The Sweet History of Donut Day
News: History
O, joy! Every June, National Donut Day rolls around, sprinkling some sweetness on the first Friday of the month. While many people might guess that the holiday's founders dreamed it up solely as an excuse to devour a delicious confection, this occasion has a wholesome origin. Donuts played a surprising role in United States history.
A Taste of Home
In 1917, when the U.S. entered World War I, many American troops were stationed in France along the front lines, where conditions were difficult and dangerous. Much of the soldiers' time was spent in trenches, narrow defensive ditches dug into the ground. The men were often damp, muddy, and homesick.
Not long after the first American troops landed in France, however, a small team of young women from the Salvation Army arrived and set up makeshift huts near the front lines. This "army" was actually a charitable organization. The volunteers' mission was to provide supplies to the soldiers and raise their spirits. In addition to distributing clothes and essentials, they gave out snacks.
The volunteers wanted the soldiers to enjoy a taste of home, but with limited equipment and rations, it wasn't easy to bake desserts. With just a few simple ingredients, however, dough could be made and fried in a pan—or maybe even in a spare helmet! Soon, the young women were cooking up astonishing quantities of donuts. In one letter, volunteer Helen Purviance wrote that she and two other women had made and served 2,500 donuts and 255 gallons (965 liters) of cocoa in a single day.
In subsequent months, the Salvation Army sent reinforcements. In all, about 250 female volunteers were part of the effort. Thousands of soldiers flocked to the huts. They often mentioned the donuts in letters written to family and friends back home. Reporters picked up the story. The benevolent young women gained renown, earning the nickname "Donut Lassies." Today, historians credit them with boosting the morale of countless soldiers who endured trench warfare.
Donuts Get Their Day
After the war, the soldiers and Salvation Army volunteers returned to the U.S. Previously, donuts weren't unknown in the country, but their popularity soared in the postwar years, largely because soldiers brought home an abiding affection for them. For Americans who associated them with the war, donuts—whether they were glazed, frosted, or dusted with sugar—retained a flavor of patriotism.
In 1938, the Salvation Army in Chicago held the first Donut Day, an event to commemorate the contributions of the Donut Lassies. Once again, the organization deployed the treats to advance a good cause—Donut Day was a fundraiser to earn money for its charitable work, which was especially crucial in that era. During the financial hardships of the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Salvation Army provided food and shelter to many people.
Donut Day Rolls On
The event in Chicago was a big success, and people were soon celebrating National Donut Day from coast to coast and beyond. Now, cities across the nation mark the occasion with events that serve up a little sweetness to those who have served their country or community. Donuts are delivered to hospitals for veterans in Spokane, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Cincinnati, while first responders receive donated donuts in Dallas and in locations in Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, San Diego keeps the tradition afloat with an event aboard the U.S.S. Midway, a decommissioned military ship that is now a museum.
On the first Friday of June, donut fans can do some good while enjoying some goodies, as many shops give free donuts to customers who make donations to the Salvation Army. It's a sweet way to salute the women who inspired this holiday—the resourceful, dynamic Donut Lassies.
Think about and discuss these questions:
How do you think people's ideas about donuts have changed since 1917? Explain.
If you could have interviewed a Donut Lassie, what would you have asked her?
QUESTION 1
1 / 8
Which of these is most important to include in a summary of this article?
Long before Donut Day, donuts were one of many sweet treats known to the American public.
The first Donut Day was a fundraiser to support charity work during the Great Depression.
Some cities celebrate Donut Day by giving away donuts to people such as veterans and first responders.
While Donut Day celebrates sweet treats, it started as a way to honor notable figures in U.S. history.
3 answers
A. Long before Donut Day, donuts were one of many sweet treats known to the American public.
B. The first Donut Day was a fundraiser to support charity work during the Great Depression.
C. Some cities celebrate Donut Day by giving away donuts to people such as veterans and first responders.
D. While Donut Day celebrates sweet treats, it started as a way to honor notable figures in U.S. history.
7 answers