The Skooter bumper car ride is opened. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1926.]
The Kiddie Ferris Wheel is opened. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1926.]
A Kiddie small aeroplane swing is opened. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1926.]
A new Wurlitzer organ is purchased for the merry-go-round. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1926.]
The Ballroom is renamed Danceland. They start to use national bands instead of just local dance bands. The first national band is Gordon Kibbler’s Orchestra. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1926.]
Vaudeville shows and moving picture shows replace summer stock at the Hershey Park Theater. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1926.]
Hershey Park holds its first Kiddie Day for children 15 and under.
Will Rogers, the great cowboy humorist, performs at Convention Hall.
Hershey Chocolate Company begins manufacturing Almond Milk Chocolate bars. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1908.]
Hershey’s Syrup, packaged in 8 oz and 16 oz cans for home use, introduced.
The main pavilion for the Hershey Park is located on the hillside overlooking the Spring Creek. It is used for dancing and roller skating even before the park is officially opened. It cost $6200.00. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1904.]
A stage with drop curtains is added to the Hershey Park pavilion so that it can be used as a theater. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1906.]
A grandstand and bleachers are built for the ballfield. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1906.]
Jacob Hummel of Hummelstown is engaged to organize a band for the town of Hershey. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1906, some time before May 30.]
Hershey Park opens for its first official season on Memorial Day. The day is marked by a baseball game and a concert given by the Hershey Band.
The main pavilion at Hershey Park is enclosed and enlarged so that it can be heated and used for the band practice during the winter.
Hershey Park begins operation of a small, used merry-go-round and band organ from the Herschell Spillman Company.
The first 9 hole golf course is opened. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1908.]
Tennis courts are added to the Hershey Park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1908.]
A large multipurpose structure is built near the entrance to the park. The printing office occupies part of the first floor.
A dance pavilion (ballroom) is built along the Spring Creek. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1909.]
The Hershey Park Amphitheatre is built. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1909.]
Bowling alleys are located in the multipurpose building near the entrance to the park. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1909.]
A photographic gallery is opened. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1909.]
Hershey Park constructs a new bandstand. It replaces the old rustic one.
The miniature railroad begins operations. It was designed by Ernest H. Miller, Lancaster, PA and constructed by the Empire Track and Brake Company, Hastings on Hudson, NY.
The Hershey Zoo opens. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1910.]
The first concrete swimming pool is completed. It replaces a temporary pool that had been in use since 1908. Its dimensions are 100 by 250 feet and is 6 1/2 feet deep at one end. It is used for skating in the winter of 1911 and for swimming in the summer of 1912.
President William L. Lepley reorganizes Milton Hershey School administration. Six vice president positions are reduced to three: Dr. Lawrence Davenport, Vice President of Finance and Operations; Dr. Mavis Kelley, Vice President of Programs; and Ruben Nazario, Vice President of Human Resources.
Milton Hershey School alumni, students and staff volunteers, under the supervision of David Bowser (1957) construct the Alumni Memorial Grove Grand Pavilion adjacent to Founders Hall erected by “Barn-raising”
First Day of Issue ceremony at Hersheypark Sports Arena to officially unveil the First Class United States postage Stamp honoring Milton S. Hershey as a philanthropist. The stamp ceremony draws over 7,500: students and staff of Milton Hershey, Derry Township and St. Joan of Arc Schools, plus alumni and community at large with Postmaster Runyon […]
Milton Hershey School Operations personnel vote 76-37 for union representation by the Chocolate Workers Union Local 464.
Milton Hershey School begins demolition of Fanny B. Hershey Memorial Hall (1927 building).
Ronald D. Glosser retires as President and CEO of Hershey Trust Company and Chairman of The M.S. Hershey Foundation.
Robert C. Vowler is named Acting President of Hershey Trust Company.
Vincent B. Rudisill is elected Treasurer of Hershey Trust Company and Milton Hershey School.
Milton S. Hershey is inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, CA. J. Bruce McKinney accepts the recognition.
Derry Township establishes its own police department. Headquarters are located on E. Chocolate Avenue in the old King Kup building.
Henry Picard is hired as the Golf Pro for the Hershey Country Club. (Serves until March 14, 1941)
Ben Hogan is hired as the Golf Pro for the Hershey Country Club. (Serves until 6/15/1951)
Johnny Weitzel is hired as the Golf Pro for the Hershey Country Club. (Serves until 1955) [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1952.]
Jay Weitzel is hired as the Golf Pro for the Hershey Country Club. (Serves until 1993) [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1956.]
Jimmy Reed is hired as the Golf Pro for the Hershey Country Club. (Serves until 1997). [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1993.]
Eric Dietz is hired as the Golf Pro for the Country Club of Hershey. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1997.]
Hershey’s Miniatures, originally used by sales as sample bars, introduced as a product line.
Hershey Chocolate plant begins publishing "The Candy Rapper," a monthly internal plant newsletter. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in July 1992.]
Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips introduced. Replaces Dainties. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1970.]
Special Dark sweet chocolate bar introduced. Replaces Hershey’s semi-sweet bar
Hershey Foods Corporation introduces Hershey’s Great American Cafe non-dairy creamers. Flavors include Chocolate Amaretto, French Vanilla, Swiss Mocha, Irish Creme and Butter Rum.
Hershey Foods Corporation introduces Amazin’ Fruit drink boxes available in three flavors: Kangadude Fruit Punch, Orangutan Man Orange, and later Alligator Grape.
