Hershey’s Chocolate: From Farm Boy to Chocolate King - The Milton Hershey Story
Explore the remarkable life of Milton Hershey and the chocolate empire he built
In the realm of life stories, there are those who don’t let failures stop them.
Milton Hershey’s journey is one of those stories.
Discover the captivating journey of the man behind Hershey’s, from caramels and bankruptcy to mass-produced milk chocolate, all while creating a town for his employees and an enduring legacy.
Birth and Background:
Milton Snavely Hershey, the man behind the famous Hershey Chocolate Company, was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania.
His parents, Henry and Veronica Hershey, were Mennonites, and he grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch.
Early Education and Farm Life:
Young Hershey’s life began on a farm, but his early education was cut short at just grade 4 due to his father’s constant travels.
But he attended several one-room schoolhouses, gaining a basic education.
From Apprentice to Candy Maker:
He had a brief stint as a printer’s apprentice in 1871, a journey that ended with a hat accidentally dropped into a machine. It was at this point that his mother and aunt guided him toward the world of candy making.
At the age of 14, Milton embarked on a new path as a confectioner’s apprentice, marking the beginning of his sweet journey. By 1876, he had started his very own confectionery business in Philadelphia.
First Confectionery Business and Battling Bankruptcy:
At a mere 18 years old, Milton Hershey began his confectionery business, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his life. However, his path wasn’t without its bumps. Not once, but twice, in 1882 and again in 1886, he faced bankruptcy. Yet, Milton Hershey’s indomitable spirit kept him looking for fresh business opportunities.
Lancaster Caramel Company:
In 1886, he launched the Lancaster Caramel Company, renowned for its delicious caramels made with fresh milk.
It was during this time that Milton Hershey gained fame for his Crystal A caramel, a delectable treat enjoyed by many.
Birth of the Hershey Chocolate Company:
Milton Hershey’s fateful introduction to the world of chocolate came in 1893. After witnessing chocolate-making equipment at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, he was captivated by the possibilities.
The Hershey Chocolate Company was founded in 1894, initially as a subsidiary of the Lancaster Caramel Company. This marked a pivotal moment in Hershey’s journey as he transitioned from caramels to chocolates.
Milton Hershey’s innovations in the chocolate industry left an indelible mark. In 1900, he became the first person in America to mass-produce milk chocolate products commercially. He launched a range of chocolate products that would soon become household favorites.
“I believed that, if I put a chocolate on the market that was better than anyone else was making, or was likely to make, and keep it absolutely uniform in quality, the time would come when the public would appreciate it and buy it.”
Hershey Factory:
Returning to his birthplace, Derry Township, Hershey began constructing what would soon become the world’s largest chocolate factory. The location was ideal, with access to ample milk supplies for his chocolate.
In 1905, the massive Hershey factory was completed, covering an impressive six acres, now expanded to 2.2 million square feet.
Hershey’s influence extended to other confectioners, as he supplied Reese peanut cup founder Harry Burnett Reese with chocolate. In 1963, Reese was acquired by Hershey and is now one of its most popular confectioneries.
The Sweet Town of Hershey, Pennsylvania:
One of the most remarkable aspects of Milton Hershey’s legacy is the town he created for his employees. The community included a recreation center, parks, a town bank, and philanthropic donations to support local congregations.
Supporting the U.S. Military:
During World War II, Milton Hershey played his part by supplying the U.S. military with chocolate, known as Tropical Chocolate Bars and Ration D Bars.
Personal Life and Philanthropy:
Milton Hershey met his future wife, Catherine Sweeney, during a sales call in New York.
They married in 1898, but their time together was brief, as Catherine passed away from a neurological disease just 17 years later.
The couple had no children, and Milton Hershey left most of his fortune to establish the Milton Hershey School, a home for orphan boys and a school, which continues to provide opportunities for young lives today.
“One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy and only useful as he contributes his influences for the finer callings in life.”
Milton Hershey’s Passing and Enduring Legacy:
Milton Hershey’s journey in the confectionery world reached its final chapter when he passed away from pneumonia on October 13, 1945, at the age of 88.
His legacy endures, not only in the world of chocolate but in the lives of the many children and communities he touched.
Conclusion:
As you take your next bite of Hershey’s chocolate, remember the man behind the wrapper.
Milton Hershey’s legacy is not only etched in cocoa but in his unyielding commitment to community, education, and sweet dreams.
It’s a legacy that continues to enrich the lives of many, reminding us that the sweetest dreams are the ones we share.
“The value of our good is not measured by what it does, but by the amount of good it does to the one concerned.”
Note:All images (except the first one) used in the article are taken from Google.
