hershey's hotel chocolate cream pie

In 1930, Hershey announced that he intended to build his hotel after all. He gave his architect, D. Paul Witmer, a postcard of a smaller hotel he and Catherine had enjoyed on the Mediterranean. His involvement didn't stop there. Based on travel notes he and his wife had kept, Hershey instructed Witmer to outfit the new hotel with a Spanish patio, tiled floors, a fountain, and a dining room with a good view from every table. During construction, as many a 800 steelworkers, masons, carpenters, and other craftsmen and laborers were employed on the Hershey payroll. "We have about 600 construction workers in this town", Hershey said. "If I don't provide work for them, I'll have to feed them. And since building materials are now at their lowest cost levels, I'm going to build and give them jobs." Work began in 1932, continued through a very mild winter and was completed in "1933". A formal opening celebration was held on May 26, 1933 with a dinner and dance for 400 invited guests. The $2 million "Hotel Hershey" opened for business the next day. It was an elegant jewel nestled in the rolling hills of Hershey's birthplace. A local newspaper observed, "Somewhat belying the simplicity of taste for which the "Chocolate King" is noted, the hotel is characterized by great luxury of detail and elegance of appointment. Tinted walls, palms and fountains, carved woodwork, and brilliant hangings and rugs." Indeed, a Mediterranean-style hotel in central Pennsylvania was unarguably distinctive. Among its unique features, the Circular Dining Room promised what Hershey wanted - a view from every table. Built in a semicircle, without pillars or corners, it allows each guest to view the breathtaking formal gardens on the far side of the windows. Thirteen stained glass windows frame the outside perimeter, with each pane depicting birds and blooms native to Hershey's beloved state. The Hotel Hershey opened 78 years ago. His wife, Catherine "Kitty" Sweeney Hershey, died 18 years before the Hotel opened. She was only 44yrs old, and childless. Milton never married again, Kitty was the great love of his life. This is the famous "Hershey's Hotel Chocolate Cream Pie" STORY AND PHOTOs FROM HERSHEY'S