Several years ago, I set out westward primarily for a short vacation. I thought Pittsburgh would’ve been my one and only stop. I called the studio where Fred Rogers recorded his broadcasts for many years, and a staff person insisted I should visit Latrobe, his birthplace, too. I immediately boarded a train and arrived in Latrobe less than two hours later.
Across the street from the Latrobe train station, I noticed a high-quality bakery. The baker welcomed me like I was his long-lost son. We began talking about pastries and Latrobe.
I told him I was in town to experience everything “Mister Rogers.” He told me that Rogers, Arnold Palmer and his (the baker’s) grandfather all graduated from the local high school the same year. Somehow the baker became my tour guide. I was so impressed, I immediately checked into the nearest hotel to discover more.
In 2020, I look forward to revisiting the City of Pittsburgh and Latrobe, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” again.
Wayne E. Williams
Camden, N.J.