1 c. pitted dates, finely chopped
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 c. sifted flour
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. melted shortening

Combine dates, 1/2 cup brown sugar and evaporated milk. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool. Mix together flour, oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, soda and shortening. Press 1/2 of flour-oat mixture into bottom of greased 8" pan, spread with date mixture and cover with rest of flour-oat mixture. Press down with fingers or spoon. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until brown. When cool, cut in squares.