Milton S. Hershey
Early Life and Education
Milton Snavely Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. His parents, Henry and Veronica "Fanny" Snavely Hershey, were members of the Mennonite community. Milton's early life was marked by financial instability and frequent relocations due to his father's entrepreneurial failures. Despite these challenges, Milton's mother instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of perseverance.
Milton attended several one-room schoolhouses but left formal education after the fourth grade. At the age of 14, he was apprenticed to a local confectioner, Joseph Royer, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This apprenticeship laid the foundation for Milton's future career in the confectionery industry.
Early Career
After completing his apprenticeship, Milton Hershey attempted to start his own candy business in Philadelphia in 1876. However, the venture failed after six years, leaving Milton disheartened but undeterred. He then moved to Denver, where he worked for a caramel manufacturer and learned about the importance of fresh milk in making high-quality caramel.
Armed with this new knowledge, Hershey returned to Lancaster and founded the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1886. His use of fresh milk in caramel production proved to be a game-changer, and the company quickly gained a reputation for producing superior caramels. By the late 1890s, the Lancaster Caramel Company had become a highly successful enterprise, with sales reaching millions of dollars.
The Birth of the Hershey Chocolate Company
In 1893, Milton Hershey attended the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he was captivated by a German chocolate-making machine. Recognizing the potential of chocolate as a mass-market product, he purchased the machine and began experimenting with chocolate production. In 1900, he sold the Lancaster Caramel Company for $1 million, using the proceeds to focus entirely on chocolate.
In 1903, Hershey began construction of a chocolate factory in Derry Township, near his birthplace. The location was chosen for its proximity to dairy farms, ensuring a steady supply of fresh milk. The Hershey Chocolate Company officially opened in 1905, and its first product, the Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar, quickly became a sensation.
Innovations and Contributions
Milton Hershey was not only a pioneer in the mass production of chocolate but also an innovator in marketing and product development. He introduced a variety of products, including the Hershey's Kisses in 1907 and the Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds in 1908. Hershey's commitment to quality and affordability made chocolate accessible to the average American consumer.
Hershey also implemented innovative business practices, such as vertical integration, to control every aspect of production, from raw materials to distribution. This approach ensured consistent quality and helped reduce costs, allowing Hershey to sell his products at competitive prices.
The Creation of Hershey, Pennsylvania
Milton Hershey's vision extended beyond chocolate production; he sought to create a model community for his workers. In 1903, he began planning and constructing Hershey, Pennsylvania, a town designed to provide a high quality of life for his employees. The town featured comfortable housing, schools, parks, and recreational facilities, reflecting Hershey's belief in the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment.
One of the most notable institutions established by Hershey was the Milton Hershey School, founded in 1909. Initially created as an orphanage, the school provided education and care for disadvantaged children. Today, the Milton Hershey School continues to serve underprivileged youth, offering them opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Milton Hershey's philanthropic efforts extended beyond the creation of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Milton Hershey School. In 1918, he transferred the majority of his wealth, including his shares in the Hershey Chocolate Company, to the Milton Hershey School Trust. This trust ensured the long-term financial stability of the school and solidified Hershey's legacy as a benefactor of education and social welfare.
Hershey's commitment to philanthropy was also evident during the Great Depression. Despite the economic downturn, he continued to invest in the community, funding the construction of several public buildings and infrastructure projects. These efforts provided employment and helped sustain the local economy during challenging times.
Later Years and Death
Milton Hershey continued to be actively involved in the Hershey Chocolate Company and the community he created until his later years. He remained a visionary leader, always seeking new ways to improve his products and the lives of his employees. Hershey's dedication to his work and his community earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Milton S. Hershey passed away on October 13, 1945, at the age of 88. His legacy endures through the Hershey Company, the town of Hershey, and the Milton Hershey School. Hershey's contributions to the confectionery industry and his philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark on American society.