Monday, February 20, 2023

Who was Milton Hershey by James Buckley Jr.

 Milton Hershey is famous for chocolate, but he started his candy making empire by mass producing caramels.  It wasn't until he visited a world fair, and saw an exhibit featuring European chocolate making machines, that he decided it was time to bring mass produced chocolate to the US.  His pre-wrapped chocolates made him immensely rich, and he used much of his fortune improving the lives of his workers.  

Here is another short "Who Was" biography.  I enjoyed it very much.  I knew that Hershey was a major chocolate maker and that he had a town in Pennsylvania named after him, but I did not know that he was one of the first people to create pre-packaged candy that could be sold somewhere besides a candy store.  I also didn't realize that in a time when many companies kept their workers in shanty towns, Hershey tried to make his factory town the ideal place for people to live.  He built parks, libraries, and other amusements.  He also started and ran a school for orphaned boys.  This is a very positive account of Hershey's life, and I would guess a more in-depth biography would portray a much more complex character.  Still, this is a great introduction for children and curious adults who want a very quick read. (2013, 112 p.)

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