CURATOR'S NOTE: “I dearly wanted to include one of Mister Rogers’ (Fred Rogers) sweet sweaters into my growing collection, so I sent a letter to his production publicist, David Newell. He responded, telling me that my o ff er to provide museum-quality care to one such sweater and then having it exhibited felt ‘too showy’, and only Fred Rogers could approve such a request. In the earlier years of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood , every sweater worn on air was hand knitted by Mr. Rogers’ mother, who would gift them to him at Christmas time. As it turned out, just such an original green sweater was no longer in condi t ion sui tabl e for broadcast, and Newell would suggest this one be donated to my archive. Months passed sans response, so I phoned back Newell—who, by the way, also played the role of delivery man Mr. McFeeley on the show—and he let me in on the hold up: ‘Fred is willing to let you have his green sweater, one of his favorites. But you also requested a pair of the sneakers he changes into as he sings ‘Won’t you be my neighbor?’. That’s the snag. The pair Fred is currently wearing are still in good condition, so he doesn’t think it would be fair for production to purchase another pair, if they went to your collection. I hate to ask, but could you send us $35 for a replacement pair?’ - James Comisar
SCREEN MATCH!
Mister Rogers (Dr. Fred Rogers) green cardigan sweater, shirt & tie ensemble (all top left) circa 1970s, and his signature blue sneakers (bottom center) circa 1980s from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood . Acquired from Dr. Fred Rogers.
Fred Rogers
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