Bring to a boil:

2 cups water
1 cup shortening
1 cup raisins
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. each nutmeg (or mace), cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice

Cool and gradually add:

4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda

sifted together.

Bake for about 1 hour in a preheated 350°F oven.

For fruit cake add:

1 lb. pitted and chopped dates
1 lb mixed or golden raisins, soaked
1/4 lb. each nuts, candied cherries, pineapple, citron