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Official website for the Hershey History Center. Come visit, join, and be a part of celebrating our town's wonderful heritage. A Town Called Hershey exhibit Witness our unique heritage come to life at the Hershey History Center. Explore exhibits chronicling the community built on chocolate, the military heroes that became world renowned, and the legendary hockey franchise that calls our town home. Step back in time as you learn how our community's past has shaped our lives today. Children can discover interactive displays while guests experience a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and archives defining our local narrative. We invite you to be our guest - visit, explore, and discover how the Hershey History Center (HHC) is making History Happen Here . Welcome! World War II Trolley Tour World War 2 Trolley Tour of Hershey Saturday, April 25, 2026 The Hershey History Center, in partnership with the Central PA WWII Roundtable, is hosting a trolley tour on April 25, 2026. This tour will share stories, make stops, display unique WWII artifacts, and bring history to life. Tours will depart from and return to the History Center at 40 Northeast Drive in Hershey. More information on ticketing and tour route to come. Please, save the date to join us for this iconic tour of Hershey history and architecture. More information Hershey Artfest May 9th - Hershey Artfest Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9am to 4pm There’s no better way to honor creativity, community, and our shared American story than on Saturday, May 9, 2026, when Hershey Artfest returns to Englewood Hershey in Hershey’s West End. This year, the tradition carries special meaning as the festival joins in celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the history of our hometown. Save the date and bring mom to celebrate her special day, bring the kids, and invite friends and neighbors – Hershey Artfest has something for everyone! More on Artfest Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence Bob Watson - Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence Monday, May 11, 2026 | 6pm to 7:30pm Presented by historian, author, and Hershey native, Professor Robert P. Watson, PhD. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Hershey History Center will host acclaimed historian and author Robert P. Watson, PhD. on Monday, May 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an engaging discussion of his latest book, Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence. Read more about the program . Bob Watson will be at the Hershey History Center, but you can stream the live presentation if you can't attend. This event is free! Please consider a donation to support future programs such as this. 100% of your donation goes to our mission! Thank you for your generosity. Register for a live stream An Unsung Hero of Civil Rights: The Legacy of W. Miller Barbour The Unsung Hero of Civil Rights: The Legacy of W, Miller Barbour Wednesday, June 17 | 6pm - 7:30pm A retrospective on William (Wilbur) Miller Barbour (1908–1957), a pioneering Pennsylvania human rights leader whose activism helped define mid-20th-century civil rights goals. Program presented by Eric Schubert, a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania with an M.A. in History (2026). Eric Schubert is a public historian from a research team with Abigail Sholes. More about the program Sign up for News from the Hershey History Center Subscribe online to get the HHC Newsletter Receive news and updates from the Hershey History Center in your email Inbox, please subscribe , and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and X at @hersheyhistory Subscribe Online Photo Archive The Hershey History Center has a collection of approximately 30,000 historic photos. We are continuously publishing updates to the collection for online searching, viewing and purchasing. Currently, there are close to 1000 photos to view in the database with more added regularly. If you are interested in purchasing a photo from the Archive, please email: photos@hersheyhistory.org Visit the Photo Archive Hershey Hotel circa 1930 The windowless offices of the Chocolate Co. decorated for Christmas in December 1956. State Police Rodeo Hershey Hotel circa 1930 1/46 Hover on a photo to show the Pause and Play buttons to stop the slideshow for a closer look. EVENTS We present events throughout the year, from our Preservation Tour, Annual Preservation Gala, and La Festa Italiana, to international tours, Trains at the Track, special presentations, and Hershey Artfest, our annual celebration of artisans, fine art, and music. Click on the link below! Events Page EXHIBITS Our exhibits offer insight and perspective into our community’s history, before chocolate and beyond. Interpretive displays tell the stories and bring to life the voices of those who shaped, built, and maintain our legacies and future. Exhibits & Collections DONATE Your contributions help sustain our mission to preserve and promote the rich history of Derry Township and Hershey, PA. Consider joining as a member or giving a gift to help support our collections and programs, ensuring the future of our history! Make