Jul 18, 2025 National Good Neighbor Day
By Ezekiel Weldon
Celebrate with us at the HMMPL Whitestown Branch
“Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be….my neighbor?”
Fred Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood
The theme song from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood brings so many good memories to so many people. Mr. Fred Rogers served as a children’s television show host for 912 episodes. During its half-hour airtime, Mr. Rogers guided children through scenarios and stories about puppet kingdoms and his busy neighbors. While it was replaced physically by “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” on September 3, 2012, the show and its message has stuck with the adults that grew up watching it.
A Neighborly Message
“Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” was revolutionary for its time. While the show was entertaining, it also had a positive message. This message included themes of being neighborly, accepting others for who they are, and being kind in general. Mr. Fred Rogers used his hosting position to delicately approach timely topics such as segregation and racial stereotyping. Officer Clemmons, played by notable singer, actor, writer, and teacher Francois Clemmons, was the neighborly policeman for 25 years and served as a sagely authority figure on episodes in which he was showcased. In one particularly eye-opening episode in 1969, Mr. Rogers invited Officer Clemmons to share a foot soak with him. After the conversation and foot soak, Office Clemmons was invited to share Mr. Roger’s towel. This small action, set against the existing controversy of integrated swimming pools, challenged a piece of the well-known color barrier in a meaningful way.
Inspired by Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood
In the spirit of being a good neighbor and challenging barriers that separate us, September 28 was proclaimed National Good Neighbor Day in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. It is a day to shake off uncomfortable feelings with an invitation to learn more about those who surround you in your community. The spirit of Mr. Fred Rogers and the mission of his Neighborhood live in the hearts of every person who has seen his show.
Meet Your Neighbors
Whitestown and Zionsville have grown tremendously in the past decade. We hope that you will join us at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library – Whitestown Branch on September 28 from 2 – 4 PM to meet, speak with, and learn more about your neighbors and local clubs, businesses, and services.
Host a Table at the Event
If you have an interest in hosting a table for your business, club, or social group, please reach out to Ezekiel Weldon at ezekielw@hmmpl.org.