Images(2)

Prop, Theatrical

Object number2017.58.1

Datec. 1968

MediumMetal; Fabric; Felt; Paint; Plastic; Papier-mâché(?); Ink; Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Al Middlemiss Family

DescriptionTelevision show prop. Red-orange painted metal box with flip-top lid; lid's underside has yellow perimeter. Lady Elaine Fairchilde puppet protrudes from circular opening on top of box. Puppet has short light brown hair; papier-mâché head with painted surface and drawn features; blue dress with white felt bib; and white plastic flat hands. Handwritten black painted text on front of box is character's address. Toy's handle is broken off and missing. Original decoration of jack-in-the-box is visible underneath the red-orange paint; appears to be Tom and Jerry cartoon.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (Open position): 11.375 × 5.375 × 8.063 in. (28.9 × 13.7 × 20.5 cm)
InscriptionsHandwritten black painted text on front of box "LADY ELAINE / FAIRCHILDE / NEIGHBORHOOD OF / MAKEBELIEVE / 15213".
Historical NotesA Lady Elaine Fairchilde “jack-in-the-box” prop from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The donor, Patti Middlemiss, used to work for Channel 13 when it was in the same building in which Mister Rogers’ was filmed and they were giving away some props from the show. She took the Lady Elaine piece. The prop was used in Episode 81 which aired June 10, 1968. In the episode, which talks about mail delivery, Lady Elaine is delivered a jack-in-the-box with a puppet of herself inside. The prop was also used in Episode 82 that aired on June 11, 1968.Label TextLady Elaine Fairchilde jack-in-the-box prop, used in Episode 81, June 10, 1968 In this episode on mail delivery, Lady Elaine receives a jack-in-the-box with a puppet of herself inside in the mail. Mister Rogers then used the “Lady Elaine in-the-box” to talk about the importance of play and to demonstrate how a jack-in-the box works.

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