Welcome to Mount Bethel
One of the most celebrated educators of the past 100 years created his lessons in his Mount Bethel farm house. He taught tens of millions of children about American history, math, grammar, and science. We propose installing a welcome sign to honor longtime local resident Bob Dorough, musical creator and voice of Schoolhouse Rock.
One of America's Greatest Educators
“Bob has been responsible, certainly in the 20th century, for educating more human beings than any other single person.”
Schoolhouse Rock
Schoolhouse Rock! forever changed education by creating catchy songs paired with animation to teach an estimated 100+ million children grammar, math, science, and civics making it one of the most successful education projects in U.S. history. These were created from 1973-1984 while Bob lived in Mount Bethel.
Military Service
During World War II, Bob Dorough spent a three years in the U.S. Army at the height of combat from 1943 to 1945. He worked as an a pianist, clarinetist, saxophonist, and arranger in the U.S. Special Services band touring conflict zones to entertain the troops.
Local Connection
Bob and his wife had their first child Aralee in 1967. When she was ready to begin school, they purchased a small farm house in Mount Bethel. Their 3½ acre place was home to a vegetable, garden, fruit trees, chickens and all manners of pets. Aralee attended the Portland elementary school for 1st & 2nd grade then the schools merged. She attended BASD then though high school graduation. She played a key role in School House Rock while attending Bangor Area Schools.
VALUES
Bob Dorough often incorporated the importance of family to millions of American children. His daughter Aralee Dorough is the featured voice in math lesson "My Hero Zero". Aralee attended Bangor Area Schools for 10 years. She is currently the principal flutist of the Houston Symphony
Family
"Three is a Magic Number"
U.S.A
Country
"The Shot Heard Round the World"
The son of a World War I veteran and serving in World War II, Bob Dorough was a devoted American patriot. Some of the most influential lessons on America history included ""The Shot Heard Round the World", "The Preamble", and "Fireworks" which celebrated the Declaration of Independence.
SAMPLE LESSION / CLICK TO WATCH
Obituary
Bob Dorough April 23, 2018 Bob Dorough brought delight around the world and at home through his music written by Aralee Dorough Robert Lrod Dorough died peacefully at his home in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania on April 23, 2018, at 12:55 p.m. surrounded by family and friends. He was the devoted husband of Sally Shanley Dorough of Stroudsburg, with whom he shared over 25 years of marriage. He will be remembered by everyone who met him for his enormous love of life and generosity.
Courtesy of Bensing Thomas Funeral Home