February 27 was a sad day in "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Fred Rogers, the public television show's creator, producer and host, died of cancer at age 74.
"He was a wonderful person," says David Newell, the show's Mr. McFeely. Rogers was a Presbyterian minister. For more than 30 years, he used puppets and songs, plus his training in child development, to teach kids to love, share and express feelings. He welcomed musicians and created a Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
The show was produced from 1968 to 2000. Thanks to reruns, kids can still watch Mr. Rogers put on his sneakers and sweater and sing "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"