I must admit I feel this loss as well. Although more of a Sesame Street/Electric Company watcher than a Mr. Rogers fan, I did love the Land of Make Believe and the wonderful characters he created there.

I lived in Pittsburgh for a few years while attending college, and although I never did meet Fred Rogers, I did get to see his sets while an extra-cirricular group I was involved with answered phones at the local PBS station during a telethon.

I remember it feeling really odd to see Mr. Roger\'s front porch sort of folded-up and pushed off to the side near the phone room....but delightfully, the Tree from the land of Make Believe was prominently displayed in a main hallway, and I took the opportunity to explore and poke my head inside while no one else was around.

My fiance at the time did meet Mr. Rogers, however. Said fellow was working in a Blockbuster video when Mr. Rogers came in and tried to rent 2 videos over the normal limit. My fiance demanded to see some ID.

From Mr. Rogers.

In Pittsburgh.

(Just one of the many reasons that marriage never took place.)

Cheers to you, Mr. Rogers. I wish I had a trolley bell to ring in your honor.