1/2 c. dates
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. boiling water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. sugar

Bring to boil. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch with enough cold water to form a paste. Add to mixture while stirring - let cool.

2 c. brown sugar
3 c. flour
2 1/2 c. oatmeal
2 tsp. cream of tartar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 sticks butter

Cover 9 x 13 baking pan with 1/2 of crumb mixture. Add filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture. Press each time. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.