Class of 1950's September Newsletter by Charlie Dodson

Hershey Industrial School

The Great Class of

1950

                                            SEPTEMBER 2009

FELIX B. LADZINSKI

Felix, beloved husband of Ellen F. (nee Hartley); devoted father of Gwenn Lewis, Stephen Ladzinski and Stanley Ladzinski, died on August 5, 2009. He is also survived by four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

JAY HEWES

Thank you to Jay for his gift of $200 which is enough to cover the expenses of the newsletter for one year.

STERLING HETRICK

In an email received in early July Sterling wrote:

Winnie and I just returned from a three week trip up north . . . Our trip was a good one, although rough on the "old" bodies.  We started our vacation with spending a week in Ocean City, MD with friends from Baltimore, then spent a week in Pennsylvania visiting friends and family, and the third week was devoted to our son and family in Cincinnati, with a couple of days to Indiana, visiting Winnie's family.  We were glad to sleep in our own bed by the end of the three weeks.  However, we're off again to a week on the beach in Florida, courtesy of our time share.

ART KING

Just a brief note to let you know we have returned to the State College area. We just were not ready for the life style of that which the Masonic Village had to offer. My new address, email and telephone are as follows:

178 Quarry Street, Bellefonte,Pa. 16823

 (814)353-4591

 email: am32k@aol.com

A MEMORY FROM RAY THURSTON

Ray sent a memory of his time at Hershey to me and I forwarded it on to MHS. I wish the rest of you would send your memories to me for the newsletter and for the 100^th Anniversary.

I met Mr. Hershey twice. The first time was at Unit B. We were playing baseball and his chauffeur brought him to watch the game.

I arrived at Hershey in 1940 at the age of 9. Like all the other boys I had my assigned chores. The one I liked the least occurred during thrashing season. I always got stuck tramping straw.

In the summer of 1943 or 1944 I decided to fake a stomach ache in my left side. I was taken to the infirmary, given a physical and an enema and sent back to the home. This was when I found out that an attack of appendicitis is on the right side.

The next year I complained of pain in my right side. I was taken to the infirmary. A doctor was flown in and two hours later I had surgery. Later that evening Mr. Hershey visited the hospital. I was scared – I thought he was there to punish me for lying. He wasn’t. He was very nice and wished me a speedy recovery. This was the second time I met Mr. Hershey.

Ray’s vital information has changed to:

7231 Chillicothe Road, Mentor, OH 44060

Phone: 440-974-2049

BOB SAUSSAMAN

Bob sent the following in a letter in mid-July. Thank you Bob for setting a good example for the others.

Just a note to let you know Gail and I moved back to Myrtle Beach on May 1 of this year. This will be the third time. I guess we will keep on doing it till we get it right.

We will not be back for Homecoming this year since we already made three trips this year. I am still having trouble walking. The legs and feet are getting more numb. They still are not sure if it’s coming from the radiation I had for prostate cancer or the lymphoma. I started a new doctor and he thinks it may be back. So, now new tests are in order. This last October I had a brain operation. I had fluid on the brain. It sort of shoots the idea in the butt that I was an airhead.

All else is going well. Gail is having fun golfing and is in good health. We hope Nan and Bob (Bettleyon) are doing better.

455 Sunnehanna Dr., #615

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

843-650-1165

FRANK UTZMAN

In late July Frank sent the following email:

Looks like I will be back for the 100th and Homecoming. I'm so anxious I've already started packing for the 3000 mile trip.

I must admit that I feel a little like an outsider being that I was never very close to anyone in the class except Al Hobby, John Gelet, and Kenny Catlin. But I’m sure I can get past that. It's just that so many of you live so close and me so far removed.

The great news is that I will be with my son and daughter. It will be a joy to share my HIS experience with them. So we plan to attend as many events as possible and do some personal touring

The other great news is that after the Hershey experience we plan to go to my hometown (Jeannette, PA) and share all of that with them.

So whatever the plans, save a seat for us and as I said before . . . so lookin' forward to it all.