a Donation Hershey History Center Connections Ride Hershey E-Tours Book your e-bike adventure with Hershey e-Tours . First stop is to tour the Hershey History Center. Shop Monthly Artisan Market Hosted by Stay Apparel . Featuring a variety of talented artisans. Museum admission applies as usual. Tour YOKL Food Tours Book a food and shopping tour visiting local restaurants & unique shops. Trolley goes from the museum. Hershey E-Tours. Stay Apparel. YOKL Food Tours OTHER MUSEUMS OF INTEREST AACA Library & Research Center AACA Museum Gettysburg National Military Park Hershey Community Archives Hershey Story Museum Hummelstown Historical Society Lancaster History Lebanon County Historical Society National Civil War Museum Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Pennsylvania State Police Museum State Museum of Pennsylvania our mission: interpret PRESERVE PROMOTE the history of Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Programs and services provided in part by funding through the PA Historical & Museum Commission CONTACT

Program presented by Eric Schubert, public historian, on William (Wilbur) Miller Barbour (1908–1957, a pioneering Pennsylvania human rights leader whose activism helped define mid-20th-century civil rights goals. An Unsung Hero of Civil Rights: The Legacy of W. Miller Barbour An Unsung Hero of Civil Rights: The Legacy of W. Miller Barbour Wednesday, June 17 | 6pm - 7:30pm Program presented by Eric Schubert, a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania with an M.A. in History (2026). Eric Schubert is a public historian from a research team with Abigail Sholes. A retrospective on William (Wilbur) Miller Barbour (1908–1957), a pioneering Pennsylvania human rights leader whose activism helped define mid-20th-century civil rights goals. About the program Dauphin County’s Human Rights Champion: W. Miller Barbour (1908-1957) A Dauphin County native, W. Miller Barbour became one of the first African American graduates of Elizabethtown College and the first African American college football player in Lancaster County. His upbringing and education in the Middletown, Hummelstown, Hershey, and Elizabethtown areas, including setting these firsts, helped shaped his incredible career in social work which was to come. After earning a master’s in social work from the University of Pennsylvania during World War II, Barbour led programs reducing gang violence and later worked with the National Urban League in Denver and Los Angeles, where he championed racial economic justice. Barbour foresaw later civil rights legislation which would come to fruition with Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr, however, he unfortunately died in 1957 before the full fruits of his labor could reveal themselves. Bio Eric Schubert is an internationally recognized genealogist and forensic genetic genealogist. A graduate of Elizabethtown College with a B.A. in History and a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania with an M.A. in History, he is currently on the Board of Directors of The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Eric’s journey helping individuals through genealogy began at the age of ten and has led to countless reunifications and solved cold cases. Features include People Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, and more. As a White-House Historical Association Next-Gen Leader, his public history work and nationally-featured research focuses on topics throughout Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Marietta area, Presidential history, as well as local biography. Please make a donation In order to support our ongoing mission of promoting our local history in light of the costs incurred for public programming, we are asking for a suggested donation of $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. DONATE

Rent space to hold your special event. Accommodates up to 100 guests. Beautiful location. Reasonable rates. Great facility for weddings, showers, family gatherings, and graduation parties. Facility Rentals Host your event at the Hershey History Center The one-of-a-kind setting known as The Barnyard, at the History Center’s adapted barn and museum, provides the ideal location and access to local attractions for small group gatherings and events. (Reasonably accommodates 85-100 guests, depending on what you have planned.) Whether you’re planning a wedding, business meeting, baby shower, bridal shower, or special gathering, The Barnyard offers the backdrop for a uniquely curated event. Contact us today to book or discuss hosting your event at the Hershey History Center. Hershey History Center members receive a discount. Ample outdoor space for up to 125 persons Indoor meeting space for up to 100 persons Seating for up to 85 List of experienced caterers and musicians available Centrally located in Hershey Request Information Please note: Submitting this form does not guarantee a requested date is reserved. Our coordinator will reach out to provide information and confirm availability . Email Name Phone Date(s) Requested Type of event and number of attendees Submit Request PLEASE NOTE: The Hershey History Center's facility rental is open to the public. Membership is NOT required.

