Milton Hershey School

Campus History

by James D. McMahon Jr.

Milton Hershey School began as a dream and vision shared by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine. Unable to have children of their own, the Hersheys decided to use their wealth to create a home and school for orphaned boys. Established on November 15, 1909, the first students of what was then called the Hershey Industrial School lived and attended class in the Homestead, the rural birthplace of Milton Hershey. Here they were provided with a stable home life and a rigorous combination of agricultural, vocational, and academic learning. Today Milton Hershey School continues the tradition of preparing students to lead productive and fulfilling lives by providing a cost-free, private, coeducational home and school for children from families of low income, limited resources, and social need. Milton Hershey School chronicles the history and traditions of a legacy that continues to serve the needs of the thousands of boys and girls touched by the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey every day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2008

About the author

James D. McMahon Jr. has been with the Hershey Museum since 1988. He currently serves as Director and Senior Curator. He received his undergraduate degree from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA and his graduate degree in American Studies from Penn State Capital College in Harrisburg, PA. He is the father of one daughter, Katie McMahon. He has written numerous articles on aspects of the museum colection and the history of Hershey. He is a life long resident of the south-central Pennsylvania area.

Reviews

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having toured the Hershey complex in Hershey PA last fall I had to find out more about the school he and his wife set up for orphan children. It has kept expanding for 90+ years and enrollment keeps increasing. Easy quick read with plenty of pictures. I will continue to find out more about what Hershey did (besides making good chocolate)

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like how this book was laid out. It made for a very good summer read. It was mostly pictures and then it told the story under each picture.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting. If I was an alumnus, I probably would have given it 3 or 4 Stars.

[Esther Mackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

whats remarkable is not just the history already made; it is the history still to be made. It is not just those lives changed, but those lives still to be changed.

[hAiLeY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alot of information! Did for a Term Paper!

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good summary history of Hershey's school for orphans.