                                     Frank  HIS '50

FRANK LOGAN

The following email arrived on August 5.

“I finally have my trip planned and confirmed.  I will be coming by myself again this year.  I'll be in Hershey the evening of the 10th thru Monday morning the 14^th.

 As I mentioned in our phone conversation,  I am doing well; just a little high blood pressure (under control) and arthritic knees.  Yesterday was my 78th birthday, glorious day.   By the way Harry Myrick's birthday was in July as I recall.  I believe he is the oldest left in our class.  I also believe Bill Seamen is the baby of our class.

I am looking forward to homecoming and I hope we get a great turn out.

Take care.  Frank

KARL PETERS

On August 6 Karl Peters had surgery to replace his left shoulder. In May of 2008 Karl had his right shoulder replaced. Although Karl expects to attend Homecoming his movement is somewhat hampered by a type of sling that prevents his shoulder from moving. He will need to wear the sling for six to eight weeks.

BOB AND NAN BETTLEYON

In mid-August Nan had an MRI and a CAT scan and is awaiting results. Recently there have been no signs of cancer and Nan is feeling fine. Bob has been having some problems and is not feeling as good. His medication is affecting his taste buds and all food tastes “terrible” according to Bob. He has consulted doctors at the Hershey Medical Center and they are taking a cautious course of treatment for Bob. Planned surgery has been cancelled. The shaking of his leg is not an every day occurrence, but he cannot drive a car.

A BIG SURPRISE

On July 13 approximately 1,500 people attended a surprise farewell party for Johnny O’Brien in the Founders Hall auditorium. While I was there I’m not sure if the party was a surprise or if Johnny O is a good actor. After the program refreshments were served in the dining area.

NEW MHS PRESIDENT

After an eight-month nationwide search that considered more than 160 applicants, the Milton Hershey School board has picked one of its own to head the residential school for needy children.

Anthony Colistra, 68, a Milton Hershey School alumnus, former member of the board of managers and former superintendent of the Cumberland Valley School District, took over as president on Aug. 3. He replaced Johnny O'Brien, also an alumnus, who has headed the school for 7 years.

LeRoy Zimmerman, chairman of the board, said he thinks Colistra will continue the positive changes at the school started by O'Brien.

"Milton Hershey School has made tremendous strides during Johnny O'Brien's presidency, and we wanted a leader who would continue to take the school to new heights," Zimmerman said.

Ric Fouad, an alumnus and attorney who is a frequent critic of the school's board and administration, said in a mass e-mailing that Colistra's selection was "a foregone conclusion." He called the choice "a travesty" that would perpetuate bad policies.

But John Hanawalt, president of the school's alumni association, said he is pleased with the choice of Colistra to head the school started by Milton S. Hershey 100 years ago.

"The alumni association asked the board to consider a graduate of the school and a longtime administrator, and Tony fits both," he said. "Tony was critical to many decisions, including reinstating the vocational program that was near and dear to the hearts of many alumni. He understands Mr. Hershey's mission as we understand it."

The board interviewed about 15 candidates before reaching its unanimous decision, he said.

Zimmerman said Colistra's "passion and care" came through during his interview.

In his e-mail, Fouad questioned several decisions that Colistra had been involved in, including the move to explore selling The Hershey Co. in 2002. Revenue from The Hershey Co. supports the school.

Colistra, who voted against selling the company, said Monday he understands that some people will hold such votes against him, but he is ready to move forward.

"What happened, happened," he said. "It got out of everybody's control, and there were a lot of misconceptions. It was a long time ago, and I won't think about the past."

Fouad also criticized the number of students who leave the school before graduating. But Colistra said that is not necessarily a bad thing. Many go back to families who have made positive changes or miss their children, he said. Those students still benefited from their tenure at the school, he added.

Colistra said he wants to continue to recruit the neediest children and to offer vocational training to those who might not be destined for college. He hopes to keep building enrollment.