Library and researcy services. Great resources for genealogy and local history researchers. Find links to data collections on deeds, newspapers, oral histories, photo archives, Library, obituaries, scrapbooks, artifacts, photo archive, and Reflections Newsletter articles. Library and Research Services OVER 50,000 DERRY TOWNSHIP & HERSHEY ARTIFACTS & RECORDS FOR YOUR RESEARCH A variety of resources are available to the public and researchers for genealogical and property documentation. These include church records, cemetery records, yearbooks, and general historical research related to Derry Township and Hershey. SELF-DIRECTED RESEARCH In our Library, independent research can be conducted by scheduling an appointment to visit. Please call 717-520-0748 during hours of operation or contact us by email at research@hersheyhistory.org so that a research assistant will be available to maximize the results of your research time. A dedicated laptop is available to use the HHC library. Basic computer skills will be necessary. There is no charge for visitors to use our Library or resources. Access depends on staff availability. Fee-based research : Sorry, this service is not currently available. Online research : Use the Research Resources listed below to view our collections. Want to view something in person? : Complete and submit a Retrieval Request Form for any artifacts you wish to look at in the museum. If you want to request more than three objects, please submit another form. Research Resources INSTRUCTIONS: Review the document Self-Guided Research to better understand the available research resources, how to search our collections, and the process for requesting further assistance with your research. PHOTO REQUESTS: To request a copy of a full size photo from the photo archive, or for assistance, send an email to photos@hersheyhistory.org . Please note that a charge will be applied for photos you order. Hershey History Center members receive a 25% discount on all orders. (Become a member .) TO VIEW ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION: Hershey History Center does not have an on-site research assistant. We will require a little time to process your request. If you would like to view documents or objects in person, please submit a Retrieval Request Form. Somebody will be in touch to schedule an appointment. Thank you. Retrieval Request Form COLLECTIONS: Click a link on an image to view its "Listing". Deeds Maps Newspapers Oral History Family Files Obituaries Obituary images Scrapbooks HHC Library HHC Archives HHC Objects Photo Archive Reflections of the Past Index Reflections of the Past Articles Coming soon USEFUL GENEALOGY WEBSITES Cemetery Transcription Library Cyndi's List Ellis Island American Family Immigration History Center Family Search Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service Gen-Home Genealogy.com Historical Society of Dauphin County National Archives Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission PA residents can access Ancestry.com PA -Pennsylvania specific records for free Public Record Resource RootsWeb Click the logo for MyHeritage Library Edition. Log in with a Hershey Public Library card. Or, visit your local library's website (in PA) and search for e-Resources or Power Library to use your library card. If you do not have a library card, you may use an eCard number. Click the logo for Power Library to access PA Photos and Documents. Explore thousands of digitized documents and photographs from unique collections in institutions across Pennsylvania. No log in required. Hours of operation

The Hershey History Center is looking for volunteers with an interest in history, great attention to detail and who love to organize things. We have numerous projects in our archives. Tasks include arranging materials, looking for duplicates, rehousing items, searching our database and entering information. We are also ooking for volunteers to join our excellent reception team. Volunteer With Us Current Openings Do you have a passion for history and a talent for organization? Elevate your professional profile by volunteering with the Hershey History Center. We are seeking detail-oriented individuals with strong customer service skills and a proactive approach to project management. Posted February 2026. Collections Management Assistants We have numerous projects in our archives. Tasks include arranging materials, looking for duplicates, rehousing items, searching our database and entering information. You will work with our preservation team, and training and supervision will be given every step of the way. Hours are flexible. All we ask is that you are available to work a minimum of four hours per month during business hours, Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. Help us to make history happen here! Commitment Details : Hours are flexible and we are open to volunteers Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. We kindly ask that you are available to work a minimum of four hours per month. Other Requirements: Commitment to see a project through. Willingness to learn. Ability to work independently but ask for help when needed. Volunteering for this position is on-site; therefore, you must be in or near Hershey, PA. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please send an email to: volunteers@hersheyhistory.org or call the Hershey History Center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 10am and 3pm to speak to a staff member, or leave a voice message and we will return your call. Reception Desk Volunteers We are looking for volunteers to join our excellent reception team to work Monday through Saturday, 10am-3pm, or half shifts (10am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-3pm). Tasks include greeting visitors, answering questions, alerting staff when someone is there to meet them; taking cash and card payments for museum entry and gift shop purchases; answering the telephone, taking messages; and keeping reception tidy and free of clutter. A friendly attitude, good organizational skills and the ability to multitask are essential. Training and supervision will be given and will take place Monday through Friday. Training is provided. Commitment Details : Hours are flexible. Monday through Saturday 10am-3pm (or half shifts if needed). Other Requirements: Reception training takes place on Monday through Friday. The amount required depends on when you feel ready to go solo! Volunteering for this position is on-site: therefore, you must be in or near Hershey, PA. Multiple shifts available: We are flexible. Half-day shifts are available. 10:00am to 3:00pm If you are interested in this volunteer position, please send an email to: volunteers@hersheyhistory.org or call the Hershey History Center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 10am and 3pm to speak to a staff member, or leave a voice message and we will return your call.

