TV PIONEER

The film ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers opens this weekend. Fred Rogers’ children’s TV career spanned 31 seasons.

“There is only one person in the whole world like you, and people can like you just because you’re you.”

—Fred Rogers

By KURT SNIBBE | Southern California News Group

BODY OF WORK

Fred Rogers began working in television in the early 1950s. He had his first 15-minute television program in Canada from 1963-67. The characters he developed there were the basis for what became “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” that went on to have 31 TV seasons.

Sweater collection

This red knit cardigan worn by Fred Rogers is in the Smithsonian American History Museum. Rogers sweaters were made by his mother until shed died in 1981. She made him a new one each Christmas. He began each show singing “Won't you be my neighbor?” one of hundreds of songs he wrote and composed. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected and special.

Spell check

From 1968-1970, the show's title was spelled “MisteRogers' Neighborhood.” Out of concern for children's spelling skills, the title was changed to “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,” in 1971.

One for the ages

The series is aimed primarily at preschool ages 2 to 5, but it was labeled by PBS as “appropriate for all ages.”

A change of pace

According to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, which has many artifacts from the show, the reason Rogers changed his coat to a sweater and work shoes to sneakers was to create a more relaxing atmosphere. That opening ritual gave children a predictable opening with some time to settle in. He was also deliberately careful about hanging up his clothes and putting his shoes away, letting children see that we are responsible for our belongings. Rogers always wore blue converse or Sperry sneakers.

Fred McFeely Rogers

was an American television personality, musician, puppeteer, writer, producer, and Presbyterian minister. Born: March 20, 1928, Latrobe, Penn. Died: February 27, 2003, Pittsburgh

19681975, a total of 590 episodes were produced before the show went on hiatus.

Daniel Striped Tiger, the first puppet ever to appear on “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” was created in 1954 for The Children's Corner broadcast in Canada. 19792001; a total of 310 episodes were produced.