Colistra graduated from Milton Hershey School in 1959. He taught at the school and served as a guidance counselor. He and O'Brien once lived in the same student home and played football together.

Colistra received his doctorate from Temple University in 1975. He joined the Cumberland Valley School District as principal at Good Hope Middle School. He served as district superintendent from 1997 to 2003.

He served on the Milton Hershey School board from 1997 to 2007 and as its chairman from 2002 to 2005.

Colistra's contract is for five years. His salary is under negotiation.

JOHNNY O’s FAREWELL ADDRESS

I am not fond of saying goodbye and, my departure is not all that significant. So let me say a FARE-THEE-WELL since what is of vital importance is how our School Family fares after I retire. I am ready to leave because I know you are ready to lead MHS to greatness in our second century.

Upon returning to the Home that had saved my life, my vision was clear and simple. To get the School back on our Founder’s Vision and philosophy; to serve and save many more children’s lives; to get staff and students taking accountability for the extraordinary excellence MHS can stand for and, then, to get out of the way. Our beloved Milton Hershey School is poised to achieve a level of operational excellence never seen before at MHS or any secondary school. But it will need your full commitment and unselfish sacrifice.

For what it is worth, here is my parting counsel:

1)  Aim high. MHS has yet to experience its full potential. Together we have made this a good Home

and School. Now, take us to great!

2)  Continue to unify. Close ranks — teachers, houseparents, and staff— for the sake and success of our precious children. Unity will become the School’s secret weapon.

3)  Embrace and celebrate our Noble Mission. Serve daily knowing that you are blessed to be saving children’s lives.

4)  Value learning and continuous improvement over looking good, being safe, finger-pointing, and positional power. Challenge authority (respectfully) for the betterment of MHS.

5)  Make our Sacred Values sacred.

I have noticed that our staff who are deeply fulfilled are staff who are deeply committed to our extraordinary mission. All of our School community can have that magical feeling of giving their all to something much larger than themselves. That we can save children’s lives on top of having good pay, great benefits, and a terrific place to work is the miracle of Milton Hershey School. We are just so darn blessed.

So I say fare thee well. Thank you for your devotion to our kids and our mission. I will miss you and this magical place but I plan to return for many of our Centennial events next year. I ride into the sunset on my OWN terms, fulfilled, thankful, and primed for the next chapter.

With love and appreciation, Johnny O’Brien

NEW MHS DOCUMENTARY

Academy Awards-winning documentary filmmaker Cynthia Wade spent a year following the lives of several new MHS students. Their stories, as well as the experiences of others touched by the MHS experience, are chronicled in a new film set to air on the Sundance Channel and Independent Film Channel (IFC) this fall.

The film captures the realities faced by the families as the children leave home for life on the MHS campus, including the emotional struggles and conflict. It explores the sometimes-desperate situations that lead parents to seek a better place for their children and the emotional turmoil that can occur. The result is an honest look at the journey parents, students, and alumni take on the road to building better lives through Mr. and Mrs. Hershey’s extraordinary gift.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I believe we will be able to view the film during Homecoming. The MHS family viewed the film in mid-August.

MHS COMMUNITY WORK DAY

More than 2,000 Milton Hershey School students, staff and alumni on Sunday celebrated "Milton Hershey National Volunteer Day" with community service projects in Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

Joined by employees of the Hershey Company, the school community worked at parks, churches, retirement villages and other places, then later in the day enjoyed a picnic.

NEW HOMES APPROVED

South Hanover Board of Supervisors kicked off its July 28 meeting by reviewing revised plans submitted by Milton Hershey School to add 16 additional student homes to the Venice Project. The addition will raise the student Population at that site to approximately 384 students

The new plan, which the board approved, shows all the current existing Waivers that are now in place. While plans for their Manada Project have been put on hold until next year due to the economic downtum and slowdown of enrollment, Milton Hershey School has laid plans for the sewer utility infrastructure from the Venice site to be expanded to the Manada site.

MEDICAL CENTER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Officials at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center will move ahead with plans for a new children's hospital after delaying construction last year because of the global financial crisis.

