milton hershey

February 14, 2014

St. Valentine’s Day

Many people around the world celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. They usually give all kinds of presents to their loved ones.

A very popular gift is…

…but who created the Hershey Kisses?

Milton Hershey

Hometown

Milton Snavely Hershey was born on September 13, 1857 on a farm outside of Derry Church (County of Westmoreland), Pennsylvania.

He was the only surviving child of Veronica ("Fanny“) Snavely and Henry Hershey.

HometownPennsylvania

Hometown

Westmoreland

HometownDerry Church

Derry Church School was built in 1844. It was in continuous use from 1844 to 1904. Milton S. Hershey attended this one-room, schoolhouse during winter 1863-1864. In 1964 it was restored by the Milton Hershey School.

Childhood

Milton Snavely Hershey as a young boy. Image courtesy of the Hershey Community Archives, Hershey, PA.

Childhood

Milton Hershey as a candymaking apprentice at Royer’s Ice Cream Parlor. Image courtesy of the Hershey Community Archives, Hershey, PA.

Youth

Milton Hershey as a young man. Image courtesy of the Hershey Community Archives, Hershey, PA.

Business: founded in 1883

The Lancaster Caramel Company.

Business: founded in 1894

Hershey Chocolate Factory

Marriage

In 1898 he married the love of his life, Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney.

In February, 1900, some months before the sale of the Lancaster Caramel Company, Milton Hershey brought the first automobile to Lancaster, and used it to advertise his product.

In 1909, he started the school not only to help orphaned boys get a good education, but to fill the gap in his heart because his wife Kitty could not bear children.

The Hershey Industrial School

In 1912 Milton was saved from boarding the British new ship Titanic because his wife was ill, postponing the trip at the last minute. Instead, they booked passage on the German luxury liner Amerika.

Milton S. Hershey in 1923 with students from the Hershey Industrial School for orphan boys.

Recipe pamphlets offered cooks new recipes using Hershey products. Hershey's Syrup recipe pamphlet. 1936-1945

Hershey Chocolate World

Hershey Chocolate World

Hershey Chocolate World

Late Years

He made his home into a golf club and stayed in one room as a quiet lonely man. He died on October 13, 1945 of old age.

He was honored by the U.S. Postal Service with a series of 32¢ Postcard Series: Great Americans series (1980-2000).

In 1907, Hershey’s Kisses were introduced to American consumers. Milton named it himself. The trademark foil wrapper was added in 1924.

Before the Hershey Kisses plume was introduced, a small square of printed tissue was included with every foil wrapped Hershey's Kiss. 1907-1921

God bless You!