MANITOWOC – If you thought National Donut Day on June 5 was just another Hallmark holiday, think again. The yummy holiday goes back nearly a century with ties to World War I.
The holiday is always recognized on the first Friday in June. The day was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the nonprofit’s Donut Lassies and Donut Girls, women who traveled to France to serve snacks and donuts to soldiers during the first World War.
If you plan to celebrate, here are a few Manitowoc County bakeries readers told us are their favorite place to buy donuts and other sweet treats.
Where readers go in the lakeshore area for a good donut
The big winner was Hartman’s Bakery, with locations in Manitowoc, 901 N. 11th St., and Plymouth, 117 Division St.
This beloved donut and pastry shop — which has been around for nearly a century — has hit a few bumps along the way.
The original Manitowoc location caught fire on July 27, 2022. The blaze started in the kitchen vents and the worst damage happened in the kitchen area. All baked goods and ingredients, and most of the kitchen equipment, had to be thrown away. Owners Austin Rehrauer and his wife Luisa worked around the clock to restore the space.
Supply-chain issues and contractor delays kept the bakery closed for nearly a year before the work was completed. Eventually, 100 years of history eventually were replaced and updated.
“Hartman’s is a lovely little neighborhood bakery. Their crullers, cinnamon rolls and apple fritters are fantastic and the service is excellent,” Scott McIntosh said in a Google review.
Sunrise Bakery and Coffee Café, 1105 Service Road in Kiel, also received several Herald Times Reporter reader votes.
This popular spot is known for made-from-scratch baked goods, including fresh bread, donuts, muffins and pastries.
Readers also gave shutouts to Bakery on State, 436 N. Ninth St., Manitowoc; Bondes Quik Mart off Interstate 43 in Cleveland; and On a Whim Sweet Treats Bakery and Coffee, 205 S. Packer Drive, Manitowoc.
Donut Lassies helped transform the morning treat to something that brings comfort and joy
Whichever place you choose to enjoy a donut June 5, you can appreciate the women who paved the way for this special day.
“The story of the Donut Lassies is one of extraordinary courage,” Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army, said in a news release. “The women who traveled to the front lines of a world war displayed compassion and bravery. On this 88th National Donut Day, we honor their remarkable legacy alongside the veterans who have served this nation, reminding ourselves to carry that same spirit of joyful service into every community we serve.”
The Donut Lassies worked in makeshift huts, offering soldiers emotional and spiritual care and giving them essential supplies along with a freshly-fried donut — making the sweet treat a symbol of comfort and joy, according to The Salvation Army.
Many bakeries around the country recognize National Donut Day, including Hartman’s.
National chain Dunkin’ (3506 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc) officially calls them “doughnuts” and will give customers a free classic donut, with the purchase of a beverage or other items on June 5.
Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@usatodayco.com or call 920-606-2575.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Readers share best Manitowoc bakeries to visit for National Donut Day
Reporting by Patti Zarling, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Patti Zarling, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter | USA TODAY Network
