Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0113

Original Air Date: July 24, 1968

  

Mister Rogers turns down the lights and uses a flashlight to look for various objects in the room. With the lights back on, he uses a sheet to cover a picture in the kitchen to show that it is still there even though it cannot be seen.

After pouring himself a glass of milk, Mister Rogers turns down the lights again and talks about nighttime. Sitting quietly, he sings Please Don't Think It's Funny.

Miss Emilie stops by and shares a poem about nighttime and the light of the moon. Picture Picture shows images of the moon as Miss Emilie reads the poem a second time.

It is nighttime in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and X the Owl is watching the moon. Handyman Negri has been called by Lady Elaine Fairchilde for a drink of water. He stops at the tree on his way and sings To Go To Someplace Else with X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat.

At Someplace Else, Handyman Negri provides Lady Elaine with a drink before she sings Some Things I Don't Understand. Handyman Negri quietly calms the mood by singing Tree Tree Tree. Lady Elaine continues singing after Handyman Negri returns to the castle.

Back at the house, Handyman Negri stops by with his guitar and plays Tomorrow with Mister Rogers.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0113 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Neighborhood Archive Top 10 of 2012

As 2012 winds down and comes to a close in the coming hours, I wanted to reflect on the many great things that have happened here at the Neighborhood Archive over the past twelve months. It was hard to do, but here's a run through of my Neighborhood Archive Top Ten for 2012.

10. A Conversation with Eliot Daley

In September, I had the pleasure of speaking with Eliot Daley -- the one-time President of Small World Enterprises and Executive Vice-President of Family Communications Inc. With endless insights to offer, I definitely hope to connect with Mr. Daley again in the early parts of 2013!

9. The Smoking Mr. McFeely Legend

After much speculation, it was good to finally put to rest the urban legend that Mr. McFeely once lit up a cigarette on an early episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

8. Our Small World

One of the coolest pieces of Mister Rogers memorabilia that I've come across to date is definitely Our Small World -- a book from the Children's Corner days documenting some fascinating background information on the Neighborhood's best-known characters.

7. Mister Rogers & Me

The Wagner Brothers hit us hard with their documentary, Mister Rogers & Me. As expected, this film honored the legacy of Fred Rogers...but even more, it faced us with the challenge of doing our part to carry on this legacy in our own deep and simple ways. Spread the message.

6. Trolley Pictures

Thanks to a lead from Neighborhood Archive pal Guy Hutchinson, the trolley pictures that hung next to Mister Rogers' closet for so many years were identified!

5. Facebook Page

January of 2012 saw the launch of the Neighborhood Archive Facebook page which has proven to be a fantastic way to communicate with Archive readers and longtime fans of the Neighborhood. If you've not liked the Neighborhood Archive on Facebook yet, I encourage you to do so. Quite honestly, there is a decent amount of stuff that is shared on there that never shows up here on the blog.

4. Audrey Roth

Although the audio recording itself could have been better, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Audrey Roth back in October. Even if you've listened to this conversation before, it's worth revisiting as she was such a joy to talk with!

3. Classic Episodes

It was earlier this year that I had exhausted the supply of Neighborhood episodes that I had on hand -- everything I had was covered on the site. Through a humbling dose of outside generosity and support, I was able to start from the beginning by covering episodes of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood that haven't been seen in decades!

For the time being at least, these episodes are not currently available for public viewing in video format -- but through screenshots, descriptions, and notes, fans are able to relive the establishment of the Neighborhood!

2. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

The long-awaited debut of the Neighborhood's next generation hit us in 2012.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood has been nothing short of a total success -- in my house and across the country. Children tune in daily to visit with Daniel and his friends as they carry on the timeless message of Fred Rogers.

1. Garden of Your Mind

Easily the highlight of my Mister Rogers year was Garden of Your Mind -- the melodysheep remix creation featuring autotuned clips from the Neighborhood.

I still can't hear Mr. McFeely's name without thinking "I didn't order any whistles." Seriously, I got chills the first time I heard this and was left all but speechless. The legacy of Mister Rogers continues.

As I said four years ago, the Neighborhood Archive is a continuous work in progress. As it continues to grow on a daily basis, I am forever grateful to those who make this site possible and to each and every one of you as readers.

Here's to many more great things to come in 2013!

T.T.T. Pin Sighting

I was sorting through some stuff this afternoon and came across the T.T.T. pin that I picked up a few months ago.

Moments later, my eye caught a detail on the cover of the LP Around the Children's Corner that I'd never noticed before.

Take a look at that pin on Josie Carey's lapel. Look familiar?

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0112

Original Air Date: July 23, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a homemade drum made by a young friend and uses lollipops as drumsticks to demonstrate the instrument. Suggesting that playing the drums is a good way to release angry feelings, he sings What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel.

A drum set is already put together in the living room and Mr. Rawsthorne stops by for a short performance. He talks about learning to play the drums before playing along with a jazzy version of What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Dr. Marchl stops by the tree where he finds that Henrietta Pussycat has not been sleeping well due to Lady Elaine Fairchilde's excessive noise at night.

