This cake my grandma made every Christmas. It's from her 1902 West Bend Cookbook, which I happen to have. The page that this recipe is on, is very very yellowed and very stained. She made it allot.
1/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 c. raisins
1 c. water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
Boil all together 3 minutes
Add the following:
2 c. flour
1 c. chopped hickory nuts
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in a little water.
Place in meat loaf pan and bake at 300° for about 2 hours.