Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter. Slowly add sugar, beating until light Sift dry ingredients together, reserving 1/4 cup. Fold dry ingredients into Combine reserved 1/4 cup dry ingredients with dates, raisins, and nuts; add Bake 65 minutes. Brush top of loaves with corn syrup and press pecans on top. Broil until topping bubbles.