Fred Rogers lived and worked in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for most of his career, where he produced his beloved show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, at the local public television station, WQED. Born in nearby Latrobe, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Tribute To Children
Just one of many memorials and museums dedicated to Mister Rogers’ life and work is the bronze statue officially named “Tribute To Children.” The piece was commissioned by Fred Rogers’ longtime friend, Cordelia May (philanthropist and heiress to the Mellon fortune), after his death in 2003. Built on a pier abandoned after the demolition of the Manchester Bridge, it sits on the North Shore riverfront, overlooking the junction of the three rivers. This location honors Fred Rogers’ love of swimming.
Completed in 2009 at a total cost of $3,000,000, the sculpture was created by well-known artist Robert Berks. This was his final work before he died. Weighing in at 7,000 pounds, the figure is 10′ 10″ tall, with Mister Rogers in his iconic cardigan, sitting down and tying his sneakers. During the build, Fred Rogers’ widow, Joanne, adjusted a tooth to make it look more like her husband.
In November 2015, the music composed and sung by Fred Rogers was added to the site. And that’s what got me as I approached the area. I heard him before I saw him. Then there he was in this beautiful setting. If you are of the age of the Mister Rogers’ era, I am sure you have a story about his impact on your childhood. To me, Mister Rogers was a kind, soft-spoken man, in complete contrast to my father, who was volatile and angry. Mister Rogers showed me that there wasn’t only one type of man in the world. It was a special moment for me to be able to place my hand on his, give a little squeeze and say thank you.
And in a bit of whimsy but no less of an honor to Mister Rogers . . .
Fredosaurus Rex
In 2003, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History held DinoMite Days to celebrate its collection of dinosaur artifacts and exhibits, as well as the creativity of many local Pittsburgh artists. Approximately 100 uniquely designed DinoMite Days dinosaurs were displayed throughout the city and were eventually auctioned or sold to raise funds for the museum.
Also sporting Mister Rogers’ distinctive cardigan, this 8-foot tall smiling T-rex, designed by Karen Howell, was unveiled in May 2003. Paying tribute to Fred Rogers and his character creations, Fredosaurus holds King Friday XIII and Henrietta Pussycat in his hands, the Neighborhood Trolley can also be found on his tail.
For several years, Fredosaurus Rex could be found outside the WQED building in Pittsburgh, the longtime home of the Fred Rogers Company. Fredosaurus has since moved several times, to the delight of those who discover him in each place.
I am sure Fred Rogers would be touched, humbled and appreciative of his city’s recognition of him, in all forms. He was everyone’s neighbor, but this was his neighborhood.
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