Moving on to the castle, Dr. Marchl learns from Lady Elaine that she has been dreaming about bears and believes that her dreams will come true. Having seen two bears in the Neighborhood, Lady Elaine feels that it is her duty to warn everyone else of their presence. Dr. Marchl explains that the bears were performers in the Neighborhood with their trainer. He goes on to explain that just because a person dreams something does not mean that it will happen. Lady Elaine goes inside the castle where she observes a performance by Johnson's Performing Bears.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers is talking on the telephone to Mr. Rawsthorne who suggests that he use the snare drum to sound like the roar of a bear. After pretending to be a bear, Mister Rogers talks about dreams and sings It's Good to Talk.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0112 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Four Years of the Neighborhood Archive

Can you belive it's been four years?!?

It was Christmas Eve 2008 that I made the first post to the Neighborhood Archive blog and this project was off and running. What started as a hobby has grown far beyond anything I could have imagined and for that I thank each and every one of you. Your contributions and dedication to the Neighborhood Archive are what keep this effort going strong.

I have met some wonderful people over the past four years from fans to cast members. I've come across common memorabilia and pieces that I never knew existed. With much planned for the coming year, I look forward to what 2013 has in store for the Neighborhood Archive!

From my neighborhood to yours...Merry Christmas!

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0111

Original Air Date: July 22, 1968

  

Mister Rogers has been thinking about pianos and arrives with a flashlight which he uses to look inside his own piano. Showing the hammers and strings, Mister Rogers uses a model to explain how the piano parts make music. Picture Picture shows a film about how people make pianos before Mister Rogers sings Everybody's Fancy.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Van Cliburn performs on the piano for King Friday and Sara Saturday. He describes how he learned to play the piano as a young boy.

Lady Aberlin stops by Mister Rogers' house to borrow a pair of earmuffs. It is very noisy at Someplace Else and Donkey Hodie cannot sleep so Lady Aberlin would like to let him use the earmuffs.

At Someplace Else, Donkey Hodie is tired because Lady Elaine Fairchilde is continually tuning her piano at night. Lady Aberlin explains what it means to be a good neighbor and they come to the agreement that Lady Elaine will only work on her piano during the day.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0111 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - Episode 115

Original Air Date: November 1, 2012
Titles: The Neighborhood Votes / The Class Votes

 

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 115 of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, click the images above or visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0110

Original Air Date: July 19, 1968

  

Having completed the basket he was making, Mister Rogers arrives ready to celebrate Mr. McFeely's birthday. After talking about surprises, Mister Rogers sings Today is a Special Day.

Chef Brockett arrives with a birthday cake which he and Mister Rogers decorate with gumdrops.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Handyman Negri shares a Speedy Delivery pennant with Lady Aberlin. This gift was made for Mr. McFeely by Sara Saturday with the materials being purchased by King Friday. Lady Aberlin and Handyman Negri are asked to deliver the gift to Mr. McFeely as representatives of the kingdom.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers and Chef Brockett are making final arrangements for the party as Mr. McFeely arrives. Presenting him with the cake, Mister Rogers and Chef Brockett sing Today is a Special Day before the other guests begin to arrive. Lady Aberlin delivers the glass made by Daniel Striped Tiger and gives Mr. McFeely a gift of her own -- a kiss on the cheek. Handyman Negri arrives with the chair for Mr. McFeely's bicycle, the pennant from King Friday and Sara Saturday, and his own gift of song -- Today is a Special Day played on his guitar. Last but not least, Miss Emilie arrives with a birthday poem for Mr. McFeely.

After the party guests and a grateful Mr. McFeely depart, Mister Rogers sings I'm Taking Care of You.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0110 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Additions to the Archive

For those of you who may not following along with the Neighborhood Archive on Facebook, you may have missed some recent additions to the site. Here are some items that have been covered in recent weeks on the Archive and/or shared on the Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

If you're not already, I encourage you to join us on Facebook -- it's an easy way to be notified of the regular updates to the Neighborhood Archive!

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0109

Original Air Date: July 18, 1968

  

Upon his arrival, Mister Rogers does not change into his sweater. Instead, he goes to the kitchen where he uses the map of the Neighborhood to show viewers the workshop of Jan Zandhuis -- a glassblower they will be visiting. Before leaving, Mister Rogers sings Let's Be Together Today.

At his workshop, Mr. Zandhuis is putting the finishing touch on a birthday gift for Mr. McFeely -- a glass bicycle. Mister Rogers asks him to blow a few glass balls before Betty Aberlin stops by to ask for some excelsior -- packaging paper for Daniel Striped Tiger's gift to Mr. McFeely.

