranting his own New York Times obituary! Ian Ginsberg admitted, “We’ve always had cats although I personally am not a big fan [of them]. More people come to see the cat than to see me.”
Allegra, like all the Bigelow cats is a “rescue cat” and her presence is often behind-the-scenes. She is “not as visible as the others,” Mr. Ginsberg said. I’d never noticed her before so, when I saw her in the window watching passers by on Sixth Avenue, I decided to snap a photo. An interesting tidbit: The name Allegra comes from the allergy medicine as Ian Ginsberg is also allergic to cats!
C.O. Bigelow, 410 Sixth Avenue between W. 8th and W. 9th Streets, Greenwich Village
Also, Here: Reviews On Yelp.
Great post.
Thank you, Clair!
Cathryn
This is another Great Story about Greenwich Village and all its inhabitants and wonderful Memories!!
Certainly Bigelows and its Cats, The long gone fountain that served great Food, as well as its renowned Customer Service Top the List!!! The Ginsberg family are Tops!!!!!
Hi Preston,
Thanks so much for your feedback and memories!
Cathryn