Gertrude Jones Hawk facts for kids

Gertrude Jones Hawk (1903-1987) was an American candy maker and a smart businesswoman. She started the famous Gertrude Hawk Chocolates company right from her home in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Gertrude was very important to the company's success. She came up with a clever idea: local groups like schools and clubs could sell her chocolates to raise money for their own activities. This helped her company grow a lot!

Today, her company is worth millions of dollars. It has over 60 chocolate shops in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The company makes its own chocolates. It also makes chocolates for other well-known brands. These include Frango's mint truffles and supplies for companies like Ben and Jerry’s and The Hershey Company.

Early Life

Gertrude Jones was born in 1903 in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Gomer and Ellen Jones. When Gertrude was only 12 years old, her father passed away. Her mother also had a serious heart problem. To help her family, Gertrude got a job in a candy shop. There, she learned how to make delicious chocolates.

Her grandson, David Hawk, shared a story about her. He said Gertrude only finished eighth grade. Going to college was not an option for her. So, learning a skill was the best path. She worked at several small candy stores in Scranton. This is where she learned the art of dipping chocolates.

In 1922, Gertrude married Elmer Hawk. They later had two sons, Elmer R. and Richard.

Building a Chocolate Business

In 1936, during a tough time called the Great Depression, Gertrude started making chocolates. She worked from her kitchen in Scranton. She did this to earn extra money for her family. After serving in World War II, her son Elmer R. Hawk joined the family business. He helped by buying machines to make chocolates.

A Gertrude Hawk Chocolates store in the Exton Square Mall.

In the 1940s, Gertrude had a brilliant idea. She greatly expanded their chocolate making by creating fundraising sales. She worked with local schools, community groups, and churches. Her smart fundraising plan helped the company reach many more people. This boosted their profits a lot. By 1959, they were earning over $125,000 each year!

In 1959, the state needed Gertrude's home to build a bridge. So, the family bought land in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. They built a chocolate factory there. It also had a restaurant and a shop. This new place opened in 1962. Over the next 25 years, the company grew even more. They had to add many new parts to the factory building. In 1973, the restaurant became a candy shop. Gertrude and her husband Elmer lived in an apartment above the chocolate factory until they passed away.

Gertrude officially retired from the company in 1962. But she still loved to visit the factory. For a few more years, she would help pack chocolates. In 1979, her son Elmer bought out his parents' share. He became the president and CEO of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates. Later, in 1992, his son David Hawk took over the role. David is Gertrude's grandson.

Elmer Hawk Sr. passed away in 1981. Gertrude Hawk died in 1987. She was a member of the Myrtle Street United Methodist Church. She also belonged to the Business and Professional Women's Association.

Lasting Impact

Gertrude Hawk Chocolates has a long history of helping the community. They support many groups in the Scranton area. These include the Make A Wish Foundation, the Red Cross, and local Boys and Girls Clubs. They also help the Women's Resource Center, which is a safe place for women.

The Hawk family has also provided scholarships for students. These scholarships help students attend colleges like Keystone College and Penn State. In 2018, the family started the Gertrude Hawk Foundation. This foundation helps with education, supports children in need, and assists the elderly.

In 2018, Gertrude Hawk was honored for her amazing work. She was added to the Candy Hall of Fame.