Object Details
Associated Name
Newell, David
Description (Brief)
Suit jacket worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The blue cloth jacket is single breasted with peaked lapels and flap pockets. The jacket, made by Nino Petrocelli's Custom Tailors of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, has gold-colored metal buttons stamped with a decorative "M" and features a black cloth patch embroidered with "SPEEDY DELIVERY" at its left breast. One of the neighbors who made frequent appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Mr. McFeely makes mail deliveries for the Speedy Delivery service. With his signature mustache, eyeglasses, bow tie, and old fashioned blue deliveryman uniform and cap, Mr. McFeely was a memorable character who often brought important packages and guests to Mr. Rogers’ house. His hurried, purposeful, business-like demeanor was an intentional counterpoint to Mr. Rogers’ calm and deliberative style. In some of their most memorable interactions, Mr. McFeely and Mr. Rogers watched films about “How People Make Things,” learning how common household goods are manufactured and who makes them.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and aired on public television across the nation from 1968 to 2001. Host Fred Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?" An ordained Presbyterian minister and student of children's development and education, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected, and special.
date made
around 1968
ID Number
2019.0101.04.05
catalog number
2019.0101.04.05
accession number
2019.0101
Object Name
jacket
coat
suit coat
suit jacket
Physical Description
cloth (overall material)
metal (buttons material)
Measurements
overall: 32 1/2 in x 21 in x 1 in; 82.55 cm x 53.34 cm x 2.54 cm
place made
United States: Pennsylvania, Bridgeville
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Popular Entertainment
Exhibition
Entertainment Nation
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mail
Television
Children's television programs
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1923915