Milton Hershey
aka Hayla A.

Hello, I am Milton S. Hershey, the Emperor of Chocolate, and I lived from 1857 to 1945.

Overall, I had a rough childhood since I was the only surviving child in my family. My little sister, Serena, died when I was eleven. After fourth grade, I dropped out of school and became an apprentice to the owner of a printing shop. After a short while, I was fired because I purposely threw my hat in the printing press. Later, I became an apprentice to a candy maker. When I was nineteen, I started my own candy business in Philadelphia. My business failed because nobody bought my candy, but I did not give up. I started three more businesses and they all failed. Finally, in 1883, I returned to Lancaster and started the successful Lancaster Caramel Company. Soon, it became a huge success and everyone loved my delicious soothing candy.

Eventually, it was my talent in making delicious caramels, that led me to becoming famous. I knew how to make the candy taste just right for everyone to enjoy. Not only was I gifted, but I was also very clumsy. For example, once I left the machine on at the candy shop and burned the fudge I was making.

I made amazingly delicious candy that made people want to jump in joy. Some of the candies I made were Hershey bars, Hershey hugs and kisses, Mr. Goodbar, Krackel, and Hershey's Miniatures.

Later in my life, I created a model town for my employees, a public transportation system, a quality public school, and an amusement park called Hershey Park that had pools, rides, and a ballroom. I also made Hotel Hershey, a community center, Hershey Theatre, Hershey Park Arena, and Hershey Park Stadium. During World War II, I made a special nutritious candy bar for the soldiers. In 1942, I received the Army and Navy E. Award for supplying the army with candy bar for four years. In 1909, I established the Hershey Industrial School for orphan boys. In 1918, I donated my entire fortune-about $60 million-to the school.

A person who inspired me was my master, Joe Royer, who was a candy maker. People who also encouraged and helped me were Henry Hershey, my father, Fanny Hershey, my mother, my wife Kitty, and my Aunt Mattie.

Although, most men retire to enjoy their hobbies, I kept on experimenting with making different kind of candies. I died at the age of 88 on October, 13 1945, a year after I retired. I lived a long and useful life doing something I really enjoyed and helping others.

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