Bond markets have eased and the estimated construction costs have come down since December, said hospital spokeswoman Megan Manlove. Officials at the Derry Twp. hospital expect to save $20 million in construction costs if building can start in nine to 12 months because construction companies hurt by the economic downturn are eagerly seeking work, Manlove said. She didn't know when construction would start. The board of directors and the trustees have yet to approve the architectural plans.

The hospital has raised $62 million of the $65 million in contributions that it was seeking, Manlove said. The project cost is estimated at $225 million, including the building, related infrastructure and additional parking.

The new hospital will replace the children's hospital on the seventh floor of the main hospital. It will include state-of-the-art rooms and equipment and make it easier for parents to stay with their children in their rooms.    Patriot-News

GONNA FLY NOW:

Milton Hershey’s Million-to-one Shot in Phila.

By JAMES D. McMAHON, Jr.

Director, School History

Back in December of 1976, Rocky Balboa (aka Sylvester Stallone) first thrilled movie audiences with his run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, raising his arms in triumph as the music to “Gonna Fly Now” (Theme from Rocky) reached its climax.  In 1876, exactly one hundred years earlier, an 18-year-old Milton Hershey took a similar million-to-one shot at fame and fortune in the City of Brotherly Love, opening his own candy-making business in a modest building located at 935 Spring Garden Street.  Here he hoped to find a ready market for his candy in the crowds flocking to Philadelphia to help celebrate the nation’s Centennial.  Through hard work and with the help of his family, he managed to achieve some initial success and in 1879 secured new and more ambitious premises at 925-927 Spring Garden Street.  Though able to make ends meet, his low volume of business and limited cash flow often caused him to fall behind on his bills.  As a result, he lived in constant fear that impatient sugar dealers would suspend his supply of raw materials.  In an effort to increase business as well as his chances of success, Hershey set up a wholesale office at 532 Linden Street before finally relocating to 1217-1225 Beach Street to concentrate on the wholesale end of his business.  Unfortunately for Milton, his hard work and perseverance failed to pay off and his initial effort at success ended in failure in 1882; six long years after he first came to Philadelphia.

Credit reports written by agents of Dunn & Bradstreet in the early 1880s show that Milton Hershey’s increasingly precarious financial position was not unknown to the various banks and creditors in Philadelphia.  On at least four separate occasions, Dunn & Bradstreet recorded the following observations about Mr. Hershey and his business:

January 18, 1880:  M.S. Hershey.  A young man about 22.  Confessed he is mostly furnished by an aunt… Doing a fair business, but making no money.  He is considered industrious, attentive, hardworking, and honest.  Not considered desirable as judgment could be closed on him at any time.

May 5, 1881:  M.S. Hershey.  Is considered honest and so far has paid for what he has bought.  We can only suggest care in transactions at this time. 

January 19, 1882:  Confessed judgment of $3000 to M.B. Snavely.

May 23, 1882:  M.S. Hershey.  Out of business.

Though his exit from Philadelphia at this point was inglorious, the groundwork he laid for the future was invaluable.  Notice the four words used to describe Mr. Hershey in the first credit report – “industrious, attentive, hardworking, and honest.”  At Milton Hershey School, we have a code of behavior we call the Milton Hershey Way which consists of four sacred values –integrity, positive spirit, commitment to mission, and mutual respect.  Together, they recall the very essence of Mr. Hershey; echoing those traits exhibited by him as a young businessman in the city of Philadelphia and reminding our students and staff of the values practiced by Mr. Hershey himself.

Like Rocky Balboa, Milton Hershey would eventually triumph; between 1901 and 1904 the now- successful chocolate manufacturer even operated a fancy soda fountain and candy store at 1020 Chestnut St.  Today, the success of both men is forever immortalized in metal; Balboa/Stallone with a statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Hershey with a recently unveiled state historical marker commemorating the opening of his first candy business at 935 Spring Garden St.  MHS alumnus Dr. Adam W. Fisher ’49, organizer of the petition to erect the marker, chose the date of June 1 for the unveiling to coincide with the same date Milton opened his shop in 1876.  A number of dignitaries as well as representatives from the various Hershey entities attended the event. 

