Milton’s Childhood
Milton Snavely Hershey was born in 1857, just a few years before the Civil War began.
He grew up on farms in rural Pennsylvania. There, work and hardship were part of daily life. His father chased one new business idea after another while his mother struggled to keep the family afloat. Then, tragedy struck.
The Chocolate Entrepreneur
Milton Hershey began his career working in a candy shop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Through his apprenticeship to candymaker Joseph Royer, young Milton learned through hands-on experience. He swept floors, waited on customers, and stood over kettles making candy and ice cream.
He later opened his own shop in Philadelphia. There, he sold penny candy, caramels, ice cream, and dried fruit and nuts. When that business failed, he started again.
Follow his early business journey and see how it led him to create the chocolate that still bears his name more than 100 years later.
Milton and Catherine Meet
Milton Hershey met Catherine Sweeney while traveling for his caramel business.
On one trip to Jamestown, New York, he visited A.D. Work’s Confectionery, where Catherine Sweeney was gathered with friends.
The meeting stayed with him. He returned to see her often, and their relationship grew. They were married on May 25, 1898. Together, they would build something meant to last.
What Matters Most
Milton Hershey learned perseverance through failure. Catherine Hershey practiced service through action. Together, they believed success should create opportunity for others.
Through their success in chocolate, they built organizations that endure: schools, community spaces, and a trust that still supports children today.
Timeline of Milton Hershey
1857
Milton Snavely Hershey was born on a farm in Derry Church, Pennsylvania.
1871
Milton Hershey ended his formal education and was apprenticed to Samuel Ernst, printer, in Gap, Pennsylvania.
1872
Milton Hershey was apprenticed to Joseph R. Royer, confectioner, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
1876
Milton Hershey established his first business making and selling candy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1882
Milton Hershey’s Philadelphia business failed. He traveled to Denver, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; and New Orleans, Louisiana, working his trade and attempting to start another business.
1883
Milton Hershey began his second business venture in New York City, New York.
1886
Milton Hershey returned to Church Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, after financial difficulties in New York City. It is here that he finally found success and created the Lancaster Caramel Company.
1893
Milton Hershey attended the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, and purchased German chocolate-making machinery.
1894
The Hershey Chocolate Company was established as a subsidiary of the Lancaster Caramel Company. Its first products were baking chocolate, cocoa powder, and sweet chocolate coatings for caramels.
1898
Milton Hershey and Catherine Sweeney married.
1908
The Hersheys move into High Point Mansion, built by renowned architect C. Emlen Urban. It was named “High Point” because it sat on a scenic ridge overlooking the original chocolate factory.
1909
Milton and Catherine Hershey signed the Deed of Trust to establish the Hershey Industrial School, which later became Milton Hershey School.
1910
The first students enrolled at the Hershey Industrial School.
1918
Milton Hershey placed his entire fortune, his ownership of Hershey Chocolate Company, into a trust for the benefit of the Hershey Industrial School. This gift was not made public until November 9, 1923.
1927
Milton Hershey created Hershey Estates following the incorporation of Hershey Chocolate Corporation. The new entity managed the company’s non-chocolate businesses and community services.
1928–1939
During the Great Depression, Milton Hershey funded a series of construction projects known as the Great Building Campaign.
1935
Milton Hershey established The M.S. Hershey Foundation to support educational and cultural institutions within the Hershey community.
1945
Milton Hershey died at the age of 88 at Hershey Hospital.
Trivia About Milton Hershey
1. What does the “S” stand for in Milton S. Hershey?
Correct! Not quite — A is correct!
2. What event bolstered Milton Hershey’s interest in chocolate?
Correct! Not quite — D is correct!
3. Before chocolate made him famous, what candy brought Milton Hershey his first success?
Correct! Not quite — B is correct!
4. What did Milton Hershey do with his wealth?
Correct! Not quite — B is correct!
Explore More of The Hershey Legacy
The Schools
Learn how Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision became schools that continue to serve students and families today.
The Chocolate Company
Discover how Milton Hershey grew The Hershey Company from a bold idea into a family of brands recognized around the world.