ALTON – A Duke Bakery window became part of a marriage proposal Wednesday morning, Sept. 9, 2026, when an unnamed area man arranged for “Marry Me” to be spelled out in delicious doughnuts at the bakery’s storefront at 819 Henry St. in Alton’s Middletown Historic District for a woman who walks the neighborhood each morning.
Amy Hollis, one of the owners of Duke Bakery, said the proposal happened outside the bakery and that the woman said yes.
“On Wednesday we had the huge honor of being a part of a very special proposal that happened right out front,” Hollis said. “She said yes to his proposal.”
Hollis said the man contacted the bakery a couple of weeks before the proposal with the idea of waiting for the woman during her morning walk. The bakery helped make the proposal possible by spelling out “Marry Me” in doughnuts.
Hollis said the bakery decorated and added plants outside for the occasion.
“I was so excited when he called and asked if do it,” Hollis said. “This is a first for us, being involved in an engagement proposal in front of the bakery. I was thrilled to be a part of it and fact happened out front made it even more special.”
Hollis said she hopes Duke Bakery can make the couple’s wedding cake. She said the bakery has been part of many occasions in area lives, including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, retirements, fire communions, baptism celebrations and so much more.
“I feel very fortunate,” Hollis said of what Duke Bakery is able to do in both its Alton and Granite City locations to serve the public.
