How I wish I lived in Pennsylvania! Recently, there was a casting call (of all ages) for extras for the filming of the movie "Hershey" about Milton S. Hershey. If you are reading this from a country other than the USA, you might know about Hershey chocolate, but do you know the story behind The Hershey Company? It is fascinating and inspiring...
Milton Snavely Hershey was born on September 13, 1857, in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. His education only extended to 4th grade. Apprenticed to a confectioner at the age of 14, he spent four years learning the trade. He started several businesses that were not successful. Did that stop him? No! He kept at it, and he developed caramels using fresh milk. This company, The Lancaster Caramel Company was a success! In 1900, he sold this company to found The Hershey Company and went about making chocolate. He purchased land near the place of his birth in Pennsylvania and developed the company town of Hershey. (A side note here, when I was a little girl, my Daddy loved telling me that when he drove through the town of Hershey, he was thrilled to smell the chocolate. I have had others tell me that this is true and it is still true today!)
Milton Hershey developed milk chocolate that Americans could afford. He created the Hershey Kiss in 1907. (And I have read that he named it himself. Is that not just the sweetest thing to learn?) He was very happily married to Catherine (Kitty) and what a wonderful love story they have for us to know! You may read more just here.
Sadly, the couple were unable to have children. Since they both had a great love for children, they founded a school in 1909, The Hershey Industrial School. In 1915, his beloved Kitty died. (I have read that he kept a photo of her in his wallet for his entire life.) In 1918, Milton Hershey transferred the majority of his assets to The Milton Hershey School Trust.
"One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy and only useful as he contributes his influences for the finer callings in life".
Milton Hershey
The film about Milton Hershey and his wife, Kitty should be released in 2026. You know I am looking forward to it! A movie about an inspiring couple! Of course, we will all learn much more about all that Milton Hershey did from the film. I think the whole world could use that.
And I think I will have some chocolate! Thank you, Milton Hershey!
"His deeds are his monument. His life is our inspiration". (On plaque beside his monument at The Hershey School.)
AND he opened the Hershey Gardens in 1937, so I think some nice views of gardens and flowers will be my way to honor him.