Donuts Make Science and Women's History Delicious | Blue Star Donuts + THE FAB LAB
Channel: The Fab Lab With Crazy Aunt Lindsey
Date: 2018-03-08

Donuts are super scientific and about as American as anything gets: a delicious amalgamation of international cultures and murky timelines of when and exactly HOW it all came together. You see, the roots of this tasty treat have been around for a long time with sweet doughy cousins in places like France, the Netherlands, Greece, Rome, and the Middle East and archaeologists to this day keep finding what look to be fossilized remnants of donuts in ancient Native America Settlements.

No matter where they came from, what we do know is that this dessert owes a few very brave women serving the First, Second, and Vietnam Wars to thank for being solidified in Americans hearts and tummies.

In 1917, toward the end of WW1, the Salvation Army deployed a group of women that became known as the Donut Lassies to support the American First Division. After 36 straight days of rain and because, well, war is HORRIBLE, two of the ladies, Margaret Sheldon and Helen Purviance decided to treat to boys to something special to boost their spirits. Grabbing whatever supplies they could to re-create a blended version of their respective recipes - flour rations, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and canned milk - they got to work frying up their dough to cheer up the troops with this happy snack sending sweet smelling air wafting thru the camps along with fresh coffee and someone to talk to, reminding them of home.

Fast forward to the mid 1960's and 1970's, the American Red Cross deployed 630 members of their own crew of volunteer women in uniform to provide comfort and hospitality to the gent on the front lines of the Vietnam War. Dubbed the Donut Dollies, these ladies were NOT known to hand make their treats, though they did pass out coffee and donuts through the organizations Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas program, enduring harsh conditions and, at times, pretty terrible treatment to do so.

In 1938, the Salvation Army began honoring the Donut Lassies with their very own day, the first Friday of every June, National Donut Day.

This year, June 1, 2018, I’m remembering to celebrate both The Donut Lassies and their courageous kid sisters, The Donut Dollies for their brave behavior.

And you can, too! Check out my favorite printables, projects, playlists and games to make your donut day EXTRA special.

This video and Women's History Month in The Fab Lab is made possible by Blue Star Donuts - Donuts For Grownups. http://www.bluestardonuts.com 

Donut Memory Game: http://ohhappyday.com/2014/02/donut-printables/
Donut Straw Umbrellas: http://www.ajoyfulriot.com/donut-straw-umbrellas-free-printable-friday/ 

Watch Next: 

Fab Lab Snack Attack | More about YEAST and Signs of Life
https://youtu.be/zHXUjWOEWtA

More Fab Lab WOMEN IN HISTORY https://youtu.be/BWhc_KHk6eg

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