In collaboration with highly repurable tour agencies, Hershey History Center offers tours within the U.S., and international tours to places, such as Cuba and Colombia. Acerca de Tours Travel with the Hershey History Center Hershey History Center offers a guided tour to Cuba with Vive M á s Tours. Vive M á s Tours Vive Más Tours is one of the few U.S.-American small businesses that take travelers on trips to Cuba and Colombia. Based in Colorado and run by mother-daughter duo Jenny and Rachel Desmond, who offer small group tours designed with the active 55+ traveler in mind that are no-hassle, authentic, and So. Much. FUN. Perfect for solo travelers or couples, their small group tours are your entry to authentic local culture. From savoring delicious cuisine to enjoying lively rhythms, explore historical landmarks and hidden countryside gems while supporting small businesses. Visit Cuba. Coming in April 2027.

How HHC documents archival material and stores it in the Accessions room. Accessions Collection Video segment of Hershey History Center's Accession Program The Hershey History Center's Accession Room houses historical artifacts, documents, and photographs from the past. We document every detail of each object, size, condition, date of submission, the item then gets a catalog number, is entered into our database, it is given a location, then it is brought down to the Accessions Room for archival storage. Regionally Trolley Car Photograph, Hershey History Center Archive The Accessions process is time-consuming as it has to be done properly to ensure the preservation of the community’s historical artifacts. The reason for the thorough process is because there is a transfer of ownership from the artifact’s original owner to the Hershey History Center, and we want to make sure we get as much of the story as possible. “Our goal is to complete logging all the items we currently have in our collection” said volunteer and curator Susan Mittan. “It’s a very prodigious task, but our hope is that with community support, and some time to focus on processing all of these artifacts, we can finish this project. There are almost 35 years of accumulated items in the collection.” Many of the photographs that have been submitted are cataloged and are accessible through the Past Perfect archival database. This is free for anyone to access. https://hersheyhistory.pastperfectonline.com/ If you are interested in purchasing a photo from the Archive, please email to photos@hersheyhistory.org “Past Perfect is a very valuable asset because when people see photographs, they interact with us, tell us the invaluable stories behind these photographs and reveal how much they love this area, its history, and their part in it.” The Accessions Room is not open to members or the public, but you can visit the Hershey History Center's Library. To schedule an appointment, call 717-520-0748 or send an email to research@hersheyhistory.org Financial contributions are a really important factor in ensuring the continued preservation of our history and operations, such as the accessions archival process. You can make a contribution directly to the society to support the costs of maintaining The Hershey History Center’s collections. DONATE

SWIMMING IN HERSHEY PARK Most people would agree that nothing beats the heat and humidity on a hot summer's day like a dip in a cool swimming pool. And one of Hershey Park's earliest offerings was just that. The park's first attempt, an earthen pool, existed but a short time, being washed out by severe flooding from a storm in July of 1908. It would be replaced by a more permanent concrete one as seen in this recently acquired rare photo. It was located in what is now commonly referred to as "The Hollow". Think flat area between the Comet station and lift hill and Spring Creek. This early aerial view gives the best view of the pool's location. From upper left to lower : ball field, swimming pool, man-made skating pond with first Electric Fountain, Spring Creek. The pool would quickly become one of the most popular (and most photographed) areas of the park. A toboggan slide using wood sleds would be added and later replaced by another with a dip during the pool's almost 20 years in existence. One lesser known fact is that this little fella...The Boy With the Leaking Boot (pictured below), or more accurately known as this in the catalog...had his first home in Hershey at the base of the slide. Watching bathers became so popular that a grandstand designed for viewing was added to accommodate the numerous spectators. The pool closed after the1928 season when it was replaced by a much larger one located at the intersection of Park Boulevard and West Derry Road. The catchphrase "Brings the seashore to your door" came about because of its sandy "beach" area, opened in July of 1929. SWIMMING IN HERSHEY PARK Many older locals fondly remember that pool which closed after the 1971 season. The last vestige of the pool, a light house, was removed several years ago.

