Hershey – More than Chocolate

I came to Hershey Pennsylvania to indulge my love of chocolate. Not only did I accomplish that, I learned a great deal about Milton Hershey, a hero of history. I was quite inspired by his philanthropy and fortitude in not letting his initial failures get in the way of creating his dream.

Milton Snavely Hershey (September 13, 1857 – October 13, 1945) was an American chocolatier, businessman, and philanthropist. The first Hershey Bars were sold in 1900, and proved so popular that he was able to build his own company town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, reflecting his beliefs about the effect of comfortable living conditions on staff morale.

Since Hershey and his wife could not have children, they decided to help others, establishing the Hershey Industrial School with a Deed of Trust in 1909. Originally established for local orphans, but now accommodating 2000 students.

During the Great Depression Milton Hershey launched  his “Great Building Campaign” to bolster the local economy. Townspeople found work building the structures that would eventually become some of the major tourist attractions in town, and the result was a town that offered facilities and features unheard of for a community of its size. And no one lost their job during that time.