It was 1936, at the end of the Great Depression, when Shipley Do-Nuts owner, Lawrence Shipley, hit upon a delicious idea: a gourmet do-nut so tasty it would withstand the test of time. Cut by hand and served hot throughout the day, Shipley Do-nuts were five cents a dozen and only available wholesale. But within four short years, they proved so popular that Lawrence began offering his wholesome baked treats to the public. Life became much busier for the family, and while Lawrence was away on his selling routes, his wife, Lillian, would stay home filling orders, baking from her humble kitchen with their infant son, Lawrence Jr., balanced on her knee.