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

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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

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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

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* 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

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

## References

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1. ^ Taylor, David A. "The History of the Doughnut". Smithsonian Magazine.
2. ^ "HOW DOUGHNUTS WON AMERICA". The New York Times. 6 May 1981. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
3. ^ "Doughnut Corporation of America". Restaurant-ing through history. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
4. ^ Penfold, Steve (2008). The Donut: A Canadian History. University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division. p. 33. ISBN 978-0802095459.
5. ^ "National Dunkers to Act; Annual Convention Hopes to Clear Up Doughnut-Cruller Controversy". New York Times. 1941-10-09. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
6. ^ "Photo" (JPG). static.comicvine.com. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
7. ^ "Photo" (JPG). www.doughboysreno.com. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
8. ^ "Dunkers Ask U.S. Defining Of Doughnut and Cruller". Retrieved 2017-10-13.
9. ^ a b c d e f "The Great American Doughnut". Boys' Life. Vol. 59, no. 12\. December 1969. p. 78.
10. ^ a b c "M'Nutt Joins Dunkers, Convinced by Editorial". Retrieved 2017-10-13.
11. ^ a b The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. Oxford University Press. Apr 1, 2015. p. 227\. ISBN 9780199313617.