Linda the depression cake you described sounds a lot like the following recipe I found on the internet. I like and use this recipe, but there are lots of others out there under the title of egg less milk less cake or egg less milk less and butter less cake.

My Mother's War Cake

2 c. brown sugar
2 c. hot water
2 tsp. shortening
1/2 to 3/4 c. raisins
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. hot water

Mix brown sugar, hot water and shortening in a medium size saucepan. Add raisins, cinnamon, salt and cloves. Boil for 5 minutes after it bubbles. Remove from heat and cool completely (important). Add baking soda that has been dissolved in hot water. Then add flour. Pour in greased tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees 1 hour.

Note: No eggs - no milk. Editor's note: This vintage recipe from World War I is a wonderful reminder of how often our great-grandmother's made treats for their families with the simple foods at hand.
Mary from CT

http://www.nancyskitchen.com