The marker reads as follows:

Hershey’s First Candy Store:  Milton Snavely Hershey opened his first candy business here on June 1, 1876, at eighteen years of age.  The confectionery shop produced and sold candies, nuts, and baked goods.  Although initially successful, credit issues led to its closure.  Undeterred, Hershey opened the Lancaster Caramel Co. in 1886, which became extremely profitable.  Established as a subsidiary of that company, the Hershey Chocolate Co. achieved international success.

OLD HERSHEY HOSPITAL

Many babies were born in the old hospital on the grounds of the Milton Hershey School. Some people died there, too, including Milton S. Hershey.

That's why some people feel nostalgic as they watch the old building being reduced to rubble, said Beth Shaw, executive director of student support services at the Milton Hershey School.

School officials had hoped to save the building and renovate it so it could continue to serve as the school's infirmary, as it has since 1933, she said.

But once contractors got inside, they found extensive water damage on the second floor, loose bricks that needed replacing, and supports that were crumbling. That, combined with a radon problem in the basement, made renovations too costly, Shaw said.

Part of the new 40-bed infirmary has been operating for a year, Shaw said. That was fortunate when the school faced a swine flu epidemic in the spring, and a sick child was coming to the infirmary every five minutes, she said.

The rest of the new building, which will include the behavioral services program, admissions offices and family programs, should open by spring, Shaw said.       Patriot-News

MHSAA JULY MEETING

At the July 19 meeting there were 19 members present.

Ralph Carfagno ‘73, MHS Senior Director, Alumni Relations & Programs, gave a brief update:

•   The school has commissioned a documentary about MHS that will be shown to alumni on Homecoming weekend – Friday Sep 11 and Saturday Sep 12.

•   On Sunday Sept 13 there will be a special program at the old Hershey Park Arena. Information is included in the Homecoming Brochure.

•   On November 12 (during Founder’s week) Jordan Sparks (American Idol) will give a free concert for all MHS students and staff and alumni. 

Officer Reports

Treasurer – Jack Swofford – Jill (speaking for the absent Jack) reported that as of July 15, the checking account balance was $28,037.81 and as of June 30 the Investment Funds balance was $83,298. There are about $12,000 of Golf Tournament costs that have not been paid.

Total dues paid to date are $12,125 of which $9,355 is for life members (39) and $2,770 are annual dues.

Vice President/Legal – John Mardula

John indicated that a document is being developed that identifies the criteria and qualifications for the Board of Managers - from an Alumni Association perspective. They include:

•   Commitment to the Deed of Trust

•   Commitment to wanting to be an ambassador for the Milton Hershey School

•   Commitment to understanding the needs of children so you can help them

•   General type qualifications such as education, requisite intelligence and experience to contribute to the needs of the BOM

A draft has been prepared and some further discussions will take place and it will be presented to the Alumni Association board at the next meeting. Once our board has approved it, we will seek discussions with the BOM and senior school leaders.

Vice Pres./Communications – John Halbleib

Website – John reported that this year a great deal of information regarding Homecoming – including registration and centennial memorabilia – will be online.

A “Social Connect for Facebook” will be implemented. The fee has been waived for the first year.

Chapter Reports

Ray Daly reported that the Philadelphia Chapter presented Bryan Camacho another check for $5,000, closing out this fundraiser.

Maureen Mattiello spoke about the Harrisburg Chapter Volunteer Service Project – the Capital Area Greenbelt – and invited all to support this effort.

Committee Reports and Discussion

Finance Committee – Tom Gamble

A combination sale will be offered. A 2010 lottery calendar ($50) with a 2009 raffle ticket ($50) and/or two years of dues ($50) will be offered at a 20% discount. The offer will be announced in the newsletter.

