H. J. Heinz

Children's Literature

As a child, Harry Heinz worked in his parents' garden and helped to sell the vegetables they grew to neighbors. Ever an entrepreneur, in 1856, at the age of twelve, Harry purchased a horse and wagon so that he could reach more customers. Soon, he began selling his mother's horseradish. When the opportunity came, he opened Anchor Brand Foods. When that business failed, he encouraged his brother and cousin to start a business. Later, Harry purchased the business from them. He renamed it the H.J. Heinz Company, and that company is still around today. Hall balances information about Heinz's history with details of his philanthropic efforts on behalf of his workers, and facts about Heinz products. Readers learn something of the food industry at the time Heinz managed his company, and they learn about Harry's personal values in this brief, informative book. Includes a selection of trivia facts, a timeline, a glossary, and a list of related books. 2003, Heinemann Library, Ages 6 to 10.
—Heidi Hauser Green