08/19/2022
Buchanan's Old Mill Pancake and Waffle Mix is more than just a name and it's so much more than just a pancake mix; it's a legacy full of history, tragedy, unity, and love.
Buchanan's Old Mill Pancake and Waffle Mix has brought people together for over 100 years. The special combination of whole wheat and unbleached flour pancake mix has been a coveted recipe for years. It all started in 1903 in a small town of Roosevelt, Utah with one of the finest and largest operating mills in Eastern Utah. The special mix made it's debut in the 1930s. With growth and expansion, new mills were built throughout the years to meet the needs of the rapid rise and production of the mill.
In 1951, two brothers, Vernon and John Rollin, with the help of their father, George Franklin Buchanan bought the current mill with rights and ownership to the popular pancake mix. Becoming the Buchanan's Feed Company, the mill became the most successful mill in Eastern Utah; serving the needs of people for miles around. Ranchers, farmers, members of the Ute Indian Tribe, and oilfield roughnecks would travel far and wide to be served by the one and only Buchanan's Feed Store. The brothers were able to blend, package, and sell the newly named Buchanan's Feed Co. Pancake Mix right there at the feed. It was widely used and bought, and was served at almost every community function throughout the Uintah Basin. The community didn't just love the mill and the pancake mix; they loved the Buchanans. The brothers didn't just run their business for profit, but they ran it with tender hearts and a love for all people. They served and worked with kindness and generosity. Their goodness, as well as the mill’s services (especially their delicious pancakes!), brought in the masses of people they served.
In 1982, tragedy struck as the mill was burnt down. Production and management of the mill's goods and services were put on hold, including the desired pancake mix. With luck, they were able to produce and sell the pancake mix once again through other mills in Utah; bringing the joy of a simple pancake mix back into the homes of a community of people that loved them. Retail stores for years had shelves stocked with the Buchanan's Feed Co. Pancake Mix throughout Utah. But in 2009, the brother's died only months within each other. Once again, bringing the pancake production to a halt and leaving so many shelves in stores and homes empty, as well as a longing for it once again to those that loved the Buchanans and their pancake mix.
Sherrie Cope, daughter of John Rollin, knew in her heart this pancake mix was a legacy that needed to live on. In 2011, she began production once again of the beloved mix with a new name and look. Buchanan's Old Mill Pancake and Waffle Mix is now once again stocking the shelves of homes of those that have longed for and missed this classic recipe. This recipe is more than just a pancake, it's a homegrown product with a history as rich as it's taste.
Countless of individuals throughout the years have become hooked with one bite and have joined the throngs of people that have fallen in love with the delicious flavor and fluffy texture of each individual pancake. One pancake is just never enough. We're convinced that if you try one than you'll be back for seconds. But, we don't need to do all the convincing; try it yourself and your taste buds will convince you for us. Come and taste for yourself; you won't regret it, and then you'll join in the community of people who love the Buchanans and their pancake mix! -- written by Aubrey Harmon
