Ross Simpson

Fred McFeely Rogers (March 20, 1928 – February 27, 2003)

Besides being the creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
on PBS television (1968–2001) Rogers was a songwriter, author, and
teacher, along with being a Presbyterian minister. He received a
Peabody and countless other awards and honorary degrees for his
work.

Rogers was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December 2002, not
long after his retirement. He underwent surgery on January 6, 2003,
which was unsuccessful.

Original run: Syndication (1951-1955), CBS (1955-1958), ABC
(1957-1958)

TV Trivia: Burl Ives was originally considered for the role of Jingles in
“Wild Bill Hickok”—but he wanted to play the lead and the idea was
dropped.

The Kellogg’s cereal company was the show’s
national sponsor.

TV Guide

Burr Tillstrom with puppets Kukla and Ollie and host Fran Allison

The first NBC network broadcast of Kukla, Fran and Ollie, with the
Kuklapolitan Players aired from 6–6:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday
through Friday from Chicago. The original series ended in 1957.

Burr Tillstrum manipulates his puppets from behind a gauze-curtained
stage.

Host Buffalo Bob Smith with the first Howdy Doody puppet.

Original run on NBC: December 27, 1947 – September 24, 1960

1950