The Hershey History Center, in partnership with the Central PA WWII Roundtable, is hosting a trolley tour of Hershey on April 25, 2026. This tour will share stories, make stops, display unique WWII artifacts, and bring history to life. Tours will depart from and return to the History Center at 40 Northeast Drive in Hershey. Please, save the date to join us for this iconic tour of Hershey history and architecture. World War II Trolley Tour of Hershey About the event The Hershey History Center, in partnership with the Central PA WWII Roundtable, is hosting a trolley tour on April 25, 2026. This tour will share stories, make stops, display unique WWII artifacts, and bring history to life. Tours will depart from and return to the History Center at 40 Northeast Drive in Hershey. Please, save the date to join us for this iconic tour of Hershey history and architecture. World War II Trolley Tour of Hershey Hershey was a diverse community during the 1940s. It was a tourist town even then. It had a large workforce dedicated to chocolate, was diverse culturally with a large Italian population, but still had a small-town feel. Business executives lived in the same neighborhoods as their workers. They worked, worshiped, and recreated together. World War II had a major impact, reshaping iconic town buildings and locations, and giving new relevance to some while driving innovation in others. How we remember the war, and those who fought it, is tied to tangible pieces from our past. These stories still exist after eighty years have passed. They are alive in the people and the places. We'll travel back in time, cruise around the town, see the sites and hear the stories that bring them to life. Join the History Center as we visit historic sites around Hershey, some prominent and others known only to the community, as we explore their connection to World War II History. Start off your tour by visiting Major Dick Winters's office in the History Center, and board the trolley to see the sites that were important to Major Winters's connection to the community. Visit the historic Hotel Hershey and learn about Axis prisoners of war that resided there, and the role it played in securing the home front during the early days of the war, when paranoia of German and Japanese attack on our homeland was a real fear. The current War Memorial sits in downtown Hershey, but did you know this is its third location or that a second honor roll existed in Derry Township during the war? See sites like the original Chocolate factory in downtown Hershey, where residents worked while their loved ones served. See sites in the Italian Enclave of Swatara Station. These sites will come to life as we traverse the main streets of town, and travel back to the 1940s. Tours depart from and return to the Hershey History Center. The museum will be open and feature a unique exhibit of WWII memorabilia for the event. The tour will be led by Professor Ted Herman. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time. Trolley Tour Times: 10am-12pm (SOLD OUT) 1:00pm-3pm (SOLD OUT) 3:30pm-5:30pm (SOLD OUT) Members and Veterans: $35 Nonmembers: $40 Please note: The tours run rain or shine. Times may not run exactly two hours and may vary based on traffic and weather. There will be several stops with light walking and stairs will be required if you wish to debark from the bus. Purchase Tickets Here

The Hershey Derry Township Historical Society is home to over 50,000 artifacts and photos. Browse through our museum and learn about the early settlers of Derry Township and the community of Hershey. Hershey Bears. Golf. Early education. Stone quarry industy. Hershey Estates. Italian American heritage. Trolleys. Police history. Early farming tools and techniques. History of Penn State Hershey Medical Center. EXHIBITS & COLLECTIONS DEDICATED TO PRESERVING HERSHEY'S HISTORY EXHIBITS & COLLECTIONS The Hershey Derry Township Historical Society is home to over 50,000 artifacts and photos. Browse through our museum and learn about the early settlers of Derry Township and the community of Hershey. New Exhibits A Town Called Hershey