COVE

In this display case, we will show images from the early 1900’s to late 1900’s that will show the humble beginnings of two wealthy businessmen that decided to take their knowledge into the forefront and provide a hand in creating some of the finest education institutions in the country. Each with their own respective interest groups and each of their own with their respective business models. As we progress through history, we will see their humble beginnings, unique momentous highlights, all while ending with where each stands today.

1. Milton Hershey’s Homestead – The Humble Start of The Milton Hershey School

In 1909, Milton Hershey and Catherine Hershey signed the deed of trust for the then recognized Hershey Industrial School. The first four students, two sets of brothers, enrolled on September 3, 1910. They lived and had a classroom in Milton Hershey’s birthplace and family farm. As with many starting private schools in the 19^th century, many started out with only admitting boys. As we will closely learn, many of the trials of the depression and the war forced schools to adapt and depending on what precautions were taken, determined whether the school thrived or failed.

2. Milton Hershey’s Gift – The gift that was heard around the World!

Up until this time, Milton Hershey supplied the schools needs on an “as need” basis but it became eventually known that some long-term solution was needed. As Milton Hershey didn’t have any heirs of his own, he wanted the orphans that came to his school to be heirs. So, in 1918, he placed all of the 5,000 shares that he owned of the Hershey Chocolate Factory into the trust of the school which was valued at over 60,000,000 dollars. For context that is over 1 billion dollars in today’s money. In doing the following, among many other steps assisted Hershey Industrial School (Milton Hershey School) to sustain itself continually through the years, and the challenges that made itself known such as the monumental depression that ransacked many schools which more often resulted in closings than prosperity. It is noted that the following article is dated 1923. Milton Hershey transferred his stock in 1918 and the world only found out about 5 years later, certainly showing Milton and Catherine’s character.

3. The [John] Harris Mansion – The beginning of the “Harrisburg Academy”

Founded by John Harris, Jr. in 1784, The Harrisburg Academy had similarly established protocols as the Milton Hershey School. As we will closely learn, many of the trials of the depression and the war forced them as well to adapt and because of what actions were taken, they are thriving today. As John Harris started the Harrisburg Academy though, it was only out of a room from this house.

 4. Many Steppingstones – Still Thriving!

Sometimes it’s not the “hare” that wins the race but it’s the tortoise. The Harrisburg Academy embodies focusing on progress and not perfection. Although the school itself is in a well established location that’s it held for quite some time, early on consisted of many moves and changes that helped ensure it’s success and growth through out history. The following “Maclay Mansion” was where the Harrisburg Academy was hosted (Picture – Left,  Maclay Mansion – Right) and it’s eventual merging with the Seiler school that helped the Harrisburg Academy survive post WW2 / post-depression.