Say GEAR-AR-DELLY: the Ghirardelli name has become synonymous with the famous chocolate factory that sits on San Francisco Bay. The founder, Domingo Ghirardelli, was born in Italy and had lived in several locations in South America, developing his skill as a confectioner. In 1849, news of the the California Gold Rush lured him to the American West. Ghirardelli's gold rush came in the form of chocolate, with the opening of his company on San Francisco Bay in 1852. (Information about Domingo Ghirardelli and the company's history is available here.)

Domingo Ghirardelli carried to America his Italian culture, his language, his family values and his desire to succeed. Using the finest European recipes and slow cooking methods, the chocolate factory soon built a solid reputation in San Francisco. The Ghirardelli family ran the factory themselves, employing other Italian immigrants, both male and female, in the business. Ghiradelli's respect for his fellow Italians created a positive work environment in the factory. Margery Menafee Tingley remembered her grandfather, Domingo Ghirardelli, Jr., speaking Italian to the employees who worked on the factory floor. Since the Ghirardellis had an active part in the making of the chocolate and had a cultural background similar to many of their employees, the result was a recipe for success. Margery Tingley, recalled, "Well, it was wonderful because it was such a family-orientated place. It was nothing but family that worked there-- that was in the office and then the people that worked in the actual factory were all Italians" (Tingley interview in Lawrence 144).

Tingley stressed how important his own family was to her grandfather, Domingo Ghirardelli, Jr. She remembered that when she was a child, her grandfather spent time on the weekends teaching her how to cook; they would frequently visit the factory where she always enjoyed the chocolate treats (Tingley in Lawrence 144). Domingo, Jr. believed in the importance of education and in being an active participant in local affairs. Polly Ghirardelli Lawrence recalled that he "made a place for himself and the company in the community" (Lawrence 13). These values were transmitted not only to his family but to his employees as well.