Milton Hershey, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, is best known for founding the Hershey Chocolate Company.
Born in 1857 in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, Hershey’s early life was marked by poverty and limited formal education. Despite these challenges, he became a successful businessman and used his wealth to support education and the well-being of children.
Early Life and Challenges
Milton Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, to parents of Swiss-German descent who were members of the Mennonite Church. Hershey’s father, Henry Hershey, was an inventor and a dreamer, whose numerous ventures often ended in failure, leading to financial instability for the family. This instability necessitated frequent moves and disrupted Hershey’s education.
Hershey attended a one-room schoolhouse, but his formal education ended at the age of 14. His father arranged for him to apprentice with Joseph Royer, a local confectioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This apprenticeship ignited Hershey’s passion for candy-making and set the stage for his future endeavors.
The Lancaster Caramel Company
Hershey’s early ventures in the confectionery business were fraught with failures. He attempted to start his own candy business in Philadelphia, but it ended in bankruptcy. Undeterred, Hershey moved to New York City to try again, but faced similar challenges. Returning to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1883, Hershey founded the Lancaster Caramel Company.
Using fresh milk to make his caramels, Hershey’s company quickly gained a reputation for high-quality products. By 1894, the Lancaster Caramel Company had grown significantly, employing over 1,300 workers and distributing caramels worldwide. Despite his success with caramels, Hershey had developed a keen interest in chocolate-making, inspired by the emerging popularity of chocolate in Europe.
The Birth of the Hershey Chocolate Company
In 1900, Hershey made a pivotal decision to sell the Lancaster Caramel Company for $1 million—a significant sum at the time. He used the proceeds to focus exclusively on chocolate production, founding the Hershey Chocolate Company. Hershey was determined to make chocolate affordable to the masses, a luxury item that was then predominantly consumed by the wealthy.
Hershey built a state-of-the-art factory in Derry Township, near his birthplace, and implemented mass production techniques that drastically reduced the cost of chocolate. His vision and innovation led to the creation of the famous Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar in 1900. The company expanded rapidly, introducing products such as Hershey’s Kisses in 1907 and Mr. Goodbar in 1925.
A Town Built on Chocolate: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey’s success allowed him to fulfill a broader vision—creating a model community for his workers. In 1903, he began building the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, a utopian society that provided comfortable housing, education, and recreational facilities for his employees. The town featured amenities such as schools, parks, a zoo, a public transportation system, and even an amusement park.
Hershey’s commitment to creating a thriving community extended beyond his employees to their families and the broader public. The town of Hershey became a living testament to his belief in the importance of a balanced life that included leisure, education, and cultural enrichment.
Philanthropy and the Milton Hershey School
Milton Hershey and his wife, Catherine, were deeply committed to helping disadvantaged children. In 1909, they founded the Hershey Industrial School, now known as the Milton Hershey School. This institution was established to provide education and care for orphaned boys, a cause close to the couple’s hearts as they were unable to have children of their own.
The Milton Hershey School was endowed with the bulk of Hershey’s fortune, ensuring its sustainability. Today, the school continues to provide free education and housing to over 2,000 underprivileged children annually, following Hershey’s philanthropic vision.
The Hershey Foundation
In addition to the Milton Hershey School, Hershey’s philanthropic efforts extended to the creation of the Hershey Foundation in 1935. The foundation supports educational and cultural initiatives in the community, including the Hershey Museum, the Hershey Theatre, and the Hershey Gardens. Hershey’s commitment to education and community welfare has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit future generations.
Innovations in the Chocolate Industry
Milton Hershey was not just a philanthropist but also an innovator in the chocolate industry. His pioneering use of fresh milk in chocolate production significantly improved the taste and quality of his products. Hershey’s focus on mass production techniques and efficient supply chains allowed him to produce large quantities of chocolate at lower costs, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Hershey’s dedication to quality control and product innovation set new standards in the industry. The company’s research and development efforts have continued to push the boundaries of chocolate production, maintaining Hershey’s reputation for excellence.
Legacy and Impact
Milton Hershey passed away on October 13, 1945, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a monumental legacy. The Hershey Company remains a leading global confectionery brand, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Hershey’s philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Milton Hershey School, have had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless children.
The town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, stands as a testament to Hershey’s vision of a harmonious community built on mutual respect and care. The town’s continued growth and prosperity reflect Hershey’s enduring influence and dedication to social welfare.
Milton Hershey’s journey from a humble, struggling confectioner to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist is a story of determination, innovation, and generosity.
His legacy is not only evident in the global success of the Hershey Chocolate Company but also in the thriving community he built and the lives he transformed through his charitable endeavors.
Hershey’s life and work exemplify the power of vision and perseverance in achieving not just personal success but also creating a lasting positive impact on society.