200 Years of the Hershey Homestead
Early Years:
In 1796, Anna and Isaac Hershey purchased land and settled in the rural community of Derry Church, Pennsylvania. As their family grew, they built a new house in 1826 for their son, Jacob, and his wife, Nancy. This home became the Hershey Homestead, remaining in the family for generations and serving as the birthplace of both Henry Hershey and later his son, Milton S. Hershey.
Milton recalled many fond memories of growing up at the Homestead. It was the birthplace of his sister, Sarena, and the area where he began his education at the one-room schoolhouse down the road, taught by his uncle, Elias. However, tragedy struck the family when Sarena passed away shortly before her fifth birthday. Soon afterward, Henry sold the Homestead as the family relocated to Nine Points in neighboring Lancaster County.
The First Experimental Plant:
After achieving success with the Lancaster Caramel Company, Milton set his sights on a new venture: milk chocolate. To pursue this dream, he returned to his roots in Derry Church. Although he had spent many years away, Milton never forgot his first home. When the opportunity arose in 1896, he purchased the Homestead at auction.
It was here that Milton built his first experimental chocolate plant alongside the house, where he worked to perfect his milk chocolate recipe. After marrying Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney in 1898, the couple lived in Lancaster for several years before moving into the Homestead. There, they watched their chocolate-making dreams become reality.
Kitty especially enjoyed life at the Homestead and helped remodel the property by creating beautiful gardens around the home, including a perch on the front lawn for her beloved pet parrot.
The Homestead remained the Hersheys’ primary residence until the completion of High Point Mansion in 1908.
It was Kittys Idea:
In 1909, the Hershey’s embarked on their greatest legacy with the creation of the Hershey Industrial School, known today as Milton Hershey School. It seemed fitting that the school should begin in the very place where Milton’s own life had started: the Hershey Homestead.
The first boys were enrolled in 1910 and lived at the Homestead, with George and Prudence Copenhaver serving as the school’s first houseparents. As the school expanded, additional homes were opened for students, but the Homestead remained the heart of the growing campus.
Following the death of George Copenhaver, Mr. Hershey deeded the Homestead to Prudence for the remainder of her lifetime. Even so, the property continued to host important gatherings and celebrations, including Mr. Hershey’s final birthday celebration in 1945.
A Home and a School:
When Prudence passed away in 1949, the Homestead entered a new chapter. The school transformed the building into a central office, administrative center, and residence for staff members. Among its notable residents was William Dearden ’40, who later became CEO of The Hershey Company.
The Homestead also served as the residence for several Milton Hershey School presidents, including John O. Hershey (1961-1981), John Aichele ’39 (1981-1985), and William Fisher ’50 (1985-1991). Home movies from this period capture daily life at the Homestead, including meals shared with students and gatherings for school events.
During the 1990s, the Homestead was converted back into office space. It housed the Admissions Office from 1991 to 1994 and Alumni Services from 1994 to 2005 before closing for extensive renovations. In 2008, the building was rededicated as an event venue and guest house. Two years later, it once again became a private residence when Milton Hershey School President Anthony Colistra ’59 moved into the home, remaining there until 2013.
A Living Legacy:
When Pete Gurt ’85 became President of Milton Hershey School in 2014, the Homestead was renovated once again as the official residence of the school’s president. Today, it remains a central figure in campus life.
Under President Gurt’s leadership, the Homestead has hosted countless events for students, staff, and guests. Two centuries after its construction, the Hershey Homestead continues to serve as both a home and a gathering place, preserving the legacy of the Hershey family while remaining an important part of the Milton Hershey School community.