With limited formal education, 14-year-old Milton S. Hershey began a series of apprenticeships and failed business attempts that would lead to the creation of the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1887 and its subsidiary, the Hershey Chocolate Company, in 1894.

Convinced that caramels were "just a fad," Hershey sold his caramel company in 1900 to devote himself to the perfection of milk chocolate. Today, The Hershey Company, as it is now known, has revenues of almost $5 billion worldwide.

Now, THAT's a lot of chocolate!

It also means that Hershey's has generated a whole lot of collectibles over its 113-year history.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Hershey's Kiss, one of the earliest confections made by the company, and even the United State Postal Service (USPS) has gotten into the act with its "With Love and Kisses" first-class stamps and limited-edition bears. Sold out at the USPS website, the bears, which originally retailed for $9.99, are fetching bids up to $40+ at recent online auctions.

Of course, the bigger moneymakers are the older and rarer items. Vintage one- and five-cent Hershey Chocolate vending machines are selling for upwards of $340 depending on condition and completeness (keys, weights, etc.). A small Victorian era (c. 1897) trade card recently attracted a lot of attention to the tune of $171.47. And a single 1920's Hershey's Chewing Gum wrapper found in an old scrapbook sold for $33.75!

For more information on the history of Hershey's chocolates and on Hershey's collectibles, the following resources are recommended:

Books:

"Built on Chocolate: The Story of the Hershey Chocolate Company," by James D. McMahon
http://digbig.com/4rmbs

"Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams," by Michael D'Antonio
http://digbig.com/4rmbt

Websites:

Collectors Club of Hershey's Memorabilia
http://www.candycollectorsclub.com
Photos, directory of members, links.

Hershey's
http://www.hersheys.com
The official website. Click on the "Discover Hershey" tab for biographical info and company history.