It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood: A Look Back At Mr. Rogers

Rides and Asteroids Named for Mr. Rogers

In Pennsylvania, there exists a theme park named Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. The park was created in partnership with Fred Rogers Company. The park was built with the intention of carrying on Mr. Rogers’ legacy. The park has many different attractions for visitors to take advantage of including a life-sized trolley leading to a life-sized version of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. There, visitors, are able to interact with a variety of characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Mr. Rogers is also esteemed enough to have an actual asteroid named after him. Mr. Rogers was actually a huge astronomy fan, the asteroid is named 26858 Misterrogers. When The International Astronomical Union dedicated the asteroid they issued a statement saying, “Fred McFeely Rogers (1928–2003) was a tireless and passionate advocate for children who taught that everyone is unique and deserving of love and respect ‘just the way you are’. For more than 30 years he used his public television program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a vehicle of service to the youngest members of the human family.” What a beautiful sentiment!

Mr. Roger’s Was a Progressive Man

Mr. Rogers’ show, although a children’s show, featured some of the most progressive moments on television for the time it was made. For example, François Clemmons was an actor who played the neighborhood policeman, “Officer Clemmons” for 25 years He was one of the first African Americans to have a recurring role on a children’s series.

Mr. Rogers was also somewhat of a breastfeeding advocate. During one episode, called “Food,” a variety of animal babies were showcased while they were eating from their mothers. Mr. Rogers included a human baby in the montage. And to think that today breastfeeding is still considered scandalous!