From House Call to Phone Call Permanent exhibits Before There Was Chocolate...There Was Stone Derry Before Hershey Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic How the Work Was Done Major Winters Den: The Legacy of Major Dick Winters From B'ars to Bears: A History of the Hershey Bears Teeing Off - History of Golf in Hershey A Town Called Hershey (History of the Hershey Tran sit Company is part of the exhibit.) Then & Now A Munificent Gift From House Call to Phone Call The Presence of the Law Odyssey to America, Revisited - Celebrating Hershey's Italian American Heritage (Rotating exhibit) Temporary exhibit Return of the "Chocolate Town Special" Explore our museum exhibits, enjoy our rich history, and learn about the people who shaped this area. As a community History Center your experience and access to our history is part of our mission. Come visit us and explore our collection . FROM B'ARS TO BEARS Permanent Exhibit This exhibit presents a thorough history of the American Hockey League's most storied and successful franchise, featuring items from the Hershey History Center permanent collection and items on loan from former Bears as well as other pieces culminating over 80 years of Hershey Bears history. BEYOND BAND OF BROTHERS Permanent Exhibit In 2012, the estate and family of Major Dick Winters donated the personal belongings to recreate Winter's personal office. Explore through Winter's artifacts, books, military memorabilia as it was during his leadership in World War II. BEFORE THERE WAS CHOCOLATE Permanent Exhibit Before There was Chocolate illustrates the early quarry industry that supplied brownstone to the entire east coast and as far west as St. Louis, and the local community of Waltonville that evolved to support the industry. OTHER COLLECTIONS PHOTO ARCHIVES Past Perfect Online Archive Visit and explore our online database Past Perfect. A digital archive of thousands of photographs in our collection To meet with our photo archivist to research our photo collection at the History Center, email us at info@hersheyhistory.org to make an appointment request. VIEW ARCHIVE RESEARCH LIBRARY & ARCHIVES Our research library and archives are available for members to research our records for genealogical and regional historical research. Send an email to request an appointment to meet with a staff member at info@hersheyhistory.org MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ROTATING EXHIBITS Our temporary exhibit space reveals a more detailed view into a featured theme from our collections and community. Visit us to learn more about the stories and the people that make our community unique. VISIT US LEARN MORE MANAGING COLLECTIONS View the History Center’s artifact collections storage and see how we care for and implement preservation for our collections. READ MORE We're very proud of our extensive collections that have been entrusted to us. Our diverse collections tell the fascinating story of Derry Township. - Susan Mittan, Volunteer Anchor 1

RALPH FIORE A Hershey Detective in the Early 1900s. FIRST INSTALLMENT Despite all the idyllic descriptions of Hershey offered up in local publications of the early 1900s, it would be foolhardy to think that there were no law breakers or evil forces at work in and around what some have referred to as the Sweetest Place On Earth. To that end, enter one Ralph A. Fiore. His efforts over 100 years ago brought a sense of justice and order to the local area, and documenting those efforts serves to recognize an amazing individual. As early as 1911, Milton S. Hershey understood the need for an officer of the peace. In the document below, he petitioned the Court of Common Pleas and "respectfully prays the Court" for the appointment of a police officer in Hershey Park. One such unidentified officer in uniform can be seen in this real photo postcard from as early as 1913. At least two news records indicate that Ralph Fiore himself would be appointed a "special" park policeman for Hershey Park for the 1916 and 1917 seasons. He also served as a detective for the Hershey Transit Company and Hershey Chocolate Company.

