The town of Hershey was developed between 1903 and 1905 in Dauphin County of central Pennsylvania.
This “company town” was built amid rich pastureland that could support the enormous dairy herds required for the industrial production of milk chocolate.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hershey,_Pennsylvania
In 1906, an amusement park at Hershey was first developed by the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company and of the town of Hershey.
Milton Hershey was one of the most successful proprietors of a benevolent “company town” – involved in every detail of planning and perfecting the community.
The town of Hershey, including its utilities, public services, and infrastructure, reflected the influence of the company.
It was an amazing example of civic planning, featuring electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating in every home.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Company_town
The benevolence extended to generous support of many institutions – including a theater, library, zoo, and the amusement park.
During the Great Depression, Milton Hershey initiated substantial public works (including a Grand Hotel, Stadium, and Arena) that later helped the town of Hershey become a tourist destination.
The Depression-era public works also included substantial additions to the Amusement Park
Although it was designed as an amenity for employees of the Hershey Company, the amusement park soon became available to the public for an admission fee.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hersheypark
When I was a child, our family visited Hershey Park each September, when the days were a bit cooler and the park somewhat less crowded.
It has been many years since I last visited Hershey Park, but I have fond memories of the place.
Even during the life of Milton Hershey, the amusement park evolved as it grew.
Many of the features I remember from my childhood are no longer available at the amusement park.
In this postcard, one sees the miniature train that transported park visitors from the parking area to the center of the park.
A blurb on the reverse notes that the train wound its way past park attractions before reaching place where passengers detrained.
The postcard was not mailed, but resembles postcards that were printed circa 1950.
Here, we can see that the men (and some women) are wearing hats, and that the attire is far less casual than what one would see today.
The charming scene was printed and distributed by the Hershey Department Store.
I do not remember ever buying postcards at Hershey Park, but I assume that some visitors were glad to obtain souvenirs of their park adventures.
