Cream the butter and shortening; gradually add the brown sugar, then the flour, oatmeal and soda. This will give you a very stiff dough, which you will have to knead with the hands to work smooth. Do not be tempted to add liquid.If it will not hold to-gether its because the shortening and butter were not sufficiently well creamed. Divide into two portions and roll half to 1/4 in. thickness and spread out on bottom of a greased pan. Cover with following date mixture: 1/2 cup of dates chopped, 1/2 cup brown sugar, one tblsp. cornstarch, 1 cup of hot water. Cook till thick stirring constantly. Spread over oatmeal mixture and roll second oatmeal portion and put on top. Bake about 1 hour in 350 oven.