1. People's ideas about donuts have changed since 1917 in that they have become more popular and beloved in American culture. In 1917, donuts were seen as a taste of home for soldiers in the trenches, but now they are enjoyed by people of all ages for various occasions and celebrations.
2. If I could have interviewed a Donut Lassie, I would have asked her about her experiences serving donuts to soldiers on the front lines in France during World War I. I would want to know how she and her fellow volunteers came up with the idea to make and distribute donuts, how the soldiers reacted to receiving them, and what impact they had on morale during the war.
3. The words and phrases that helped me understand the order of events in the article include "1917," "World War I," "Donut Lassies," "1938," and "National Donut Day." These dates and terms helped me see the progression of events from the soldiers being served donuts in the trenches to the establishment of National Donut Day as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army.
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?
Look back at the clues in the article. What words, phrases, or dates helped you understand the order of events?
Type your response into the box, and then click Submit.
3 answers
Choose three important events in the history of Donut Day. Explain when each event took place and why you selected it. Cite evidence from the article to support your response.
If you would like ideas about words that show time order, look at this chart.
If you would like ideas about words that show time order, look at this chart.
1. The first important event in the history of Donut Day is the arrival of the Salvation Army volunteers near the front lines in France during World War I in 1917. This event is significant because it is where the tradition of serving donuts to soldiers began. The article mentions that the volunteers set up makeshift huts and cooked up astonishing quantities of donuts to provide a taste of home to the soldiers, boosting their morale during the difficult and dangerous conditions of trench warfare.
2. The second important event is the establishment of the first Donut Day by the Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938. This event is significant because it marked the beginning of a nationwide celebration to commemorate the efforts of the Donut Lassies and raise money for the organization's charitable work. The article states that the event in Chicago was a big success, leading to the celebration of National Donut Day across the country and various events that serve up donuts to veterans and first responders.
3. The third important event is the continued celebration of National Donut Day on the first Friday of June each year. This event is important because it keeps alive the tradition started by the Donut Lassies and serves as a sweet way to honor their impact on soldiers and communities. The article mentions that many shops give out free donuts to customers who make donations to the Salvation Army on Donut Day, keeping the spirit of giving alive.
These events are key milestones in the history of Donut Day, showing the roots of the holiday in wartime charity efforts and its evolution into a national celebration that continues to benefit charitable causes.
2. The second important event is the establishment of the first Donut Day by the Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938. This event is significant because it marked the beginning of a nationwide celebration to commemorate the efforts of the Donut Lassies and raise money for the organization's charitable work. The article states that the event in Chicago was a big success, leading to the celebration of National Donut Day across the country and various events that serve up donuts to veterans and first responders.
3. The third important event is the continued celebration of National Donut Day on the first Friday of June each year. This event is important because it keeps alive the tradition started by the Donut Lassies and serves as a sweet way to honor their impact on soldiers and communities. The article mentions that many shops give out free donuts to customers who make donations to the Salvation Army on Donut Day, keeping the spirit of giving alive.
These events are key milestones in the history of Donut Day, showing the roots of the holiday in wartime charity efforts and its evolution into a national celebration that continues to benefit charitable causes.