Returning to the house, Mister Rogers changes into his sweater and talks about various glass items found inside his house.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin stops by the Tower where she asks Grandpere's machine for a box to help Daniel package his gift. After saying goodbye to Grandpere, Lady Aberlin moves on to the clock where Daniel shows her his gift -- a drinking glass with Mr. McFeely's name on it. As they talk, Daniel accidentally knocks the glass to the floor where it shatters. Clearly upset, Daniel is comforted by Lady Aberlin who agrees to help him make another glass. She borrows a broom and dust pan from Daniel to clean up the broken glass.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings a "broken glass" variation of Sometimes People Are Good before he talks about things being broken by accident. He also talks about the importance of having good friends and, in preparation for Mr. McFeely's birthday, sings Today is a Special Day.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0109 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0108

Original Air Date: July 17, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a mother turtle and a baby turtle borrowed from the pet store. Taking them to the kitchen, he places them in a bowl and gives them some food. After encouraging viewers to pretend that they are turtles, Mister Rogers sings The Clown in Me.

Miss Emilie stops by with a book about animals which she shares with Mister Rogers. After reading the book, Miss Emilie mentions that it is a birthday gift for Mr. McFeely.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Mr. McFeely delivers an order of lumber to the factory where Corny talks to him about his upcoming birthday. Corny is planning a surprise for Mr. McFeely and offers him a measuring stick to measure the size of his delivery bicycle.

After Mr. McFeely has gone, Miss Emilie stops by the factory with her animal book. Corny tells her that he is making a special seat for the back of Mr. McFeely's bicycle so others can ride along with him. Before Miss Emilie moves on, Corny sings I'm a Man Who Manufactures.

At the tree, Miss Emilie shares the animal book with Henrietta Pussycat and X the Owl. Henrietta mentions that she wants to give Mr. McFeely a kiss for his birthday.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings a bit more of The Clown in Me before Mr. McFeely stops by to pick up the turtles.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0108 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0107

Original Air Date: July 16, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a jump rope which he does his best to demonstrate. After jumping rope for a moment, he takes out a partially woven basket that he has been making as a surprise for Mr. McFeely's upcoming birthday. As he continues work on the basket, Mister Rogers sings You Have To Learn Your Trade.

When Mr. McFeely stops by, Mister Rogers asks viewers to meet him at the door while he hides the basket. According to Mr. McFeely, a group of gymnasts are performing at the castle.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, the gymnasts -- Bernie Jessol, Lowell Meek, and Akeba Blazia -- perform for King Friday and Sara Saturday.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers talks about the importance of practicing a talent before Chef Brockett visits to remind him that Mr. McFeely's birthday is coming up. As Chef Brockett pretends to cook in the kitchen, Mister Rogers tries to guess what he is planning to make for Mr. McFeely. Of course, Chef Brockett is planning to bake a birthday cake. Picture Picture reveals that Mr. McFeely would like a cake decorated with gum drops.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0107 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0106

Original Air Date: July 15, 1968

  

Mister Rogers talks about fairy tales and reads the book he brought with him -- Little Red Riding Hood.

After putting on a hood himself, Mister Rogers is visited by Mr. McFeely who stops by with a parka given to him for his birthday by his grandchildren. Mister Rogers learns that Friday will be Mr. McFeely's birthday.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin is dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and stops at the clock where she gives Daniel Striped Tiger a hood of his own. Moving on throughout the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin gives hoods to others including X the Owl, Henrietta Pussycat, Corny, and even the Trolley.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings Sometimes People Are Good.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0106 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0105

Original Air Date: July 12, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with several percussion mallets and goes to the kitchen where he demonstrates a xylophone by playing the Alphabet Song. Johnny Costa stops by with an accordion and shows Mister Rogers how it is played. He and Mister Rogers play a few songs together with the accordion and xylophone.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin is at the tree with X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat practicing their instruments for the concert. Mr. Anybody is an orchestra conductor and waltzes to the castle with Lady Aberlin.

Back with Mister Rogers, a call comes in from Lady Aberlin who invites him to the castle's O Room for the orchestra.

At the castle, "Maestro Anybody" is introduced and the surprise orchestra begins. The musicians perform Children's Marching Music, The Alphabet Song, and Row Row Row Your Boat. King Friday sings Propel Propel Propel Your Craft along with the orchestra.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings Then Your Heart is Full of Love.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0105 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0104

Original Air Date: July 11, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with various household items which he takes to the kitchen and uses to make homemade drums. As he demonstrates his new instruments, he sings What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel.

Mister Rogers' young friend, Edgar Presseley, stops by to demonstrate his snare drum. Sitting at the piano, Mister Rogers joins Edgar for a duet by playing What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel. Before Edgar leaves, Mister Rogers asks about his "big drum" and learns that it is on loan to Mr. Anybody.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Mr. Anybody is a one-man-band. Having difficulty keeping up with the demands of working alone, Mr. Anybody asks X the Owl and Henrietta to each play an instruments. They decide to ask other Neighbors to play instruments, too, with the intention of performing for King Friday and Sara Saturday. Daniel Striped Tiger will play the xylophone, Grandpere the castanets, and the Trolley will play a bell and whistle. Everyone will perform a Neighborhood symphony tomorrow.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers wonders what the Neighborhood orchestra will play.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0104 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.