Hershey's 1934 Cookbook Value Guide

The 1971 Hershey's 1934 Cookbook is a sought-after reprint of the original Depression-era promotional book designed to boost cocoa sales. This edition is highly collectible for its charming vintage cover art depicting two children with a chocolate cake and its practical, updated mid-century kitchen instructions.

What affects the value of Hershey's 1934 Cookbook?

• Physical condition of the spiral binding, as these are prone to bending or losing the plastic coating over time.
• Presence of kitchen stains or 'foxing' on the interior pages, which can decrease the $10-$11 market value.
• Completeness of the book, ensuring no recipe pages have been removed or torn out by previous owners.
• The vibrancy of the cover art, as sun-fading on the yellow background significantly impacts display appeal.

How to Identify Hershey's 1934 Cookbook?

• Verify the 1971 revision date on the title page to distinguish it from the 1934 original or later 1990s reproductions.
• Check for the specific plastic-coated metal spiral binding used in this hardcover edition.
• Look for the iconic cover illustration of a boy and girl eating chocolate cake against a yellow background.
• Confirm the publisher is the Hershey Chocolate Corporation, printed in the United States.

History of Hershey's 1934 Cookbook

First published in 1934 by the Hershey Chocolate Corporation, this cookbook was intended to promote cocoa products during the Great Depression. This specific version is the 1971 reprint, which updated measurements and instructions for modern kitchens while retaining the iconic vintage cover art of two children enjoying a chocolate cake.