Since its founding in 1960, the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro has been a driving force in preserving the region's agricultural heritage and building a strong sense of community. One of the club's most iconic contributions to the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is the beloved Pancake House—a destination that has become a must-visit for fairgoers. Barry Turner, a long-time member of Kiwanis, spoke with Grice Connect about his personal experience volunteering with the Pancake House over the years.
History of the Pancake House
The Pancake House, which serves up stacks of fluffy pancakes and sizzling sausage, has its roots in the vision of Marion Brantley, a member of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club who had worked for Robbins Packing Company. Brantley, with a unique expertise in sausage, knew how to craft the perfect meal to complement the fair experience. He aimed to create a welcoming space where families could come together to enjoy a meal while soaking in the fair’s fun and festivities. Brantley worked tirelessly to build and organize the Pancake House, securing the necessary equipment and donations, planning meals, and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
While Brantley was the originating force behind the Pancake House, countless other Kiwanians have contributed to its enduring success. Members like Brantley’s nephew Bob Lanier, along with Ronnie Alderman, Ricky Helton, Earl Cashon, and Don Whaley all have dedicated hours of service to keep the tradition alive. Whaley carried on Brantley’s vision for over two decades, ensuring the Pancake House continued to thrive as a central part of the fair. In recognition of their efforts, and to honor the man who started it all, the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro dedicated the Pancake House to both Marion Brantley and Don Whaley in 2022. (Read more about Whaley's Pancake House legacy here.)
One story Turner shared that members still laugh about today: It involved both Whaley and an Elvis impersonator who came to the fair many years ago. “Many of the ladies working in the Pancake House left their posts to go watch ‘Elvis.’ Whaley had to go out and look for his help. He kidded and was kidded for years about not liking Elvis because he stole his workers.”
The Pancake House today
The Pancake House has become synonymous with the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, a staple stop for first-time visitors and a cherished tradition for families who return year after year. As children ride the Midway rides and fairgoers enjoy the many exhibits, the familiar smell of syrup and pancakes signals the start of another fair season. Generations have grown up with memories of the Pancake House, and it continues to be a symbol of the fair's spirit of community and giving.
“There are guests at the fair who come each year just to eat at the Pancake House. Many ate there with their parents as kids and now bring their own children to continue another generation of Pancake House memories,” expressed Turner.
Operations for The Pancake House take months of preparation—maintaining the facility, upgrading equipment, and ordering supplies—all for one week of service each October. The proceeds raised go directly back into the community, supporting local causes and helping to meet the needs of the area. In some cases, the Pancake House has even opened during the off-season to assist with fundraising for special causes.
“The typical day at the Pancake House varies depending on each specific job. Some of the crew come in early to cut sausages to be cooked for later, then others come in for different shifts, filling specific positions for which they signed up,” Turner explained.
Community-centered volunteerism
From its humble beginnings to its iconic status today, the Pancake House at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds represents more than just pancakes and sausage to the people of Statesboro— it’s about preserving memories, building traditions, and serving the community, just as Marion Brantley envisioned all those years ago. Turner shared there are now a number of collages showcasing the Pancake House volunteers spanning from years ago to those involved today. “Some are not with us anymore, but their memories live on in the photos and in the memories of those who keep the tradition going,” Turner shared.
When asked what he would say to the next generation about the importance of volunteering and community organizations such as what is displayed by the Pancake House, Turner said, “I would encourage the younger generation to join an organization that allows them to collectively provide help to a variety of community projects. Kiwanis supports dozens of local charitable causes which would be hard to do, as an individual, at the level the club does.”
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of volunteers like Barry Turner and the lasting vision of Marion Brantley and Don Whaley, the Pancake House has grown into a beloved tradition for generations of fairgoers. Year after year, this iconic stop continues to embody the values of service, community, and giving back. From flipping pancakes to raising funds for local causes, the Pancake House displays how collective efforts can create lasting memories and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.