Not Sure Which's Best

Two very different hair styles have emerged through the years.

THE CHOP & PUFF:

THE MATTED RUG:

Tossed to the Side

I was able to make an in studio visit to Lady Elaine Fairchilde during the early 1980's, and was appalled by their treatment of her. This photo is a good indication of their dreadful handling.

Her Birth

Lady Elaine Fairchilde was probably born here, in the deep forest of North Wood.

I'm Scared

I've been experiencing the "Old Hag Syndrome" the last few nights. Lady Elaine Fairchilde usually plays the part.

The Thing

This object appears at night, descending from a hole in the ceiling. Fairchilde must have something to do with it.

I like her, though I fear her

Beginnings

Perhaps the idea of Lady Elaine Fairchilde came to Fred Rogers whilst on a walk.

Lady Elaine Inspired Song

Once a favorite amongst Fred Rogers' children, Tree Tree Tree was first sang by Lady Elaine. The song fits her so well.

Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree.

We love you,
Yes, we do.
Yes, we do,
We love you.

Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree.

Brockett Possessed

This is a still from an unaired episode in which Lady Elaine puts Chef Brockett under the control of King Friday's evil spirit. . . looks painful.

The Image of Beauty

I went to school with a beautiful girl who looked like Lady Elaine - I called her "Lady Elaine".

(She is) candid

During an interview, Fred Rogers was asked what word, if only one, came to his mind when someone said the name Lady Elaine; he replied, "honesty".

At last...

Finally: Fairchilde's legs.

Crazy Lady

Lady Elaine in Collinwood?

It has been rumored that Fred Rogers was a big Dark Shadows fan: Lady Elaine was inspired by Professor T. Elliot Stokes. Take note of their fascinations with both the magical and unexplained.

Visions

When I close my eyes, this is what I see.

RARE >>>

Here is a rare photo of Meg Seeley, Lady Elaine's original design artist.

LADY ELAINE IN REALITY

Lady Elaine is a noble soul disguised in a devil's cloak. She is often seen insulting, confusing, or manipulating various characters in the Neighborhood of Make Believe - usually King Friday (notice that she is the only character to call him simply "Friday"). If the majority says "YES", she will inevitably say "NO". She detests authority. Lady Elaine was introduced into the Neighborhood primarily to teach children how to deal with cantankerous people in the neighborhood of life.

Fred Rogers taught kids how to deal with frustrating folk, depicted through the conflicts caused by Lady Elaine: Practice patience with difficult people - and at times it is necessary to call them out when they've crossed the line. Lady Aberlin was especially gifted in this area. Fred created a character - though a turd and sometimes hard to deal with - who is genuinely likable deep-down and worth getting to know, in spite of her harsh persona. At the heart of Lady Elaine is a beautiful individual.

Log Lady

The Log Lady Reminds me of Lady Elaine

Lovin' the Lady

L - Lark-like
A - Alarming heckler
D - Domineering
Y - Yarn expert

E - Electrifying!
L - Lambaster
A - Art aficionado
I - Instigator
N - Nouveau
E - Ergonomically-correct hand puppet

Trivia

Did you know?

King Friday and Lady Elaine Fairchilde were not related. According to Fred Rogers, her title was simply to designate her as a Lady.