Milton S. Hershey

Milton S. Hershey

Milton Snavely Hershey (September 13, 1857 – October 13, 1945) was an American confectioner and philanthropist. He is best known for founding the Hershey Chocolate Company and the town of Hershey, which was developed for the workers of his chocolate factory.

Early Life

Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. His parents were Henry and Veronica "Fanny" Snavely Hershey. Despite his lack of formal education, Hershey would go on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his time.

Career

Hershey began his career in confectionery with a candy shop in Philadelphia. This venture failed, but he learned valuable lessons that he would apply in his future endeavors. After a few more failed attempts, Hershey founded the Lancaster Caramel Company, which became a great success.

In 1893, Hershey attended the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he was fascinated by a German chocolate-making machine. He purchased the machine and began producing chocolate-coated caramels. This was the beginning of the Hershey Chocolate Company.

Hershey Chocolate Company

In 1900, Hershey sold his caramel company for $1 million to focus on chocolate making. He built a factory in his hometown, Derry Township, which is now known as Hershey, Pennsylvania. The factory was not just a place of work, but also a community for the workers and their families. This community included homes, schools, and parks, all built and maintained by the Hershey Chocolate Company.

Philanthropy

Hershey was not just a successful businessman, but also a generous philanthropist. In 1909, he and his wife, Catherine, established the Hershey Industrial School, a school for orphan boys. Today, the school is known as the Milton Hershey School and serves both boys and girls from families with low income.

Later Life and Death

Hershey continued to be involved in his business and philanthropic activities until his death on October 13, 1945. His legacy lives on through the Hershey Chocolate Company and the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, as well as the Milton Hershey School.

See Also

• Hershey's Chocolate World
• Hershey Bears
• Hershey Park

References

• Milton S. Hershey Biography
• The Hershey Company History
• Milton Hershey School History