1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. butter
1 1/4 c. fine rolled oats
1/2 tsp. salt

DATE FILLING:

2 c. dates
1 c. water
1/2 c. sugar (or less)
1 tbsp. lemon juice (optional)

Make date filling first so it can cool. Cook date filling slowly on top of stove until dates are soft. Stir and mash with fork while cooking. Set aside to cool. Put sugar, rolled oats, salt, flour and butter in bowl. Rub mixture until crumbly. Spread 1/2 mixture in pan and press flat lightly. Spread with date filling. Add remaining crumbs on top and pat lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. When cool cut into squares.