Shine a Light: Historical Preservation in Hershey is Alive and Well

Hershey History Center Board Member

Historical Preservation is Alive and Well

When buildings come down, we complain. When they are left vacant and dilapidated, we complain. But when they are renovated and repurposed, we also complain. Yet we don’t appreciate the need for such change and the preservation that results from it.

The most recent of such, the renovation of the old Community Center, is the best thing to happen to our downtown in decades. The building, excluding the Hershey Theatre, has not been used in ages by the general public as once used when it was an actual community center. Maybe that is the true tragedy. But the Milton Hershey School saved this gem and is restoring it to its glory aesthetically.

The Hershey Company owned the Community Center building and, in recent years, restored the exterior with a new terracotta roof, new windows and more. In 2022, it was sold it to the Milton Hershey School, and is now undergoing a massive interior renovation. While it will be used by the school, it has been reported that the MHS Archives and the Hershey Community Archives are relocating there. This means that part of this building will be accessible to the general public once again. That’s a good thing. The Hershey Theatre portion of this building is now owned by the MS Hershey Foundation, a smaller trust which also operates the Hershey Gardens, Hershey Story Museum and the Hershey Community Archives and is currently undergoing an infrastructure upgrading to ensure the sustainability of this masterpiece for generations to come. Renovation and repurposing are important parts of historical preservation, and this project is the epitome of such. Selling this building to a third party would have had a far less desirable outcome.

Below are some examples of preservation throughout the township:

– The old part of the 19 East factory is still in existence, renovated and repurposed as corporate offices.

– The Hershey Bank and Trust building still stands, in use. The woodwork has been restored to its original, and the stained-glass ceiling remains intact.

– The Press Building has been restored and repurposed, housing two restaurants – a huge improvement from the ugly, gold-metal wrapped exterior of some years ago.

– The Abattoir has been renovated and repurposed, with Fresh Market and UPMC.

– The Extraction Plant has been renovated and repurposed by Hidden Still.

– The Car Barn will be going through a renovation in the near future and will be repurposed.

– Old Senior Hall has been gorgeously renovated, in full use now as Catherine Hall. Thankfully, this beauty still overlooks the town.

– The Englewood has been renovated and repurposed as a restaurant and entertainment venue.

– Pinehurst has been renovated and repurposed as the Hershey History Center, with quality exhibits and a stunning patio overlooking the iconic smokestacks and silos. – The Hershey Legion, home of our first museum, remains tucked away on East Derry. – Hotel Hershey, the stadium and old arena are still there and used.

– Convention Hall, which became the Ice Palace and then the Hershey Museum, is a beautiful building which still stands. Milton Hershey built it in 1915 to bring large events and large groups of visitors to town; he got his wish.

– Curry’s Mill was beautifully renovated and repurposed as a restaurant, The Mill.

– Swatara Train Station, built in 1921, has been restored to its original condition.

– The original war plaques have been restored and incorporated into a beautiful veterans memorial, returning them near their original downtown home.

– The marble war memorial still stands at its significant location in Swatara Station.

– The firehall was expanded, incorporating functionality and aesthetics into this historic building.

– Old churches still stand, beautifully maintained.

– The MS Hershey Consolidated School on East Granada is still there, used by various entities.

– The Milton Hershey Homestead remains, serving as the residence of the school’s president.

– The Milton Hershey Mansion, used as the Trust headquarters, remains in its original form.

– The old Hershey Hospital – still there, used by the school.

Numerous structures in our township have received our historical society’s Preservation Award and Heritage Award. Such designations, including those from national and state registries, have no authority over private property, as they are simply given to structures which are deemed worthy of preservation and to encourage continued preservation. We should be grateful that these owners care enough to preserve and promote our unique history, allowing us to appreciate it rather than lose it.

While not perfect, historical preservation is alive and well in our township, and I am thankful for the Milton Hershey School’s efforts at 14 E. Chocolate. Long may she live.

You can learn more at https://news.thesunontheweb.com/articles/shine-a-light-388/