Milton S. Hershey, after a series of failed candy ventures, established the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894, inspired by German chocolate-making machinery he saw at the 1893 World's Exposition in Chicago. He sold his lucrative caramel company in 1900 to focus solely on his new milk chocolate bar, aiming to turn a European luxury into an affordable treat. Hershey's Kisses, introduced in 1907, were initially wrapped by hand until mechanical equipment was adopted in 1921. A profound philanthropist, Hershey built the model town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and in 1918, he endowed his entire fortune to a school for orphaned children, ensuring his wealth would serve a charitable purpose.
