Milton Hershey

Most people have heard of Hershey chocolates. But did you know the candy was named after Milton Hershey? Milton Hershey was born in 1857 in Pennsylvania. He began learning to make candy at the age of fourteen. Success would not come easily. His hard work and determination as he learned how to make candy would help him become one of the world’s most famous makers of chocolate.

Milton Hershey’s first real success came when he started a company called Lancaster Caramel Company. At this point, he mainly made caramels. Then, in 1893, he attended the World’s Columbian Exposition where he was able to see how chocolate was made. It was during this time that he started the Hershey Chocolate Company. His passion was to create world-class milk chocolate. Within three years, he had sold his caramel company and was building a factory in Pennsylvania to make his new chocolates. The doors to the factory opened in 1905. By 1907, the Hershey’s Kiss was created. The town in Pennsylvania where Milton Hershey built his factory is now called Hershey.

Hershey did more than start a candy company. He wanted to help the entire community with his success. The philanthropist gave money to support schools, churches, parks, and other endeavors—all to help those who lived in the area. One of his largest projects was opening the Hershey Industrial School for orphaned boys to have a home and an outstanding education. Today, both boys and girls can attend what is now known as the Milton Hershey School. Although Hershey died in 1945, his legacy continues.