The Town That Chocolate Built


While you may not discover anything so whimsical as fountains flowing with syrup or sidewalks fashioned entirely out of Twix Bars, what you will find are more than just a few subtle reminders of the ties that bind this community both economically and culturally with its renowned namesake.

Standing at the corner where Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues converge, you can take in the aroma of the sweet confection wafting through the air. Care to check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster? You can catch all the latest first-run features at the seven screen CocoaPlex Cinema. And, after a busy day about town, You'll always find a friendly home away from home at the Chocolatetown Motel.

Welcome to Hershey - purveyor of rich,mouth-watering chocolate and the town that rightly proclaims itself "The Sweetest Place On Earth".

Established in 1903 by Milton S. Hershey amid the green, rolling farmland of Central Pennsylvania's Dutch country, the visionary industrialist borrowed on methods and machinery used in German chocolate making for use in mass-production techniques in his factory as a means to make the candy more affordable to the masses.

Reflecting on his newfound wealth and success, Hershey felt increasingly compelled to return the good fortune that had befallen him to friends and strangers alike.

Envisioning a model community surrounding his factory, Hershey set about building homes for his employees - not in typical row house fashion as was common at the time, but comfortable dwellings along tree-lined streets that lent a "home town" appeal.

Construction on schools soon followed, as well as a variety of recreational venues like a golf course and park along with an inexpensive public transportation system.

Many of the town's more impressive buildings and landmarks came as a result of Milton Hershey's "Great Building Campaign" begun during the Depression that served to keep his workers employed.

One such undertaking was the construction of the Hotel Hershey, designed in Mediterranean style with yellow brick and green Spanish tile, it remains a center piece of Hershey's nostalgic charisma.

Hersheypark, built by Hershey to provide a fun and relaxed setting for his workers and their families, has evolved into one of the nation's most popular and award-winning theme parks.

The "cleanest and greenest theme park in America" boasts over 60 rides and attractions from kiddie carousels to the adrenaline-pumping Great Bear and Lightning Racer, just two of the park's seven acclaimed roller coasters.

For those seeking leasure on a more mild side, Hershey Gardens provides 23-acres of tranquil souroundings in which to stroll. Gardeners taking pride in their own manicured settings at home will especially appreciate the variety of floral exhibits concieved by Hershey's wife, Catherine, as a formal rose garden.

The copyright of the article The Town That Chocolate Built in Pop Culture is owned by Kevin Reed. Permission to republish The Town That Chocolate Built in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic