A Very Touching Farewell Video
When I discovered this clip, I didn't know what to think. But after watching it, I came up with 2 possibilities.
1. This could be Fred's way of saying thank you to everyone who watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood over it's 30 year run and it could have aired when the program ended on August 31, 2001. He ended the final episode like any other one, and you really can't tell which was the grand finale showing.
2. This could also have been made after Fred discovered he had cancer, and didn't have long to live. It also sounds like this could be his last thank yous and good byes to all his good neighbors. It may have been the last clip that he taped.
What's your opinion?
When I see him at the piano with King Friday's castle and X the Owl's tree in the background and Fred wearing his glasses, it really saddens me. The only time he wore contacts was when he taped the show. It really became difficult for him to see out of the contacts. Do you have a Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood memory?
Comments
Mister Rogers
Growing up outside of Pittsburgh, we watched Josey Carey's Children's Corner, the precursor to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on WQED. Many of Mr. Rogers' famous puppet creations were born on this show, and I believe Fred did the puppetry and voices. Mr. Rogers was a part of my children's development too. He represents to me a groundedness that is missing in much of modern society. Thanks for sharing this awesome clip! Anne H.
thanks anne
Josey, as far as i know, is still around. what a character. Fred did the writing, running,,music playing and compostion, and puppets on the chilren's corner. That's where he came up with the blue hush puppy sneakers. He had to run from the piano to the puppet stage all of the time, because it was all live television back then.