Milton S. Hershey

American chocolatier and philanthropist

Milton Snavely Hershey (September 13, 1857 – October 13, 1945) was an American chocolatier, businessman, and philanthropist. He is best known for founding the Hershey Company, which remains one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. Hershey's legacy extends beyond his contributions to the confectionery industry; he was also a notable philanthropist, establishing the Milton Hershey School and contributing significantly to the community of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Early Life

Milton S. Hershey circa 1905

Milton S. Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. He was the only surviving child of Henry and Veronica "Fanny" Snavely Hershey. His family was of Swiss and German descent, and his upbringing was marked by frequent moves and financial instability. Despite these challenges, Hershey developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

Hershey's formal education was limited, as he left school after the fourth grade. He was then apprenticed to a local printer, but he soon realized that his interests lay elsewhere. At the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship with a confectioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he learned the art of candy making.

Career

Early Ventures

Hershey's first business venture was a candy shop in Philadelphia, which he opened in 1876. Despite his hard work, the business failed after six years. Undeterred, Hershey moved to Denver, Colorado, where he worked in a candy factory and learned about the use of fresh milk in caramel production. This knowledge would later prove invaluable.

After further ventures in Chicago and New York City, Hershey returned to Lancaster in 1886 and founded the Lancaster Caramel Company. This business was a success, and Hershey's caramels became popular across the United States and Europe.

The Hershey Company

In 1900, Hershey sold the Lancaster Caramel Company for $1 million, a substantial sum at the time. He then turned his attention to chocolate, a product he had become fascinated with after seeing German chocolate-making machinery at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.

Hershey founded the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894 as a subsidiary of his caramel business. He focused on producing milk chocolate, which was then a luxury item. By perfecting a formula for milk chocolate that could be mass-produced, Hershey was able to make chocolate affordable for the average American.

In 1903, Hershey began construction of a chocolate factory in Derry Township, which would become the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. The factory was completed in 1905, and the town was designed to provide a pleasant living environment for the workers, with modern amenities and services.

Philanthropy

Milton Hershey

Milton Hershey's success in business was matched by his commitment to philanthropy. In 1909, he and his wife, Catherine, established the Milton Hershey School, a boarding school for orphaned boys. The school was endowed with a significant portion of Hershey's wealth, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Hershey's philanthropic efforts extended to the community of Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he funded the construction of public buildings, parks, and recreational facilities. During the Great Depression, he initiated a "Great Building Campaign" to provide jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Personal Life

Milton Hershey married Catherine "Kitty" Sweeney in 1898. The couple had no children, and Kitty's health was a constant concern. She passed away in 1915, and Hershey never remarried.

Hershey was known for his modest lifestyle and his dedication to his work and community. He passed away on October 13, 1945, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and generosity.

Legacy

Milton S. Hershey's impact on the chocolate industry and his philanthropic contributions have left a lasting legacy. The Hershey Company continues to be a leader in the confectionery industry, and the Milton Hershey School remains a testament to his commitment to education and social welfare.

Related Pages

• Hershey Company
• Milton Hershey School
• Hershey, Pennsylvania