The Original Donut Hole
The Donut Hole was the name of a donut shop that existed at one time in a small Texas town.*
There’s a story…
Back in the day when I was pregnant with Baby #4, I took the country doctor’s advice literally. “Walk at least a half mile every day.”
After FarmerMan left for work and the two older boys left for school, I strapped my squirmy toddler into a second-hand umbrella stroller (anybody remember those?) and walked, actually waddled, to the edge of town, which was conveniently a quarter of a mile away.
We left as early as possible because even in the spring, the sweltering heat in West Texas combined with the black asphalt road would make a late morning stroll unbearable.
More importantly, The Donut Hole, which was at the end of our road near the highway, ran out of my favorite maple donuts not long after they opened. My goal every morning was to beat the crowd. The competition for maple donuts was fierce, but I was determined.
I frequently arrived before The Donut Hole officially opened according to the tattered sign taped to the door, but the owner always left the front door unlocked for the sheriff or anyone else who wanted to drop by to chat or grab a free cup of coffee while he fried donuts. I think he enjoyed the company.
The shop was small, with only three stools at the counter, and had no tables or chairs for the customers. The Donut Hole’s official business model was carryout, but their true business model was y’all stick around for a cuppa coffee before you leave with your dozen donuts for the office.
The inside of the shop was rustic, but definitely not the rustic glam that people talk about now. Rustic like the walls were ringed by shelves that served as the storeroom for the shop. My favorite part of the inside of the store besides the old fryer was the wooden floor. Footsteps sounded like those made by cowboys in the old Western movies as they strode into a saloon and sidled up to the bar.
I loved to inhale the familiar aroma of warm, deep-fried dough blended with the fragrance of sweet sugar and subtle hints of the flavors for the day, and my toddler squealed in anticipation of his daily treat.
“The maple donuts and plain donut holes are cooling on the rack, unless you two plan on changing your order this morning.” The owner said the same thing every day.
I finally realized years later it was his version of a joke.
Since I’m so literal, I assured him every time. “We might someday, but not today. One maple donut and one donut hole, please.”
Inspiration for a Cozy Mystery Series
Can you see how the Donut Hole and its maple donuts with donut holes for toddlers became the inspiration for Sweet Deal Sealed, Book 1 of the Donut Lady Cozy Mystery Series?
Maple donuts are still my favorite. What’s your favorite donut?
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
* It’s possible this is a photograph of the donut shop, but it could also be a substitute. You can decide.
Judith A. Barrett - Author 