During the week in the Lancaster, PA area we went to Hershey Chocolate World in Hershey, PA. They have an amusement park which was closed when we were there and what a disappointment to me as I like roller coasters and the like. I have included some pictures of that park. In the main building we went on a ride that took us through a simulated chocolate factory showing how everything was made. The same building held the largest chocolate store which had a large selection of all the candy that Hershey makes, including companies that he has bought over the years which included Reese’s Chocolate. Needless to say, we bought a LOT of chocolate and some T-shirts and hats.

Then we took a tour around the town in a trolley and the guide told the story of William Hershey and how his chocolate dynasty was formed.   Note the streetlights on the picutre below are in the form of a chocolate kiss.  Many of the street names are chocolate related, such as Chocolate Ave and Cocoa Ave.  We saw the mansion that he built for his wife. See the picture below. He also built a very fancy hotel on the hill above the chocolate factory. That picture is also below.

Since his wife could not have children he decided to use his wealth to help under-privileged boys. He built a very complete school with all the athletic facilities that anyone could ever desire. There are no dorms, just fancy homes with house parents in each one. The children were taught the Bible and had it read to them every day. Mr. Hershey was a God-fearing man and wanted to make sure that the boys learned about God.

Knowing he had no heirs to inherit his estate he made arrangements for the majority of his estate and the profits of the school to go to support the school. He also provided scholarships for his students to attend college if that was their desire. Nothing was held back in building the homes and school facilities. It was very impressive to see the school grounds. No one I know got to attend anything quite so grand. To know that this will continue for many years in the future is really exciting. Also to know that these boys and now girls will be learning about my Lord and Saviour is so fantastic. I will buy Hershey chocolate knowing that I am helping to support this effort.   Praise God for Mr. Hershey.

Next stop is Gettysburg on the Calip adventure.