Alexander H. Biggar, founder of Biggar Antiques, died on March 29 at the age of 84. He had been in the antiques business for more than 50 years.
He was one of the first antique dealers to deal in and sell antique advertising. He was very well known for his unusual and elaborate booths; he always had a large booth with big items. People would come just to see what he had. He might have 2,000 milk bottles or a carved carousel elephant or a mounted moose head; he always left you wondering.
Alex began Trash ‘n Treasures in Woodlawn, N.Y., a suburb of Buffalo, in the early 1950s. He began Biggar Antiques, now operated by his two sons, in Chamblee, Ga., near Atlanta, in 1973. He and his wife Bette also opened a branch of Biggar Antiques in Lake Alfred, Fla., in the early 1980s when they moved there.
Alex and Bette set up at shows across the United States. They were part of the first show in Atlantic City in the basement of the old convention center, as well as the first Indianapolis Advertising Show. Other shows included Coconut Grove, Burton, Ohio, and the Baltimore Harbor.
Alex was most often seen with a cigar in his mouth and a broom in his hand. He had a wealth of information and loved talking about antiques and his life’s journey. When you visited the store he would greet you with a smile and a story.
Alex is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bette Mae Biggar; sons, Jeffrey and William Biggar; and daughter, Wendy Thounhurst
A memorial service was held April 1 at Lake Alfred Presbyterian Church. Memorials can be sent to Lake Alfred Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1107, Lake Alfred FL 33850.
