Daily journals are kept as a personal record of the activities in an individual’s life. Although never intended for a public audience, many journals provide us with a better understanding of what daily life was like for the individual. What may seem mundane or ordinary has rich historical value if placed within the right context.

Hershey Community Archives recently acquired a collection of journals that details one man’s work experience in the Hershey Chocolate Factory during the Great Depression and World War II. Born in 1908, Raphael Eckenroth began working for the Hershey Chocolate Corporation in 1928.

Perhaps to accurately record his income during a period of financial uncertainty, or possibly due to a meticulous personality, Eckenroth recorded his daily wages and work assignments in the factory. The collection, which consists of ten journals dating between 1934 and 1943, was donated to the Archives by Eckenroth’s daughter, Mary Mayer.

In the chocolate factory, Raphael Eckenroth worked primarily in the “carver room” with the cocoa butter presses. However, he was frequently reassigned to a different area of the factory, sometimes for as little as one hour a day. His daily work assignments are recorded in his journals and a researcher can track the fluctuations in his income based on these reassignments. In a few of the journals, Eckenroth also records how many hours each shift is working in the department and the hours of operation for the “old” and “new” carvers. These entries offer insight into the factory’s production schedule and the increase in hours and output during the war.

“All old carver presses started again to press and are operating three 8 hour shifts. The [new] carvers are operating two 7 hour shifts today.”
(February 24, 1942)

In 1936 and 1937, when he was not in the factory, Eckenroth was working for Hershey Estates. One week after the Hershey Arena opened in 1936, Eckenroth was ushering at a Hershey Bears game for $0.30 an hour. When Hershey Park was in season he served ice cream and worked in the beer garden. His journal entries reflect a labor situation that differs greatly from that of today. In 1936, on the Fourth of July, Eckenroth worked a 14 hour day. On Labor Day he worked 16.5 hours. His records indicate he made his standard rate of $0.31 an hour on both of these days.

“Work in park — was terrible full. Sold 410 gallons ice cream and also was very hot.” (August 23, 1936)

There is little information about the personal lives of the Eckenroth family in the journals. Deaths, major illnesses, and social activities are recorded, however only rarely does Eckenroth reflect on the events he chronicles. These rare instances of Eckenroth’s reaction to both local and world events help the researcher to place him in context within the community. Of great interest is his reaction to the labor strike in 1937. The journals offer a timeline of events and Eckenroth’s feelings regarding unionization are evident. By his own estimate, Eckenroth lost $18.00 in wages due to the strike.

“Had election today. C.I.O. had 786. Loyal 1542. Was happy day for Hershey. Spent the night drinking and being merry.” (April 23, 1937)

The journals also provide insight into the local economy, as a few household expenses are detailed. At the end of 1935, Eckenroth’s son, Raphael Jr., becomes ill. In the journal a $5.00 doctor’s visit and a $12.00 x-ray are recorded. At the time, Eckenroth is earning $0.63 an hour, or $5.04 a day. Additional expenses related to home improvements and automobile maintenance are listed. The family’s water and electricity usage are recorded, although the related expenses are not always provided.

“Junior had sore ear. Had him with doctor in Lebanon. The old sawhorse charged 5 dollars.” (November 23, 1935)

In 1934, when the journal entries begin, Eckenroth is supporting a family of four. He and his wife, Virginia Swope, had two children, Raphael Jr. born in 1929 and Mary born in 1933. Eckenroth’s journals provide a unique perspective into the economic situation in Hershey during the Great Depression. The detailed entries aid in understanding how an individual family in this area struggled through those times.

“This year 1940 was full of events. A number of countries including France were conquered this summer and the war still going on in full blast. I lost my regular job February of this year and been working extra since than.” (December 31, 1940)

Raphael Eckenroth worked for the Hershey Chocolate Corporation for 45 years until his retirement. His journals, although spanning a brief 10 years, are an extraordinary asset to the Archives and our understanding of the Great Depression’s impact on the Hershey community and businesses. The community’s ability to weather the Depression was due in part to the residents and employees, like Raphael Eckenroth, who worked long hours in demanding jobs to support their families.

“Work [old] carvers 6 hours, scrape floor 2 hours, labor gang 2 hours. Hot. Was 100 on back porch this p.m.” (June 25, 1943)

The Raphael Eckenroth papers are available to researchers at the Hershey Community Archives. Please contact an archivist at 717.533.1777 for more information.