Domingo Ghirardelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Domingo Ghirardelli
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| Born |
Domenico Ghirardelli
February 21, 1817 Rapallo, Kingdom of Sardinia
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| Died | January 17, 1894 (aged 76) Rapallo, Kingdom of Italy
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| Resting place | USA |
| Nationality | Italian, USA citizen 1878 |
| Education | Romanengo fu Stefano, Genoa |
| Occupation | Chocolatier |
| Known for | founding America’s second oldest chocolate company (1852) which was also among the first globally (1860s) to develop and transport soluble ground chocolate for drinking and baking. |
| Spouse(s) | Elisabetta Corsini Ghirardelli (died early, no issue) Carmen Alvarado Martin Ghirardelli |
| Children | Dominga Martin (step-daughter) Virginia Domingo, Jr. Joseph Nicholas Elvira Cesare Louis Angela Eugene |
| Parent(s) | Giuseppe and Maddalena Ferretto Ghirardelli |
Domenico "Domingo" Ghirardelli was born in Italy on February 21, 1817. He became a famous chocolatier. He is best known for starting the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco, California. This company is one of the oldest chocolate makers in America.
Contents
Domingo Ghirardelli's Life Story
Early Adventures and Chocolate Dreams
Domingo Ghirardelli was born in Rapallo, Italy. His father was a spice merchant. From a young age, Domingo learned about spices and sweets. As a teenager, he trained with a well-known chocolatier in Genoa. This is where he learned how to make delicious chocolate.
When he was about 20, Domingo moved to South America. He lived in Uruguay and then in Lima, Peru. In Peru, he opened his own candy shop. He started using the Spanish version of his name, Domingo.
Joining the California Gold Rush
In 1849, Domingo heard exciting news from California. His old neighbor, James Lick, told him about the California Gold Rush. Domingo decided to move to California. He brought 600 pounds of chocolate with him!
He first tried his luck in the gold fields. But soon, he realized there was a better way to make money. Miners missed the small comforts of home. So, Domingo opened a store in a mining camp. He sold sweets and treats to the miners. This was a smart move!
Building a Chocolate Empire
In 1852, Domingo moved to San Francisco. There, he officially started the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. His company became very successful. The area where his factory was built is now known as Ghirardelli Square. Many people visit it today.
Around 1865, something important happened at his factory. A worker found a new way to make chocolate. They hung bags of ground cacao beans in a warm room. The cocoa butter would drip out. What was left could be turned into ground chocolate. This method is called the Broma process. It is now a very common way to make chocolate all over the world.
Domingo's Family Life
Domingo Ghirardelli married Elisabetta Corsini in 1837. Sadly, she passed away in 1846.
In 1847, he married Carmen Alvarado Martin in Lima, Peru. Carmen already had a young daughter named Carmen. Together, Domingo and Carmen had seven more children: Virginia, Domenico Jr., Joseph Nicholas, Elvira, Louis, Angela, and Eugene Gustave.
Later Years and Legacy
Domingo Ghirardelli passed away on January 17, 1894, in Rapallo, Italy. He was 76 years old. His body was brought back to California. He is buried with his family at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. Domingo Ghirardelli's legacy lives on through his famous chocolate company, which continues to make delicious treats today.
See also
In Spanish: Domingo Ghirardelli para niños
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