Hershey Foods Corporation introduces Almond Joy Coconut and Almond Bits for baking and Hershey’s Mini-Kisses. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in September 1995.]
Hershey Foods Corporation introduces Reduced Fat Baking Chips.
Hershey Chocolate, U.S.A. introduces Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme candies.
Richard E. Bentz is promoted to newly created positon of Vice President, Information Technology Integration.
Hershey Foods Corporation acquires Henry Heide, Inc., a privately held company located in New Brunswick, NJ. Henry Heide manufactures a variety of non-chocolate confectionery products including Jujyfruits candies and Wunderbeans jellybeans.
Fanny B. Hershey Memorial Hall (new elementary building) and 20 new student homes are dedicated.
Dr. Mavis E. Kelley named Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Milton Hershey School
Sally Mentor named Senior Vice President of Student and Family Life for Milton Hershey School. (Resigns January 2, 1995)
Milton Hershey School teachers vote 102-65 with 9 challenged votes for union representation in talks by Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Milton Hershey School houseparents vote 151-64 for union representation in contract talks by the Chocolate Workers Union Local 464.
Ruben Nazario named Vice President of Human Resources for Milton Hershey School.
Milton Hershey School breaks ground for new elementary building and 20 student homes.
Milton Hershey School Operations employees vote 76-65 against joining Chocolate Workers Union Local 464.
Dr. Lawrence Davenport named Vice President of Finance for Milton Hershey School.
Arts and Entertainment Television network airs a one-hour documentary about the life of Milton S. Hershey on its show, “Biography.” The Show, entitled “Milton S. Hershey: The Chocolate King,” was produced by Lou Reda Productions, Easton, PA.
The Board of Managers votes to change the name of the Hershey Industrial School to the Milton Hershey School.
Milton Hershey School’s first FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter ratifies constitution and elects officers.
Closing ceremony held for Fanny B. Hershey Memorial Hall, the 1927 elementary building.
Hersheypark breaks ground for “The Wildcat,” a new wooden coaster with a run of over 3100 feet.
The Copper Kettle restaurant at the Hershey Lodge closes following breakfast.
Cibo, an American Bistro, opens at the Hershey Lodge. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in the month of November.]
Hotel Hershey opens the Starlight Terrace.
The Friends of the Hershey Public Library organization is established. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in 1963.]
Friends of the Hershey Public Library hold the First Annual Booksale. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in August 1981.]
The Hershey Public Library Endowment Trust is established
Friends of the Hershey Public Library establish a building fund for a new township library.
Hershey Public Library Capital Campaign holds a Community Kickoff Breakfast at the Hershey Lodge.
Derry Township breaks ground for the new Hershey Public Library at 701 Cocoa Avenue.
Robert L. Sloane named Vice President of Operations for Milton Hershey School.
Dr. Christine M. Miller named Vice President of Communications and Enrollment Management for Milton Hershey School
Six administrators dismissed by Milton Hershey School. They are Michael Weller (1966), Assistant to the President; Alan Malkoff, Vice President of Finance and Administration; Gibson Cash, Director of Residential Programs; Audrey DeMuth, Director of Admissions; Charles Francis (1961), Director of Human Resources; Dennis Lubold, Director of Supply Services.
Hershey Chocolate, U.S.A. introduces Amazin’ Fruit Super Fruits gummy candy.
Hershey Foods Corporation and Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Company introduce Reese’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cups.
Hershey Foods Corporation introduces low-fat plain and chocolate milk in aseptic packages. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in February 1995.]
Olympic star Bonnie Blair appears at the U.S. Olympic Committee Breakfast at the Hotel Hershey.
Hershey Foods Corporation introduces four new products: two flavors of Chocolate Shoppe Sundae Toppings, Lite Syrup and a fat-free version of Chocolate Shoppe Hot Fudge Topping.
Hershey Grocery, a division of Hershey Foods Corporation, introduces Reese’s Pourable Peanut Butter, sold exclusively to food service customers.
Hershey Foods Corporation sells OZF/Jamin and Autonoom Overspecht to a managment buyout group, led by Mr. M.E. Van Damme, managing director of OZF/Jamin.
Hershey Grocery introduces four new flavors of candy bar sprinkles: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almond, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and York mint chocolate.
Twizzlers Pull-n-Peel licorice candy introduced.
Hershey’s Nuggets chocolates introduced. (Flavors: Hershey’s milk chocolate, Hershey’s milk chocolate with almonds, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Mint) [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in August 1994.]
Hershey Grocery introduces three new products: Peter Paul Mounds coconut flakes, Hershey’s bittersweet baking chocolate and Reese’s bits for baking. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in September 1994.]
Hershey Grocery introduces three new products: Hershey’s chocolate shake, Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Collection hot cocoa mix and Hershey’s chocolate malt syrup.
Hershey Grocery introduces Hershey’s lowfat milk and Hershey’s chocolate lowfat milk in aseptic packages. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in December 1994.]
Hershey Medical Center opens its Sports Medicine and Fitness Center.
Hershey Chocolate begins packaging Hershey’s syrup syrup in 24 oz. plastic bottles. [Specific date is unknown. Event occurred in February 1979.]
Sand Beach Covered Bridge is dedicated following its restoration.
The Hershey Community Archives moves from High Point Mansion to the old Orchard Barn off of Hersheypark Drive.
Sarena Hershey, sister of Milton Hershey, born in Derry Township. Dies March 31, 1867.
Hershey Chocolate, U.S.A. increases the wholesale price of its standard and king-size bars by 11 percent.