MHS/Community Alliance Committee – Joanne Gagnon

“Kitty” is a concept of asking alumni to “give back” and to form a resource pool of alumni. There is uncertainty about the mechanics and accountability of the program and who would participate and who would do the “work.” Joanne agreed to first work with the school to explore their latest thoughts and interests and then to make some recommendations to the EC and the Board.

Membership Committee – Bill Brill

The committee recommended the following be named honorary members in the Alumni Association:

•   Connie Jennings – 34 years as an elementary school teacher

•   Dale Aucker – 32 years as the printing instructor

•   August (Gus) & Florence Schilling – 27 years as houseparents

The Board voted unanimously for each of the recommendations. The new honorary members will be inducted during the 2009 Homecoming banquet on Saturday Sept. 12.

Recognizing the unique role of houseparents and the lesser number of students who know a particular set of houseparents, the committee was asked to re-look at the guidelines regarding houseparent selection.

Awards Committee – Jim Gibbs –

The committee recommended that Bill Brill ’56 be awarded the Alumni Service Award for 2009. The Board voted unanimously in support of the recommendation.

Nominating Committee – John Hanawalt

There will be six candidates on the election ballot and there are four open positions. Only dues paying members will be allowed to vote.

Elections Committee – John Hanawalt

Brian Russell is the Chair. Committee members include Tom Gamble, Lisa Haidara, Jerry Gaughan, Roy Sollazzi, Maureen Mattiello and Bill Brill. The Board, with unanimous consent, gave Brian and John Hanawalt approval to add additional members if necessary.

Program/Events Committee – Dick Shadel

Jim Gould reported that the 16th MHSAA Annual Golf Tournament was a huge success. The net profit was $23,307. The Board unanimously approved donating $1,000 of the profit to the First Tee program.

The Board agreed to support the MHS request to update the Alumni Association Chapter Map. This information will be included in the handbook that is given to each graduating senior.

Executive Committee – John Hanawalt

•   Debate Club (within web site). A policy has been adopted to address the second offense of website violations. It is an indefinite suspension for a period of at least one year.

•   Homelife Division Program. In early 2010 (Jan-May) all Senior Division Home students will spend a Sunday evening (approximately 5:30 – 8:00) at the Alumni campus. They will tour the Dearden House Museum and talk with alumni about school history, school programs, etc. John Hanawalt will coordinate the program and Joe Meizen (early days – 50’s), John Hanawalt (60’s- mid 80’s) and Mary McDonagh (late 80’s – current) will each line up a volunteer for each of the 14 evenings.

•   MHSAA Golf Classic for 2010 – Contract signed for Wednesday May 19

Unfinished Business -- Centennial Gift

The installed cost of the “Spartan Head” gift idea is estimated to be less than $30,000. Approval of the school is not expected until after the new President takes over. If we proceed, a fundraising program will be planned. Awareness needs to start ASAP.

Next Meetings

•   The tentatively scheduled August 16 meeting is cancelled so that alumni can support the National MHS  Community Service Day

•   2010 organizational meeting on November 8 at 12 noon.

IT DIDN’’T GO AS PLANNED

The following appeared in the May 1950 issue of the School Industrialist:

SEEN AND HEARD by Jerry Gaughan

“Because it is so close to graduation it was decided that I should report the results of another poll. The poll was on the question, “What do you want to be when you graduate?”

This poll was conducted by the supervisor of an institution for higher learning located at the corner of 11th and Maclay Streets in Harrisburg. (Do you remember that was the address of the state mental hospital?)

Rating high on the list of ideal jobs was the job of salesman. “Sal” Lyman wants to sell Burma Shave; but Bob Fleig prefers to sell tooth brushes like the sample he’s usually chewing. Karl Peters wants to be a salesman for Lebanon “Baloney,” while Sam Harner is satisfied with the prospect of being a Fuller Brush Man.

Ken Palovitz hopes to some day be president of of the Chess and Checker Club.

To keep things in the family, Ed Young has decided to take over Louie Maurer’s job. Dick Sweitzer can’t wait to be a coal miner.

