The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
There is nothing better than enjoying hot fluffy pancakes and delicious sausage cooked by local Stronghurst MST volunteer firemen, but after a long spell of the firemen not able to offer the public event, folks really appreciated being able to gather again and see their friends and neighbors. There was a lot of visiting going on as over 250 were served despite the rain, the slush, the wind and the snow.
It reminds me of how many of us hurry down the street seeing familiar faces, but too busy with our to-do lists so we really don't take time to visit, but later you are away on a trip and run in to someone from your home town and it's like meeting a long lost relative.
I remember running into a Stronghurst snowbird in Florida in the 80's in a gas station in New Port Richey, Leroy Brooks. We were both so surprised, and so glad to see each other and catch up. It just feels good to see people we grew up around. For those who don't remember back that far, Leroy ran the Phillips 66 gas station in Stronghurst on the highway near the viaduct.
That is the nice thing about the Pancake supper. It's a chance to actually see the volunteers at the fire department and give back with a donation to those who have our backs in case of a fire, but it is also an opportunity to see friends around the community who we have lost tract of during COVID.
The firemen were displaying some of the items they have been able to purchase as a result of their fundraisers and 50/50 drawings. It was a free-will offering for all-you can eat pancakes with a lot of people throwing $20 and $50 into the fireman's boot they have their to collect donations.
The boy scouts were busy donating their time as well doing whatever was asked of them. Firemen were frying up a storm in the back with their nifty pancake grill they rent from a Dallas City man who built two and rents it to the fire department.
MST Fireman Kevin Box bringing out hot pancakes to keep up with the hungry crowd Saturday evening in Stronghurst.
MST Fireman Marvin Linder and Brad Flatt flipping cakes on a facy rotating grill as Corey Fox collects the finished wares for the fire department Saturday.