This was my mom's recipe. In those days flour was sifted before measuring and as I recall scant meant about 1 Tb. less than level with the top of the measuring cup. She was a stickler for preciseness so the 300 F. baking temp. is correct.

Date Bread

1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. soda
1 c. dates

butter, size of a walnut
1 c. sugar
1 egg
scant 1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 300 degrees; Grease 5x9 loaf pan.
Combine water, soda & dates in flat bottom bowl; set aside.
Mix other ingredients in order.
Mash dates in water; add to dough.
Bake for 1 hour.