Our Proud History
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is a privately held company founded in 1927 when Milton S. Hershey separated his chocolate manufacturing operations from his other businesses.
A Town Built On Chocolate
In 1903, Milton S. Hershey returned to his birthplace with a vision to build the world's first modern chocolate factory. He was not content with the factory alone, however, and took an active role in the community sprouting up around him. He built a "real home town" complete with schools, shops, and "Hershey Park," where his employees and their families could relax.
Our Founder's Legacy
Milton and Catherine Hershey started a home and school for orphaned boys, endowing it with their entire fortune. The Hershey Industrial School, now known as Milton Hershey School, has grown into what is now a state-of-the-art multi-campus school and home to more than 2,000 income-eligible children from across the United States.
The Great Building Campaign
While the nation suffered during the Great Depression, Mr. Hershey created many jobs for the town's residents by building a Community Center, which included a theatre, "Hershey Park" Stadium, Hershey Arena - and The Hotel Hershey, a spectacular, Mediterranean-style grand hotel.
Where We Are Today
Since Mr. Hershey owned not only the chocolate factory, but also many of the town's utilities and businesses, he decided to separate the chocolate manufacturing operations from his other ventures in 1927. All of these non-chocolate producing divisions were placed under the name Hershey Estates. Today, we are known as Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.
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