Depression Cake

1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
2 cups sugar
1 cup cold water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 Tbsp baking soda
4 1/2 cups plain flour

Mix all ingredients then add nuts if desired. Bake in a greased and floured loaf pan at 325 for 1 hour and 15 mins