Celebrating Milton S. Hershey's Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Mr. Hershey!
Today marks the birthday of our founder, Milton S. Hershey. Throughout Hershey, Pennsylvania, his legacy radiates in the town built on chocolate. Born September 13, 1857, Mr. Hershey went on to become one of America’s wealthiest individuals and greatest humanitarians. He chose to build a model community where his employees could comfortably and happily live, work and play. He and his wife, Catherine, left their entire fortune to children in need, establishing Milton Hershey School (MHS). Mr. Hershey's legacy remains woven into every corner of The Sweetest Place On Earth, even 168 years after his birth. Here are some ways we remember Milton Hershey throughout the town of Hershey everyday!
A Journey Through History in Hershey Landmarks
Planting Roots in Chocolate and In Hershey
1826 - The Homestead
The Homestead is the birthplace of Milton S. Hershey, 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, known as the 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.”
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 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.
Telling His Story to Visitors and Guests From Around the World
Annually, millions of visitors come to Hershey, to enjoy chocolaty treats and experience the thrills of Hersheypark. Where he was born, how he lived and what he built are all continually recounted for guests in various ways during a Trolley Tour through Hershey and history tours of The Hotel Hershey. A visit to The Hershey Story Museum gives both residents and visitors a robust look at Mr. Hershey’s life, business failures and accomplishments.
1906 - Hersheypark
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.
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 known as one of the finest Historic Hotels of America and is a AAA Four-Diamond Recipient.
1937 - Hershey Gardens
Set on a hill overlooking Hershey, Hershey Gardens 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, which is one of only 25 butterfly atriums in the country with dozens of butterflies on display.
1939 - Hersheypark Stadium
Hersheypark Stadium was one of Hershey's major tourist attractions, known for hosting thrilling automobile races, concerts and high-profile events. The Stadium continues to host world-class talent under the stars.
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, and today boasts 665 guest rooms and 16 suites.
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.
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.
Directly Helping Children in Need
1909 - Milton Hershey School
Unable to have a family of their own, Milton and Catherine's dream was to provide a quality education and nurturing home environment for children as part of their legacy. Using the profits from the chocolate company, Milton and Catherine Hershey founded Milton Hershey School (MHS) in 1909. Since then, the lives of thousands of children in need have been transformed through a cost-free education and structured home life. The School currently serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, who come from income-eligible families, and has nearly 2,200 students enrolled and boasts more than 12,000+ alumni. Learn more at mhskids.org.
1934 - Catherine Hall
Named in honor of Catherine Hershey, the school above Hersheypark was originally constructed as a junior-senior high school. It underwent several renovations to meet the growing needs of Milton Hershey School. In 2007, Catherine Hall became the middle school division and welcomed students in grades 5-8 for the first time.
1970 - Founders Hall
Founders Hall is a tribute to Milton and Catherine Hershey and the many 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.
Join the Hershey community on what would have been Milton Hershey’s 168th birthday.
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free performance of music provided by Milton Hershey School bands. The concert concludes with a sweet treat for all attendees. In case of inclement weather, the celebration will be held in the Grand Lobby of The Hershey Story. ChocolateTown Square Park is located at the intersection of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenues in downtown Hershey. See more information below:
"One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy."
Happy Birthday, Mr. Hershey. Your legacy lives on in every corner of The Sweetest Place On Earth.