The Platypus Family lives in a mound of dirt between the Museum-Go-Round and Daniel’s clock. Having studied in Australia, Dr. Bill Platypus is the Neighborhood doctor for both people, animals, and pets. His office is located inside the Eiffel Tower. Besides spending time with his medical practice, being a caring husband and father, Dr. Bill likes to play his bagpipes which he does masterfully! His wife Elsie Jean Platypus is kind and motherly. Their daughter Ana attends the Neighborhood School at “Some Place Else” with her classmates and friends Daniel Tiger and Prince Tuesday. She enjoys learning about all kinds of things in the world from teacher Harriett Elizabeth Cow. Soft-spoken Ana especially loves drawing and animals, from horses to kittens.
Dr. Bill & Elsie Jean were named after Fred Rogers' very good friends, Rev. Bill Barker and his wife Elsie Jean. You know Rev. Bill, too, as he performed both the voice and manipulations for these characters.
We handcraft this in our Wooster, Ohio workshop just 130 miles west of Pittsburgh where Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe lived at WQED from 1968 through 2001.
We add our black cat mascot, Casper, to every design we create. Look closely and you'll find Casper listening for the sound of Dr. Bill's bagpipes. Music to his ears!
SEE ALL MISTER ROGERS ITEMS & how they fit together to create a scene
(Licensed by McFeely-Rogers Foundation. This is not a toy.)