Episode 0053

Air Date: May 1, 1968
Previous Episode: 0052
Next Episode: 0054
Purchase/Stream: Amazon

Mister Rogers arrives with a wig and glasses from the museum and puts them on to look like Benjamin Franklin. Reading from a book, he shares that Benjamin Franklin helped his father make candles when he was a boy.

With him, Mister Rogers has also brought a candle frame, much like one that Benjamin Franklin may have used. He shows how the frame is used to string the wicks before they are dipped in candle wax. Picture Picture shares a film about how candles are made.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Corney has completed work on three rocking chairs to be used in the upcoming performance of The Three Bears. Eager to see the chairs, Handyman Negri takes each one from its box to admire Corney's work.

At the tree, Henrietta Pussycat wants to play the part of Goldilocks in the play and shares her frustration at X the Owl's suggestion that the role of Goldilocks be replaced by Benjamin Franklin. With Handyman Negri, they decide that the play will be called Goldilocks, Benjamin Franklin, and the Three Bears.

Back at the house, Mrs. Rubin stops by with a collection of wigs made by some young friends. After she and Mister Rogers try on several of the wigs, they are joined by three children from the Neighborhood who share wigs that they have made.

Notes

Each chair costs 3 so Handyman Negri pays Corney the total amount of 9 for his work.

The Benjamin Franklin book shared by Mister Rogers was written by Clara Judson and is available for purchase on Amazon.

Appearing In This Episode

• Cornflake S. Pecially
• Handyman Negri
• Henrietta Pussycat
• Mister Rogers
• Mrs. Rubin
• X the Owl

Songs

• Tomorrow
• Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Images

Episode Credits

Produced by WQED - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for National Educational Television
Neighbors: Joe Negri, Judy Rubin
Film: P.J. O'Connell
Producer: Fred Rogers
Director: David Fu-Ying Chen
Executive Producer: Paul K. Taff

Production funds for this series were provided by a grant from The Sears-Roebuck Foundation and a children's program fund established by N.E.T. affiliated stations.

© 1968 National Educational Television and Radio Center