Ginger bread (soft)

8 ounces Sugar
8 ounces Molasses
4 ounces Butter or other shortening
24 ounces Flour
8 ounces Milk, sour
2 teaspoons Ginger
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Cloves
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
2 Eggs, well beaten1 teaspoon Soda - dissolved in 1/4 cup boiling water

Cream the shortening and sugar, add the eggs and molasses, and mix well. Sift the flour and spices, and add alternately with the milk to the first mixture. Stir in the dissolved soda.
Pour into well-greased cake pan and bake at 350-F 30 minutes.