Bigelow was originally founded in 1838 by Dr. Galen Hunter. Originally called the Village Apothecary Shop, it was later bought and renamed by Clarence Otis Bigelow in 1880. Mr. Bigelow worked alongside Dr. Hunter and eventually took over the shop.

For nearly two centuries Bigelow has been a destination for some of the country's most prominent personalities, from Mark Twain, Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosvelt to modern silver screen starlets and esteemed writers, musicians and artists. C.O. Bigelow is, and always has been, a hot spot for those in the know.

At the turn of the century Samuel Clemens (akaka Mark Twain) filled his prescriptions at C.O. Bigelows.