Built on Chocolate: The Story of the Hershey Chocolate Company

by James D. McMahon Jr.

Everyone's first kiss was a Hershey's Kiss. This fascinating photographic history is lovingly written by the man who has been the curator of the Hershey Museum in Pennsylvania since 1988. The delicious array of images from the last 200 years is taken from the comprehensive memorabilia collection of the museum, which is the sixth most-popular tourist destination in the United States. While world-famous for its confections (galaxy-famous, if you count E.T., who loved Reese's Pieces), Hershey's is also a phenomenally philanthropic company. It tends its name to a teaching hospital and medical center, a school for disadvantaged youth, several hotels and entertainment attractions, and more. However, the 20th century would not have been as sweet if it weren't for the man named Milton and the quality chocolate candy bars he created. Features an at-a-glance chronology and product timeline.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

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

[Tyler Pellom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coffee table book. I was looking for something with more substance. Fun to look through the pictures. This is essentially the Hershey Museum tour in a book.

[Grey Liliy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you'd like a nice quick summary concerning the life of Hershey's Founder Mr. Milton S. Hershey, his factory, his town of Hershey, and his products--this is the book for you. It's roughly like taking the Hershey Museum home with you in a book. :)

Each of the above gets is own segment of the book, complete with nice informative summaries and loads of pictures illustrating the various events, location or just fun related items.

My personal favorite portion of the book would be all of the high quality images of vintage packaging and advertisements from the early 1900s.

A bit of the information gets repeated here or there, but it's nothing too bad.

I enjoyed it, and I definitely came out of it with a craving for chocolate. XD

[Laura Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the pics of all the old wrappers, enjoyed after visiting "The Sweetest Place on Earth".