“Gunder” Coyle wants to be a track star like Gil Dodds, and “Chick” Logan wants to be the strong man in a circus.

Garry Tanner, the mad scientist, just lives for the day when he will be president of the Atomic Commission, while “Mike” Seaman wants to be a cowboy or a fireman.

“Stu” Pierson wants to run a vaudeville show, and Jere Morrison wants to be a farmer. Well, we wish you all the luck in the world, boys. Go to it!”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK:  If I Can Make

It There, I’ll Make it Anywhere

by JAMES D. McMAHON, Jr.

Director, School History

These words made famous by Frank Sinatra may just as well have been uttered by Milton Hershey on more than one occasion.  Like Sinatra, Mr. Hershey, had a special relationship with the “city that never sleeps.”  New York was the largest candy market in the world and on more than one occasion served as a backdrop for the business ventures of Mr. Hershey.  New York also held a special place in the heart of Milton Hershey – it was here where Milton married Catherine in 1898 and it was here where they both would sign the Deed of Trust establishing their school for orphan boys in 1909.

After failing in Philadelphia, Milton Hershey opened his first business in New York in 1883; a small candy shop located at 742 Sixth Avenue.  Here his letterhead proudly proclaimed him to be an agent for “Phillip Wunderle’s Best Philadelphia Candies” and a manufacturer of “The Original Chicago Caramels and Specialties.”  However, as in Philadelphia, Hershey was once again hampered by the problems of small volume and little cash flow.  After three years he was forced to suspend his operation and return home to Lancaster. 

Once in Lancaster, Hershey wasted little time in starting a new business.  The Lancaster Caramel Company proved to be a success and Hershey soon expanded production to other cities in Pennsylvania and to Chicago.  In New York he operated a shop located at one time on Canal Street.  When Milton Hershey sold his caramel business in 1900 to concentrate on chocolate making, he made sure to keep a presence in New York by retaining a sales and distribution office in the city.  The importance of maintaining a presence in New York was underscored by an advertising expenditure in the amount of $5,918.82 made by Hershey in February 1901 to erect a big sign on 110th Street at the turn on the way to Harlem which proudly proclaimed “Hershey’s Milk Choco- late.”  In New York, the chocolate company also provided easy access to financial capital, cocoa and sugar importers and brokers, and the various stock exchanges and futures markets.  Today, the Hershey Company continues to maintain a highly visible presence in the city, including an interactive shopping experience at Hershey’s Time Square, located at 48th Street and Broadway.

Few people realize that from 1915 until 1924, the Hershey Chocolate Company manufactured a mint-flavored chewing gum – first in Hershey and later in New York.  Always one to exploit a marketing opportunity, Hershey came up with the idea of giving the public a bonus sixth stick in every pack as opposed to the industry standard of five per pack.  The popularity of the product meant that Hershey needed more space and in 1919 production was moved from Hershey to New York to the O’Neil-Adams Building, a six-story structure on Sixth Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets where some chocolate bar and coatings were already being made.  As his chocolate business continued to grow, Hershey had trouble supplying both his chocolate and gums lines with sugar and production was halted in October 1924. 

New York City also played an important role in the personal lives of Milton and Catherine Hershey.  Frequent visitors to New York during their courtship, they were married in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on May 25, 1898 as recorded in a certificate issued by the Reverend Thomas F. Murphy, Assistant Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and witnessed by Francis Foley and Alice McKenna, two of Catherine’s friends.  In furnishing their High Point home, they took advantage of New York’s reputation as the cultural center of the country by making many of their purchases from established local manufacturers, including furniture from R.J. Horner and paintings from Holland Galleries.  No wonder Milton and Catherine Hershey chose New York as the place where they would sign the Deed of Trust establishing the Hershey Industrial School on November 15, 1909; ultimately creating the family they so longed for.  In the “city that never sleeps,” both Milton and Catherine Hershey certainly found themselves to be “top of the list and king of the hill in old New York!”