We used to cook this on the farm, usually at Rubye’s house.  She would serve it warm with whipped cream and crushed pineapple.

1 ¾ c. flour
½ c. molasses
½ t. ea. salt, cloves, all-spice, nutmeg and B.P.
½ c. lukewarm water
1 tea. soda dissolved in ¼ c. boiling water
1 tea. Cinnamon
1 egg
2 ¼ t. ginger
½ c. sugar
1/3 c. oil

Sift together three times, flour, spices and sugar.  Turn into bowl and add shortening, molasses and water.  Beat 2 minutes with elec. mixer.  Add the soda and continue beating for only a few seconds.  Add the egg and beat for one minute Turn into greased 9” pan and bake 350 for about 30 to 40 minutes.