16
July
2020
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19:16 PM
America/New_York

The Compass Rose at Hersheypark Honors Legacy of Founder

Experience the story of Hershey from the ground up in Hershey's Chocolatetown

Hershey's Chocolatetown an all-new region at Hersheypark, features an entirely reimagined arrival experience honoring the legacy of our founder, Milton S. Hershey. Guests entering Hersheypark will see the new Compass Rose located just outside the front gate that includes 27 bronzed medallions representing historic landmarks around town. A glance in any direction will reveal the current or previous location of the landmarks.

Read on to learn more about these 27 landmarks proudly bearing the name of our founder.

Sweet Beginnings

1826 - The Homestead

The Homestead is the birthplace of Milton S. Hershey on September 13, 1857, and where he would perfect his famous milk chocolate formula. In 1910, The Homestead also served as the first school building and residence for the boys of the Hershey Industrial School, now Milton Hershey School.

1886 - Lancaster Caramel Company

Lancaster Caramel Company was Milton S. Hershey's third confectionery venture and first taste of success. Hershey's top-of-the-line caramels were manufactured under the Crystal A trademark. The company employed 1,400 workers across 4 factories. In spring 1900, Mr. Hershey sold the business for $1 million in order to pursue chocolate with the belief that "Caramels are a fad, but chocolate is permanent."

1903 - Chocolate & Cocoa Avenues

Hershey's main streets were named Chocolate Avenue and Cocoa Avenue in coordination with construction of the Hershey Chocolate Factory. The four corners created by their intersection formed the town center. Chocolate Avenue is known for its iconic Hershey's Kisses-shaped streetlights.

1905 - Original Hershey Chocolate Factory

Milton S. Hershey made his first fortune with caramels, but he made lasting history with the decision to build a chocolate factory and town in what is known today as Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was here that Mr. Hershey transformed America's confectionery market by making chocolate affordable for everyone. For more than a century, the factory was the heart of the community and an iconic symbol of the company. In 2015, the historic building became home to The Hershey Company's corporate offices.

1908 - High Point

The home of Milton and Catherine Hershey was named to reflect its location on a hill above the chocolate factory. During their lifetime, the Hersheys often invited the community to enjoy High Point's remarkable gardens. The historic building has also served as home to the Hershey Country Club, as well as corporate offices for Hershey Foods Corporation, now The Hershey Company, and Hershey Trust Company.

Greatest Gifts

1909 - Milton Hershey School

Milton and Catherine Hershey founded the school with profits from the chocolate company. Since then, the lives of thousands of children in need have been transformed through a cost-free education and structured home life. Learn more at mhskids.org.

1916 - Central Hershey, Cuba

Milton S. Hershey acquired land in Cuba to help ensure a steady supply of sugar for his chocolate. His Cuban holdings amounted to 60,000 acres, including 5 raw sugar mills, an electric railroad with 251 miles of track, and a model town for his workers. Cuba awarded Mr. Hershey with its highest honor for his generous contributions to the country.

1934 - Catherine Hall

Named in honor of Catherine Hershey, the school above Hersheypark was originally constructed as a junior-senior high school. It underwent a number of renovations to meet the growing needs of Milton Hershey School. In 2007, Catherine Hall became the middle school and welcomed students in grades 5-8 for the first time.

1937 - Hershey Gardens

Set on a hill overlooking Hershey, this botanical garden was created at Milton S. Hershey's request to create a "nice garden of roses." Now a dazzling 23 acres, it features colorful theme gardens and a stately collection of specimen trees. The Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, which opened in 2016, features the tropical Butterfly Atrium.

Monuments for the Ages

1906 - Hershey Park

Milton S. Hershey strongly believed that opportunities for recreation would be critical to the success of his model town. He set aside 150 acres of land for a park that would serve as leisure grounds for the community. Hersheypark has grown into a premier family theme park that welcomes guests from around the world to experience Hersheypark Happy all year long.

