This is a short form post to shoutout C.O. Bigelow and a cat named Allegra.
C.O. Bigelow is the oldest apothecary in the US. It was founded in 1838. I live close to its 6th Avenue Brick and Mortar and started visiting often about a year ago. The prices are very high. Usually I would go in there to just ogle the clip counter, home to many novelty and French imported tortoise shell hair clips.
But one day back last November, I visited Bigelow and was delighted to find out the following:
C.O. Bigelow had a cat named Allegra.
Yes, that’s correct. Wandering the store and immortalized in seasonal ornaments there was the black and white tabby cat Allegra. 17 years old and neighborhood icon, Allegra would often rest in the front shop window or disappear for hours.
When Bigelow made a Christmas ornament of Allegra I begged for it for in my Christmas List Post.
When I did receive the Allegra Christmas ornament under my tree, I was struck with glee. Because it filled me with such joy (Allegra in Italian does, afterall, mean cheerful) to share a name with the Bigelow cat.
I used to think that this nomenclature coincidence tied me to my neighborhood. Because whenever I visited Bigelow, I looked for Allegra. I wanted to spend time with her, and understand her Bigelow. We met on only two occasions, once near the baby lotion and another time near the Aquaphor tubs. She was timid but understanding to my greetings.
But Allegra the cat died this week. And it is very sad. She was 17. I know she is happy in heaven and at peace.
I feel so lucky that I got to meet her in the flesh. I am so grateful to Bigelow for honoring her as they did in life and now also in death. Currently at Bigelow, there is a small shrine to Allegra. I will place a flower there this week.
Sometimes a pharmacy is actually a home. And because Allegra the cat lived in Bigelow, I did too. I feel connected to animals always and I felt inextricably tied to the elusive and beautiful Bigelow Allegra. She came into my life when I needed a sign that I belonged: in my neighborhood, in New York, in myself.
She showed me her home and how to hang in it.
And I would.
I kept going back to Bigelow to bother Claire, Emily and anyone else working the counter. I usually can’t afford shit but when I saved up or got paid on Fridays every so often I would purchase a hair clip.
I won’t sit here and pretend like my lifestyle is one that can be accessorized with the merchandise and toiletries at Bigelow.
But I can tell you about the laughter between friends, Claire and Emily, while working behind the counter.
I can tell you that the old wood of the store smells like soap and that the products are arranged like candies in a dish.
I can describe the beauty of this herbal essence that reminds me of the rose bushes near Jefferson Market Garden.
I could tell you all of these things but what does it matter?
Go there yourself. Talk to Emily. Smell something beautiful and put a flower at Allegra’s alter.
See for yourself the beauty of a hair clip and ogle at a new perfume. Let it sit on your skin and even if you can’t afford it, know that an employee is still more than eager to spend time with YOU.
At Bigelow they give a fuck. I wouldn’t go there if they didn’t.
And enjoy it.
Know that Allegra used to roam those grounds. Surveying the land and resting comfortably in the sun. Honor the space by treating it with respect and dignity. Because Bigelow will show you that in return.
It certainly has to me, Allegra, who wishes to be the next best Allegra there ever was.
Right after a 17 year old black and white tabby, who was as brilliant as a Sunny New York day.
Allegra and Allegra 🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎
this melted my heart. Here's a flower for Allegra the cat 🌼 and one for Allegra the great writer 🌼