Smiths Falls, Ontario – A remarkable journey of passion and dedication has led one individual to celebrate the history of the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory and the enduring legacy it left in Smiths Falls. Harrison Barconnor, a native of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, who has brought the town’s sweet memories back to life in a stunning 1:87 scale model.
Barconnor was born in Ottawa but spent much of his childhood in Gatineau, where his grandparents lived beside the historic HCW steam railway. Every Saturday morning, young Barconnor and his parents would visit his grandparents. They would chat and drink coffee, and then they would take him down to the tracks to witness the trains passing by. Little did he know that these early experiences would ignite a lifelong passion for trains, mechanical engineering, and the allure of historical artifacts.
The turning point came in the summer of 2005 when, at four years old, Barconnor embarked on a family road trip to Smiths Falls. Their destination: the renowned Hershey’s chocolate factory. Walking through its hallowed halls, young Barconnor was captivated by the colossal rooms where massive propellers stirred vast vats of chocolate. The pulleys and conveyor belts that transported chocolate bars left an indelible mark on his young mind.
The adventure continued as they descended a staircase into a massive gift shop, a paradise for chocolate lovers. Among the countless options, Harrison chose a Reese’s-themed pencil, a memento that would forever link him to his unforgettable visit. The Hershey’s factory might have closed its doors, but the memories remained vivid, etchi and the sweet aromas are etched deep within Barconnor’s imagination.
Years later, Barconner returned to Smiths Falls with his father, this time to witness the annual Canadian Pacific holiday train, a tradition that evolved into a cherished annual event. On one such excursion, a chance detour brought them past Smiths Falls’ iconic water tower, and Barconner couldn’t believe his eyes. The massive water tower still bore the giant Hershey bar logo, declaring “Smiths Falls The Chocolate Capital of Ontario,” a testament to the lasting impact of the factory on the town.
Intrigued by the factory’s enduring legacy and spurred on by a lack of information online, Barconner took it upon himself to uncover the factory’s history. The search led to the discovery of numerous photos, news articles, and blog posts, each offering a piece of the factory’s story. Barconnor painstakingly collected and preserved this trove of historical materials.
The culmination of his efforts occurred in 2019 when Barconnor decided to merge his love for trains and model railroading with his fascination for the Hershey’s factory. This ambitious project involved creating a 1:87 scale model of the factory, a labor of love that spanned four years. Every dimension was meticulously measured, scaled down, and meticulously assembled. The culmination of his efforts took place on June 15th of this year, the 60th anniversary of the real factory’s opening in 1963.
Barconnor’s dedication to preserving the history of the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory and Smiths Falls’ sweet legacy is a testament to the power of passion and the enduring importance of our local history. His remarkable journey serves as a source of inspiration for the entire community, highlighting the beauty of preserving the past and the joy of recreating it in miniature.To read more about Barconner’s research on the historical timeline of the Hershey factory, “The former Hershey Factory in Smiths Falls” visit hometownnews.ca/hershey-factory-timeline/.
Article by Staff Writer
