National Dunking Association
The National Dunking Association was a membership-based organization started by the Doughnut Corporation of America.[1][2][3] It was established in the 1930s to help popularize doughnuts in North America.[4]
At its peak, the association claimed millions of members across more than 300 chapters. Members included famous actors, athletes, political figures, and people of all ages.[5]
Activities[edit]
Members were encouraged to eat doughnuts using the Official Dunking Rules, a step-by-step method outlined by the organization.[6] The lighthearted rules referred to dunking donuts as a sport and instructed members to break their donuts in half before swishing them rhythmically in coffee, cocoa, tea, or milk.[7]
The association held various doughnut-focused events including an annual convention in New York City.[8]
Leadership[edit]
Presidents of the National Dunking Association included Jimmy Durante, Jack Lemmon, Red Skelton, Joey Bishop, and Johnny Carson.[9] Bert Nevins served as the organization's vice president.[10]
Famous Members[edit]
- Johnny Carson[9]
- Jimmy Durante[9]
- Jack Lemmon[9]
- Red Skelton[9]
- Joey Bishop[9]
- Paul V. McNutt[10]
- Zero Mostel[11]
- Martha Graham[11]
Location[edit]
The National Dunking Association was located at 50 East 42nd Street in New York City.[10]
References[edit]
- ^ Taylor, David A. "The History of the Doughnut". Smithsonian Magazine.
- ^ "HOW DOUGHNUTS WON AMERICA". The New York Times. 6 May 1981. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "Doughnut Corporation of America". Restaurant-ing through history. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ Penfold, Steve (2008). The Donut: A Canadian History. University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division. p. 33. ISBN 978-0802095459.
- ^ "National Dunkers to Act; Annual Convention Hopes to Clear Up Doughnut-Cruller Controversy". New York Times. 1941-10-09. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
- ^ "Photo" (JPG). static.comicvine.com. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
- ^ "Photo" (JPG). www.doughboysreno.com. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
- ^ "Dunkers Ask U.S. Defining Of Doughnut and Cruller". Retrieved 2017-10-13.
- ^ a b c d e f "The Great American Doughnut". Boys' Life. Vol. 59, no. 12. December 1969. p. 78.
- ^ a b c "M'Nutt Joins Dunkers, Convinced by Editorial". Retrieved 2017-10-13.
- ^ a b The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. Oxford University Press. Apr 1, 2015. p. 227. ISBN 9780199313617.
