The Genuine Bears This Signature

Before there was chocolate

In 1876, Milton Hershey's first business venture, a wholesale and retail confectionery shop, began in Philadelphia. The early modest success Milton Hershey enjoyed quickly came to an end when he decided to invest in one of his father's inventions. This unplanned for financial drain forced Milton Hershey to seek loans from his mother's brother, Abraham Snavely.  Abraham was unwilling or unable to loan Milton the necessary funds and the business went bankrupt in 1882.

Transcript of letter:

OFFICE OF THE
Spring Garden Steam Confectionery Works,
925 & 927 SPRING GARDEN ST.,
532 Linden Street.

Philadelphia, Jan 14 ____ 1881

Dear Uncle,

You letter received am sorry to have disappointed. You but money matters are so tight with me that it is impossible to comply with your request for it takes considerable money to Get up a Cabinet which I am introducing an which will bring me some money back if wrightly Handled so You have to excuse me till I can Give it Back if aunt Martha is satisfied

Your Respects,
Nephew M S Hershey

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