Sitting in the car this morning waiting for it to warm up and the ice to melt enough to scrape off… I heard a news story on the radio that today marks the 40th anniversary of the first broadcast of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. I think we all grew up with it. Sitting there listening to the brief news story a lot of memories came back. When the news clip ended with the audio of Fred Roger’s singing that good-bye song he closed every episode with, it was easy to sing along in my head. I remembered every word.
To tell the truth, my eyes got just a little misty. Just a little.
Fred Rogers was born and raised in Latrobe, PA. (Home of the Benedicinte Archabbey of St. Vincent which is in turn the birthplace of Rolling Rock!) His early childhood was as an only child until his parents fostered an African American boy whom Rogers came to view as his older brother. That same older brother became a Tuskegee Airman and later taugh Rogers to fly. Yes, Mr. Rogers was a pilot.
Years later Rogers would be ordained a Presbyterian minister with deep convictions for children’s welfare and education. Really, thinking about his show, those convictions shined through. Mister Roger’s never had to tell anyone he was Rev. Rogers. His actions did just that.
What is notable and special about MRN was how the program was not tainted by agendas which seem to predominate a lot of other similar types of programing. There was a sincere wish to see to it children learned some things and had fun doing so. Personally speaking, I think it accomplished just that. I still remember watching how crayons and trumpets are made. (Not at the same time, of course, though that would be cool.)
Very quickly, if anyone tries to feed you some line about Rev. Rogers being a snyper or a criminal (you know what I am talking about!), as politely as possible, tell them they are a moron.
If you, like me, have fond memories of the adventures of Rogers and his pals Lady Elaine, King Friday, Daniel the Tiger Cub, and Mr. McFeeley (named after Roger’s maternal grandfather) take a moment sometime today to offer a small prayer for the peaceful repose of this peaceful man.
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February 19, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I remmeber always being fascinated to watch him change shoes (and change sweaters?). I also loved the train to the make believe world. King Friday, right? Wasn’t there somebody named Tuesday, as well?
February 19, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I remember the crayola factory. I think that was my favorite ep.
I need to watch some documentaries on how various stuff is made and bring out my inner Rogers.
Didn’t his African American brother produce the less-successful Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood? heh.
February 20, 2008 at 1:40 am
I loved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. It was so peaceful there.
February 20, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I was born in Latrobe, too. It also produced Arnold Palmer and, supposedly, the banana split
Rogers donated a chapel to the hospital there. Part of his grandfather McFeely’s country home is now a county park in neighboring Indiana County.
February 21, 2008 at 10:47 am
The crayon episode was neat-o!
February 22, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I had the opportunity to meet him once. He spoke at Commencement at Marquette University when I was in administration there. He shook my hand, and wished me God’s blessing. During the course of his address, he sang “It’s You I Like” to the graduates!
He was a good and decent man.