Matrimonial Cake

2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
2 cups oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda

Filling

1 pound dates -- chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup water

Mix flour, sugar and salt. Cut in butter. Add oats and soda. Mix well, press half of this into a greased pan. Cook filling mixture until dates are soft. Spread over mixture in pan. Put crumb mixture on top and press down. Bake at 300* for 45 minutes.