Try these cakes some morning when the folks are tired of the usual breakfast dishes.
Place buttermilk, water, and bread crumbs in a pitcher overnight. Let stand in the kitchen in a cool place. Do not put in the icebox.
In the morning add baking soda dissolved in 3 tablespoonfuls of water. Beat to thoroughly mix and then add syrup, shortening, salt, flour, and baking powder.
Beat hard to mix and then bake on a hot griddle.
Mrs. Wilson's Cook Book (1920).