Hershey is well-known as the home of legendary Hershey’s Chocolate, the “sweetest place on earth.” So, for all you history buffs and chocolate lovers out there, we’ve put together 20 interesting facts you didn’t know about Hershey, PA. There are certainly more than 20, but these highlight some of the most fascinating aspects of this sweet, lovely and historic town in Central Pennsylvania.
About Milton Hershey
1. Borrowed $150 to start his own candy company.
Milton Hershey, who founded the Hershey Chocolate Company, was a Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonite who quit school at 13 years of age. He began an apprenticeship at age 15 with a master confectioner in nearby Lancaster, PA. Four years later, Hershey borrowed $150 from his aunt to start his own candy shop in Philadelphia.
2. Failed twice before becoming a success.
After two failed attempts trying to start his own candy company, Hershey successfully founded the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1894, which featured Crystal Cream Caramels.
3. Sold the company in 1900 for $1 Million.
Milton Hershey sold the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1900 for $1 million (worth $31 million today).
4. Was influenced by an exhibit at the 1893 World Expo in Chicago.
Milton Hershey witnessed the art of chocolate making in Chicago at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. He was immediately hooked and purchased the equipment to start making his own.
5. Traveled to Germany to learn about chocolate making.
Milton Hershey was intrigued by the novel cocoa bean. Chocolate was a luxury item at the time, so he travelled overseas to Germany to learn more about making good chocolate to make it available and affordable to the masses.
6. Took three years to develop the Hershey Process.
Milton Hershey spent three years perfecting the chocolate-making process for production, which came to be known as the Hershey Process. It involved using milk that wouldn’t spoil during production. The Hershey Process is still a trade secret today.
7. Put a $300 deposit on a voyage on the Titanic.
Milton Hershey put a $300 deposit on the doomed Titanic voyage, but had to change his plans at the last minute due to an emergency (the reason is unknown for sure - either his wife, Kitty, was sick, or Milton had a business emergency). You can view a copy of the check Hershey wrote to White Star Line for a first class stateroom at The Hershey Story Museum.
About the Company
8. Top quality chocolage.
Milton Hershey said to give them quality; it’s the best advertising in the world.
9. Built the town of Hershey to build the success of his company.
Milton Hershey built the town we know today as Hershey, PA for his employees. He believed that in order for his company to be successful, his employees had to be happy. The town included schools, parks, churches, recreational facilities, housing and a trolley system.
10. It's the largest chocolate manufacturing plant in the world.
The Hershey Company is the largest chocolate-manufacturing plant in the world, having grown from six acres in 1905 to 2.2 million square feet today.
11. Owns the largest privately-owned amusement park in the U.S.
Hersheypark reports the highest yearly attendance of any privately owned amusement park in North America.
12. Milton Hershey's bronze statue is the same as his actual height.
There is a bronze statue of Milton Hershey Statue at the front of Hersheypark. The statue stands 5’-7” inches tall - Milton's actual height.
About Hershey, PA
13. Originally had a different name.
Hershey, PA, was originally named Derry Church.
14. Has a unique legal status as a town.
Hershey, PA has no legal status as an incorporated municipality. The town’s municipal services are provided by Derry Township, which is part of Dauphin County, PA. The population was 14,257 during the 2010 census.
15. Hershey's main attractions.
Today, the town of Hershey features one of the company’s plants, a boarding school, stadium, 10,500-seat arena, the Hershey Hotel, The Hershey Museum, a hospital, and Hersheypark.
16. Turning sorrow into a blessing.
Hershey and his wife weren’t able to have children, so they focused on helping other children by opening the Hershey Industrial School for orphaned boys. Today, the Milton Hershey School serves 1,900 boys and girls each year.
About the Candy
17. How many Hershey's Kisses are produced each day?
80 million Hershey’s Kisses are produced each day.
18. What candy is the number on seller?
Hershey’s Kisses and M&M’s alternate as the number one selling candy in America; Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are number three.
19. Where do Hershey Kisses light up?
Hershey’s Chocolate World features over 100 street lamps shaped like Hershey’s Kisses (some wrapped and some not).
20. How did the company commenorate their 100th year?
For the company’s 100th anniversary in 2007, a team of 152 people made a giant Hershey's KISS. The project took nine days and weighed over 30,000 pounds. They wrapped this giant, 12-foot KISS in over 16,000 feet of foil.
Do you know any other interesting facts about Hershey, PA? We'd love for you to share them on our Facebook page.
Your Sweetest Stay Near Hershey Starts Here
Hershey is full of sweet surprises. So is The Inn at Westwynd Farm. After a day of exploring chocolate-themed fun, unwind in a peaceful room where you'll sleep in total comfort. Wake up to the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a gourmet breakfast. Watch horses graze and sip wine on the porch. Enjoy homemade treats. Sleep in total comfort. Repeat as needed.
The best way to experience Hershey? Stay where luxury meets country charm. Check availability and book your stay today.
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