The Milton Hershey School

There was only one point on the trolley tour where we got off, and that was to see the main building for the Milton Hershey School.

It may not look like much on the outside, but where that dome is on the inside is very impressive.

There are many buildings with the school, both for classes and houses for the students, but those would not be appropriate for touring. It is here that they tell you more about how Milton and Kitty Hershey - childless themselves - created a school, originally for orphan boys, to give them a start in life. Kitty is generally credited with the idea, but Milton was from a poor family where his father was often absent, so there were reasons for it to resonate with him.

There have been many changes, while keeping to similar values. Chores are still a part of daily life, but they no longer include milking cows, which was an important part of chores in the middle of dairy country back when the school was started.

The school used to focus more on trades than college preparation, then college became more standard, much as it did with society. Originally only white boys were accepted, but now boys and girls of all races are accepted. Also, they used to only take orphans. While the children accepted are from difficult circumstances, in many cases their parents are living. Circumstances have changed and the school has adapted.

There is more information on the school available, including a short documentary, Living the Legacy. That is fairly clear about the difficulties faced in what they are trying to do, but ultimately hopeful.

http://www.mhskids.org/

http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/almanac/hall_of_fame/milton_hershey