Hershey's Chocolate is the leader in chocolate manufacturing in North America. Hershey's products are enjoyed in over 90 countries. Hershey's is famous for their sweet milk chocolate candy bars and Kisses. Hershey's also produces Jolly Rancher, Milk Duds, Twizzlers, baking chocolates, ice cream, and beverages. Along with the successful chocolate factory, Milton Hershey built a community around his chocolate plant for his employees. The town of Hershey is a magical town with chocolate themed streets and Kisses for light posts. It is located near Harrisburg PA and reflects the values and successes of Milton Hershey's life.
In 1894, Milton Hershey set out to produce a sweet chocolate. His main purpose in producing this product was to coat the caramels that his company was successfully producing and selling. He began the Hershey Chocolate Company in Lancaster, PA. By the year 1900, he was producing chocolate in earnest. His mass production of sweet chocolate changed the way the world viewed this treat. It was no longer a luxury for the rich; it was accessible to people of all income levels.
Mr. Hershey watched his business grow and decided to build a new factory in Derry Township, PA. Mr. Hershey was raised in Derry and new that the locals were hard working and loyal and he also knew that there were plenty of dairy farmers nearby to supply the milk he needed. This new factory began production in 1905.
Around this factory Milton Hershey built a town for his employees. He believed in treating his workers with respect and he wanted to give them a community they would love. He built one and two family homes, not the common row houses that other companies liked to provide. He built churches, stores, schools, a zoo, and public transportation. He also opened a park in 1907. This park featured amusement rides and a swimming pool. This park would grow into the Hershey Park of today.
Hershey began producing Kisses in 1907. At first these milk chocolate singles were in a square shape and individually wrapped. A new machine was used in 1921 that gives the Kiss the shape we are accustomed to today.
Milton and his wife Catherine were unable to have children of their own. With so much to give and no one to give it to, they started the Milton S. Hershey School in 1909. This school was for orphaned boys. This school was the benefactor of much of Mr. Hershey's personal fortune.
Between 1920 and 1940, Hershey began to add new products to the Hershey line. Mr. Goodbar and Krackel were introduced to the public. Hershey also began producing Hershey's Syrup and chocolate chips for baking.
During the Great Depression, Mr. Hershey built up his town to keep moral high. He built the Hershey Hotel. He also built many theaters and recreational venues. On such venue was a sports arena that seated over 7,000 people. Hershey made a substantial contribution to the US military during WWII. His company supplied over one billion Ration D bars to the troops.
Up until 1956, Hershey did not make Reese's Cups. The makers of Reese's Cups had a great relationship with Milton Hershey and used Hershey's chocolate to coat his peanut butter cups. After Mr. Reese died, his company was sold to Milton Hershey and Reese's Cups became a part of the Hershey family.
Hershey was renamed in 1968 to the Hershey Food Corporation. They began to expand their market by buying up companies that produced many varieties of candies, including Peter/Paul Cadbury and the company that made Twizzlers.
Hershey's has continued to grow. The company is over a hundred years old now and continues to thrive. Milton Hershey's values have not been forgotten and his efforts to better the lives around him are still felt today. You only have to visit the town of Hershey to feel the life and legacy of Milton Hershey and his chocolate.
