1 lb. dates
1 c. boiling water
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter or shortening
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. boiling water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
2 1/2 c. oatmeal

Combine dates, sugar and boiling water and cook until thick. Cool. Cream brown sugar and butter. Add remaining ingredients, first dissolving the soda in the boiling water. Press half of the oatmeal mixture in a 9 x 13 pan. Pour the date mixture over and spread evenly. Put the remaining hail of the batter on the top and bake or 45 minutes at 350 degrees.