National Dunking Association Explained

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

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

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

• Johnny Carson
• Jimmy Durante
• Jack Lemmon
• Red Skelton
• Joey Bishop
• Paul V. McNutt^[10]
• Zero Mostel^[11]
• Martha Graham^[11]

Location

The National Dunking Association was located at 50 East 42nd Street in New York City.^[10]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Taylor . David A. . The History of the Doughnut . Smithsonian Magazine . en.
2. News: HOW DOUGHNUTS WON AMERICA . 12 June 2023 . The New York Times . 6 May 1981.
3. News: Doughnut Corporation of America . 12 June 2023 . Restaurant-ing through history . en.
4. Book: Penfold. Steve. The Donut: A Canadian History. 2008 . registration. University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division. 978-0802095459. 33.
5. News: National Dunkers to Act; Annual Convention Hopes to Clear Up Doughnut-Cruller Controversy. New York Times. 1941-10-09. 2017-10-13. en.
6. Web site: Photo . static.comicvine.com . JPG . 2019-05-13.
7. Web site: Photo . www.doughboysreno.com . JPG . 2019-05-13.
8. News: Dunkers Ask U.S. Defining Of Doughnut and Cruller. 2017-10-13. en.
9. Boys' Life. December 1969. 59. 12. 78. The Great American Doughnut.
10. News: M'Nutt Joins Dunkers, Convinced by Editorial. 2017-10-13. en.
11. Book: The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. Apr 1, 2015. Oxford University Press. 9780199313617. 227.