Hershey Park, now known as Hersheypark, officially opened its gates on May 30, 1906. Founded by Milton S. Hershey as a leisure park for his chocolate company employees, it has since evolved into a world-renowned amusement destination. The park’s inception was part of Hershey’s grand vision for a model town centered around his chocolate factory. From its humble beginnings with picnic grounds and a pavilion, Hersheypark has grown into a sprawling entertainment complex, attracting millions of visitors annually.
When Did the Idea for Hershey Park First Take Shape?
The concept of Hershey Park began to materialize in 1903 when Milton S. Hershey started developing the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. As he built his chocolate factory and planned the surrounding community, Hershey envisioned a place where his employees could relax and enjoy leisure activities. This vision led to the creation of Hershey Park, which would become an integral part of the town’s identity.
Key Milestones in Hershey Park’s Early Development:
- 1903: Initial planning for the park begins
- 1905: Construction of the first pavilion overlooking Spring Creek
- February 1906: Additional land purchased from J.H. Nissley for expansion
- May 30, 1906: Official opening day of Hershey Park
What Were the Original Attractions at Hershey Park?
When Hershey Park first opened, it offered a variety of simple yet enjoyable amenities for visitors. The park’s initial attractions were designed to provide a pleasant outdoor experience for families and employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company.
| Original Attractions | Description |
|---|---|
| Baseball Field | Complete with grandstands for spectators |
| Pavilion | Overlooking Spring Creek, completed in September 1905 |
| Athletic Fields | Including a track surrounding the baseball field |
| Boating Area | On Spring Creek, with steel row boats added in 1908 |
| Amphitheater | Known for its excellent acoustics |
| Picnic Grounds | With pavilions for group gatherings |
| Children’s Playground | Offering recreational equipment for young visitors |
How Did Hershey Park Evolve in Its Early Years?
The park underwent significant changes and additions in the years following its opening:
- 1908: Introduction of the first shooting gallery and a used Herschell-Spillman carousel
- 1909: Addition of two bowling alleys and a photographic gallery
- 1910: Reconstruction of the park pool and formal opening of the Hershey Park Zoo
- 1923: Installation of the first roller coaster, the Wild Cat
These additions marked the beginning of Hershey Park’s transformation from a simple picnic ground to a full-fledged amusement park.
What Challenges Did Hershey Park Face in Its Early Days?
Despite its promising start, Hershey Park encountered several obstacles in its formative years:
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Natural Disasters: The park experienced its first major flood on July 23, 1908, which destroyed several bridges and the original Hershey Park Pool.
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Land Acquisition: Expanding the park required purchasing additional land, which Milton Hershey accomplished in February 1906 by buying property from J.H. Nissley.
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Infrastructure Development: As part of the broader Hershey town project, the park’s development was intertwined with the need to construct essential infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and utilities.
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Balancing Growth with Community Needs: The park had to evolve while still serving its original purpose as a recreational area for Hershey employees and their families.
How Did World War II Impact Hershey Park?
During World War II, Hershey Park, like many American institutions, faced unique challenges:
- Reduced attendance due to rationing of gasoline and rubber
- Shortage of materials for maintenance and new attractions
- Shift in focus to supporting the war effort, with some park facilities used for military training
Despite these challenges, the park remained open, providing a much-needed escape for workers and families during difficult times.
When Did Hershey Park Begin Its Major Transformation?
The 1970s marked a significant turning point for Hershey Park:
- 1971: The park’s name was officially changed to \”Hersheypark\” (one word)
- 1970s: Implementation of a major redevelopment plan, including:
- Introduction of themed areas
- Addition of new rides like the SooperDooperLooper
- Construction of the iconic Kissing Tower
This redevelopment transformed Hersheypark into a modern theme park, setting the stage for its continued growth and success in the decades to come.
How Has Hershey Park’s Mission Evolved Since Its Inception?
While Hershey Park’s physical landscape has changed dramatically since 1906, its core mission has remained remarkably consistent:
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Community Focus: From its beginnings as a park for Hershey employees to its current status as a major tourist attraction, the park has always aimed to serve and benefit the local community.
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Family Entertainment: The emphasis on providing wholesome family entertainment has been a constant throughout the park’s history.
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Educational Value: The park has maintained elements of educational value, from its early days with the Hershey Park Zoo to modern attractions that showcase the chocolate-making process.
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Innovation: Just as Milton Hershey was innovative in his approach to chocolate-making and town planning, Hersheypark has continued to innovate in the amusement park industry.
What Lessons Can Be Learned from Hershey Park’s Beginnings?
The story of Hershey Park’s inception and growth offers several valuable insights:
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Vision and Planning: Milton Hershey’s foresight in creating a recreational space alongside his business ventures demonstrates the importance of long-term planning.
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Adaptability: The park’s ability to evolve from a simple picnic ground to a world-class theme park showcases the value of adaptability in business.
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Community Integration: Hershey Park’s success is partly due to its deep integration with the surrounding community, highlighting the benefits of corporate social responsibility.
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Continuous Improvement: The park’s ongoing additions and renovations reflect the importance of continual investment and improvement in maintaining relevance and appeal.
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Balancing Tradition and Innovation: While embracing new technologies and attractions, Hersheypark has maintained connections to its historical roots, demonstrating the value of balancing innovation with tradition.
The story of when Hershey Park began is not just about a date in history, but about the birth of an idea that has grown and evolved for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a picnic ground for chocolate factory workers to its current status as a premier amusement destination, Hersheypark stands as a testament to Milton S. Hershey’s vision and the enduring appeal of combining chocolate with fun.
References:
1. The First Years of Hersheypark (1903-1910)
2. 117 years of happiness: The history of Hersheypark
3. Hersheypark – Wikipedia