2 c. sugar
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. butter
3 c. flour (sifted, plain)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda (dissolved in buttermilk)
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla (added to chocolate)
1/2 sq. chocolate (melted in 1 c. boiling water)

Let chocolate cool and add vanilla then. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs. Mix well. Add sifted flour and salt alternately with milk and soda. Add chocolate and vanilla last. Pour into three 9 inch cake pans, well greased and floured. Bake 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. I usually split my layers making 6.

Icing:
4 1/2 c. sugar
3 sticks butter
1 1/2 c. canned milk
2 tsp. vanilla

Combine all and cook in heavy saucepan on low heat until soft ball stage. Remove from heat and beat until icing is right consistency to put on cooled layers. this is enough icing for 6 layers.