From 1916:
Two cups of flour, measure after sifting; 1 cup of molasses; ½ cup of sour cream or milk, 1 teaspoon of soda, 1 of ginger, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 generous tablespoon of shortening and 1 of cold water.
Put the molasses, milk, salt and ginger into bowl. Dissolve soda in water. Melt shortening and add soda water and shortening to mixture in bowl. Beat well. Add the flour and beat quickly. Pour into well greased pans and bake in quick over 20 minutes. Serve hot.