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

His Legacy Continues

Not long after Mr. Rogers retired, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and sadly passed away on February 27, 2003. He passed away in the comfort of his own home with his wife by his side. Mr. Rogers was a Pennsylvania native and the following day The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette dedicated its entire front page to him. Many people around the world grieved and paid tribute to him in their own special ways. Although he has departed this world, his legacy continues to live on and even grow as new generations watch his show, visit his theme park, or watch the spinoff Daniel Tiger. He is undoubtedly one of the most beloved TV personalities of all time.

His production company came up with a clever idea to keep his memory alive, and particularly to commemorate what would have been his 80th birthday. They created “Won’t You Wear a Sweater Day.” Fans around the globe were told to take part in this new “holiday” to wear their own favorite sweater in honor of Mr. Rogers. They have continued the tradition and the day takes place every year on March 20th. In Philadelphia, there is the Fred Rogers Center which contains archives of more than 16,000 items from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The archive includes puppets and props along with other special Mr. Rogers items including Daniel Striped Tiger, the Neighborhood Trolley, X the Owl, scripts from the show, handwritten letters sent by Rogers, photographs, various awards, and even viewer mail.

You Can Still Visit Mr. Rogers

Although Mr. Rogers departed from this world, there are still many ways you can visit him. You could travel to Hollywood and visit Mr. Rogers star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which he was awarded in 1998. His star is located on the south side of the 6500 block of Hollywood Boulevard if you ever feel like visiting him there. After Mr. Rogers passed away he was buried on a hilltop in the Unity Cemetery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, which was also his birthplace, along with his mother, father, and other family members. There is a family mausoleum which bears the surname “Given.” If you wish to pay your respect you can find his burial site at the back of the cemetery.

After his death, a friend of his also had a statue commissioned of him. It is located along the North Shore in Pittsburgh, and the statue is entitled the “Tribute to Children,” and was created by artist Robert Berks. Lastly, you can, of course, visit him by watching his show! If you visit PBS’ website there are many original Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood episodes available for viewing. PBS describes the videos by saying “in this variety of videos, children are not only introduced to people and places far beyond their own neighborhood, but also are invited to create a relationship with a trusted adult who addresses their inner feelings and concerns.” What a magnificent man and legacy Mr. Rogers left the to world.