A HISTORY OF HERSHEY ESTATES A unique town exploded onto the rural landscape of central Pennsylvania in 1903, brought into existence from the visionary mind of Milton S. Hershey and his establishment of what would become the world's largest chocolate factory. A Town is Born The multiple entities Hershey established provided all things needed for a thriving community: jobs, places to live, commodities and supplies, utilities and services, education, cultural and recreational opportunities. Due to Milton Hershey's interest in the health and welfare of his townspeople, Hershey, Pennsylvania was like no other "company town." Everything a growing, thriving town needed, he provided... * a beautiful recreational park, large convention hall, dance pavilion, and swimming pool * a bank and a department store * a hospital and a first-of-its-kind consolidated school …to name just a few of the town's early amenities. Later, during one of our country's most depressed decades, he would subsidize the building of a world-class hotel, a community building with a magnificent theatre, a high school for his Hershey Industrial School orphans, a state-of-the-art chocolate factory office, an innovative sports arena, and a big-city stadium. “I am trying to build here a place where people can be happy and contented while they work and live." Success Magazine article 1927 Milton S. Hershey Hershey From the beginning, the town nurtured a multi-faceted experience for its residents – and continues to draw visitors to take in its many offerings. Milton S. Hershey "I am carrying out the terms of my own will while I am still living… If I should pass tomorrow everything would go on just as it is going on now… After all, what good is one's money unless one uses it for the good of the community and humanity in general?" A Town Grows and Thrives The industrialists who spawned America's infrastructure and commerce were nothing without their labor force. Some were paternalistic, creating communities that supported their employees to induce greater returns, some focused solely on their own capital gain. MS Hershey was not only paternalistic, but he was also focused on the people as much as on his product. He was unquestionably dedicated to ensuring his workers had first class amenities, guaranteeing certain rights for their benefit, and devising opportunities in which to spend their free time with their families. For manufacturing employees in some other places and other industries, a day off was not a guarantee, wages were much less than fair, standard housing was never a promise, and scrip was issued in place of cash — requiring workers to use company businesses. Lowell, Massachusetts, considered the first industrial company town in America, required female employees to attend church and wakened them to a daily factory bell in their dorm. In Pullman, Illinois, where railroad cars were the commodity, residents were not allowed to own their homes and even the books for the library were monitored. George Pullman responded to an economic depression by lowering wages but not rents or other costs, ultimately leading to one of the largest strikes in labor history, resulting in the creation of Labor Day. Unlike other manufacturing towns, created only to sustain production, Hershey looked and smelled like a sweet utopia. It rang out with the sounds of cheering crowds and Broadway shows, and hosted Henry Picard and Ben Hogan as golf pros. It produced or provided most household needs from food and soap to greenery and fashion, gas for cars and coal for the homes. Today, hockey goal buzzers still buzz, golfers still hit the greens, and the Gardens still flourish. As for other manufacturing communities which still exist, many do so as national parks or historic museums. But none have so successfully evolved, thrived, and yet retained the very foundation and economic base as Hershey has. All of this was envisioned at the inception of planning for a small manufacturing town; a unique town that promised a lot and provided even more. From the town's earliest days, Mr. Hershey created an infrastructure for the community that provided everything his citizens might need. In 1906, he established the Hershey Improvement Company (HIC) which provided electricity, telephone service, water, and a waste management—sewerage system. HIC also promoted the sale of real estate and assumed management of details typically taken care of by a municipal government. At this time, all the non-chocolate services still operated under the umbrella of the Chocolate Company. However, when Hershey stock was traded publicly on the NYSE in 1927, it became imperative to separate non-chocolate functions from the chocolate-making company. In that same year, Hershey Estates was created and assumed the responsibility of HIC and all non-chocolate businesses. Hershey Estates became part of the holdings for the benefit of the Milton Hershey's orphanage for boys. During the years of its existence, from 1927 to 1976, Hershey Estates oversaw 33 separate companies. They covered everything from A to Z—Abattoir to Zoo, birth to death—Hershey Hospital to Hershey Cemetery. Municipal government was not necessary – the Estates embodied the authority and tools to provide administrative oversight, services, and utilities required to manage a small but robust manufacturing community. They provided street lighting, repaired sidewalks, and roads, and made zoning decisions; they offered retail, service, and lodging opportunities; they operated an amusement park and a hockey team. Times change, and Hershey Estates had to change with them. Small privately owned utilities were a thing of the past. The Park was far from self-sustaining, and other divisions operating at a loss were a constant and increasing drain of the company’s funds—among them upkeep of local roads. In 1976, the Estates divested itself of everything except the local entertainment and resort entities. Hersheypark had been enclosed and re-created as a theme park. Attention was now focused on the promotion of Hotel Hershey, Hershey Motor Lodge, the Park, concerts, and hockey in the Sports Arena. A new name was warranted, and the company rebranded as HERCO, Inc. in 1998, then renamed Hershey Entertainment and Resorts (HE&R), which remains a privately held company for the benefit of the Milton Hershey School. A Town Lives From A-Z