Off the Record

The donuts of yesteryear

By Domenico Bettinelli, Jr. (articles ) | June 24, 2003 3:05 PM

Leila,

Now we're talking about an important subject! You reminded me of a small donut shop that used to be in Canton, MA, when I was a wee lad. I can't even remember the name of the place--it closed before I was 10 years old because of the Dunkin Donuts that opened literally next door--but I vividly still recall the Sunday I was walking home from Mass with my brothers and sisters when we had stopped in for our donut and I dropped mine on the street. It was a crushing blow that lingers in my psyche today. Now those were donuts!

The small pasty thing they sell today in the chains bears no resemblance. Even Dunkin Donuts is downplaying the Donut in their shops, instead pushing the now-ubiquitous bagels. The donut has become an afterthought to DD's real business: coffee. There's a DD just about across the street from my house and every morning for several hours cars are lined up in the street waiting to get in so the commuters can get their caffeine fix. And there's 3 other outlets within a mile of the place!

I've heard so many raving about the Krispy Kreme, I have begun to have faint hopes that a real donut may be available for purchase out there. When they open one in my neck of the woods, I'll have my chance to see. But it won't be the same as --now I remember!-- Charlie's Donuts.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($34,450 to go):
$80,000.00 $45,549.82
43% 57%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 2 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: - Jun. 25, 2003 8:18 AM ET USA

    Domenico: If you are ever in West Roxbury, just down the street from St. Theresa of Avila parish (Boston's best), is a little place called "Anna's Donuts." You won't be disappointed.

  • Posted by: - Jun. 24, 2003 4:37 PM ET USA

    What a subject! I remember going downtown when I was a teen (late twenties) and getting two donuts and a glass of milk for ten cents at Woolworth's. They were sooo good, and the only ones better were the ones my mom fried in deep hot fat every Hallowe'en.

Think with the Catholic Leaders: Subscribe to Catholic Culture Insights Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8