One reason mom made it is because it can be non-dairy.
We substituted lard for butter, whole wheat for regular flour (of course), and used half of the sugar. We also used fresh squeezed juice. It was really good.
http://www.bbonline.com/recipes/occidental-387.html
I'll make a new post soon!
(you can see a picture of pancakes on "B-B-Banana pancakes)