A day of reflection caused by learning of the Milton Hershey legacy and a buggy trip through Amish country.
First, the Hershey story - Inscribed on a statue of Mr. Hershey is the line, "His deeds are his monument, His life is our inspiration."
Mr. Hershey after repeated failures as a candy maker in the major US cities returned to Derry PA and tried one more time. After his sixth or seventh shaky start he finally got a contract to sell his caramels. This time the business was successful.
As the income continued to rise the Hershey's were disappointed they were not able to have children. They decided to start a school for orphan boys and provide a family atmosphere for them to live. The school grew and in 1915 after his wife's death he donated $60 million as an endowment to keep the school going.
Currently, the school is home to 1700 students, each receiving full medical, dental care, all books and living expenses. After high school if the student wishes to go to college $77,000 is available to each person. Parents are hired to provide a home atmosphere and relationship. The facilities are beyond description. I had tears in my eyes as the guide, a former house parent, described the scene at the prom when these girls who were homeless, or severely deprived, Walk down the spiral staircase into the ballroom. The feeling that each of them must have makes me weepy as I write this. What a memory for them, as well as for those of us who stood in those marble halls.
The students are required to attend a weekly devotional. The school rules are the ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.
The legacy is still growing since Mr. Hershey willed the proceeds from the continuing sale of his candy to support the school. Therefore, every time you purchase a Hershey candy bar the profit goes to support the Milton S. Hershey School.
During the Depression he kept building gifts to the community to keep the residents employed. His impact as a philanthropist is as strong today as it was during his life. It certainly dispels the myth that everyone involved in making money is selfish and greedy. Look at Hershey, PA to see what a giving person can leave as a legacy.
The town still reflects the giving, friendly attitude and social conscience of great man.
The second reflection of the day was on a buggy ride in Lancaster County. A sweet young woman drove the horses. We were joined by a mom and kids from Brooklyn. The contrast in style and personality was something to watch. Everyone was nice, but their basic experiences were so diverse, the interaction sometimes took on the appearance of an alien encounter.
We are all part of the same country, the same world, but we bring such diversity to the table. If we are patient with each other we have so much to learn, so many gifts to share. If we could all think like Mr. Rogers, or Mr. Hershey, and take care of our neighbors.
In the long run our neighbors will take care of us.
First, the Hershey story - Inscribed on a statue of Mr. Hershey is the line, "His deeds are his monument, His life is our inspiration."
Mr. Hershey after repeated failures as a candy maker in the major US cities returned to Derry PA and tried one more time. After his sixth or seventh shaky start he finally got a contract to sell his caramels. This time the business was successful.
As the income continued to rise the Hershey's were disappointed they were not able to have children. They decided to start a school for orphan boys and provide a family atmosphere for them to live. The school grew and in 1915 after his wife's death he donated $60 million as an endowment to keep the school going.
Currently, the school is home to 1700 students, each receiving full medical, dental care, all books and living expenses. After high school if the student wishes to go to college $77,000 is available to each person. Parents are hired to provide a home atmosphere and relationship. The facilities are beyond description. I had tears in my eyes as the guide, a former house parent, described the scene at the prom when these girls who were homeless, or severely deprived, Walk down the spiral staircase into the ballroom. The feeling that each of them must have makes me weepy as I write this. What a memory for them, as well as for those of us who stood in those marble halls.
The students are required to attend a weekly devotional. The school rules are the ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.
The legacy is still growing since Mr. Hershey willed the proceeds from the continuing sale of his candy to support the school. Therefore, every time you purchase a Hershey candy bar the profit goes to support the Milton S. Hershey School.
During the Depression he kept building gifts to the community to keep the residents employed. His impact as a philanthropist is as strong today as it was during his life. It certainly dispels the myth that everyone involved in making money is selfish and greedy. Look at Hershey, PA to see what a giving person can leave as a legacy.
The town still reflects the giving, friendly attitude and social conscience of great man.
The second reflection of the day was on a buggy ride in Lancaster County. A sweet young woman drove the horses. We were joined by a mom and kids from Brooklyn. The contrast in style and personality was something to watch. Everyone was nice, but their basic experiences were so diverse, the interaction sometimes took on the appearance of an alien encounter.
We are all part of the same country, the same world, but we bring such diversity to the table. If we are patient with each other we have so much to learn, so many gifts to share. If we could all think like Mr. Rogers, or Mr. Hershey, and take care of our neighbors.
In the long run our neighbors will take care of us.
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