1939 - Hershey Park Stadium

The Stadium was one of Hershey's major tourist attractions, known for hosting thrilling automobile races, concerts and high-profile events like the Philadelphia Eagles training camp and President Eisenhower's birthday party. Hersheypark Stadium continues to host world-class talent under the stars

1930 - Hershey Country Club

The first floor of Milton S. Hershey's High Point home served as the original clubhouse, and the golf courses were designed by world-renowned architects. Noted PGA legends, Henry Picard and Ben Hogan served as head golf professionals. Hershey Country Club hosted the 1940 PGA Championship where Byron Nelson defeated Sam Snead 1 up in the 36-hole final. Because of its rich history, Hershey was considered by some to be the "Golf Capital of America."

1930 - Parkview Manor

Originally constructed as the Hershey Park Golf Course Clubhouse, this historic building has long served the Hershey community. In 1970, Hershey Estates, now Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, coined the name Parkview Manor and renovated the space to serve as one of its corporate offices.

1933 - The Hotel Hershey

To stimulate the local economy during the Great Depression, Milton S. Hershey commissioned a magnificent hotel inspired by his Mediterranean travels. The project employed more than 800 workers. The Hotel Hershey is now known as one of the finest Historic Hotels of America and offers the best views of Hersheypark in town.

1933 - Hershey Community Center

An architectural gem in the heart of Hershey, the Hershey Community Center was home to the town's educational and cultural functions. Inside, the beautiful Hershey Theatre was the star attraction where grand performances and artistic motifs transported patrons to the world of the arts. The Theatre continues the rich tradition of bringing the best of Broadway and live entertainment to Hershey.

The Legacy Lives On

1926 - The First Reese's Plant

The H.B. Reese Candy Company was founded by a former Hershey Chocolate employee. By the mid-1930s, peanut butter cups took off as its most popular product. Each package carried the tagline, "Made in Chocolate Town, So They Must Be Good." The Hershey Company acquired H.B. Reese Candy Company in 1963 and today, Reese's is the best-selling candy brand in the United States.

1963 - The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

With a $50 million gift from The M.S. Hershey Foundation, The Pennsylvania State University established a teaching hospital, research center, and medical school in Hershey. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, now part of Penn State Health, continues to be one of the leading teaching hospitals in the nation.

1967- Hershey Lodge

Hershey Lodge originally opened as Hershey Motor Lodge. The demand for overnight accommodations rapidly increased and in response, the family resort expanded to add rooms, restaurants, recreation, and convention space. The deluxe accommodations offered at Hershey Lodge helped the town transition to a major entertainment and leisure destination.

1970 - Founders Hall

Founders Hall is a tribute to Milton and Catherine Hershey and all of the individuals who helped lay the foundation for Milton Hershey School. Visitors to Founders Hall are left with a lasting impression of how the Hersheys' generosity continues to provide for children in need. The illuminated glass rotunda is one of the most iconic elements of the Hershey skyline.

1973 - Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction

Opened to provide visitors with Hershey's-themed confectionery experiences, Hershey's Chocolate World attraction features a free tour ride that offers a "behind-the-scenes look" at how Hershey's famous milk chocolate is made. Guests can celebrate their love of Hershey's all year long with a collection of chocolate and candy-centric attractions.

1993 - West Hershey Plant

The Hershey Company's main chocolate manufacturing facility is located on the west end of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Following a $300 million expansion in 2012 that nearly doubled its size, the West Hershey Plant is now the company's largest chocolate facility and one of the biggest chocolate plants in the world. The state-of-the-art facility is capable of producing more than 70 million Hershey's Kisses each day.

2009 - The Hershey Story The Museum on Chocolate Avenue

Located in downtown Hershey under the iconic Hershey's Kisses street lights, The Hershey Story takes visitors on an inspirational journey through Milton S. Hershey's lifetime and beyond, a tale spanning more than 150 years of trials and triumphs. Inspired by Mr. Hershey's own candy-making apprenticeship, guests can taste and create all things Hershey.

The Happiness Legacy

Milton S. Hershey was nicknamed The Builder for good reason. From the nation's first modern chocolate factory to the sweet family amusement park that millions of guests visit each year, Milton S. Hershey's impressive contributions transformed a quiet farming town into a premier entertainment destination. But the true monument of Milton S. Hershey's life is happiness.