Hershey's First Candy Store
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Milton Snavely Hershey opened his first candy business here on June 1, 1876, at eighteen years of age. The confectionery shop produced and sold candies, nuts, and baked goods. Although initially successful, credit issues led to its closure. Undeterred, Hershey founded the Lancaster Caramel Co. in 1886, which became extremely profitable. Established as a subsidiary of that company, the Hershey Chocolate Co. achieved international success.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the summer of 1876, as Philadelphia hosted the Centennial Exhibition and the nation marked its hundredth birthday, an eighteen-year-old Milton S. Hershey opened a modest confectionery here, selling candies, nuts, and baked goods. The venture found early customers but foundered on the shoals of credit and debt. That failure was only a beginning: Hershey went on to build the Lancaster Caramel Company and then the chocolate empire that made his name a household word.
Why it matters
This unassuming storefront marks the first stumble of one of America's great industrial success stories, a reminder that a defining national brand began with a teenager's failed shop.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.8 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.8 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Philly Gun Rangenearby · North Percy Street
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.6 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Reading Terminal0.6 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.7 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.7 mi away
- President's House0.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.7 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Burger King0.8 mi away
- Dunkin'0.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.8 mi away
- Time & Peace0.8 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.5 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.5 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.5 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Sleep Inn Center City0.5 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.6 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Milton Snavely Hershey
Themes & tags
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