This recipe was clipped from a newspaper and sent in by a reader, date unknown. Recipe is typed below (there were a few typos that I corrected) along with a scanned copy.

DEAR POLLY: You recently ran a request for a recipe for Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Men, such as those made at Williamsburg. Perhaps this is the recipe that was wanted–Mrs. Dorothy Heath.

Old-Fashioned Ginger Cookies
(Les Kuchen)

Two cups shortening, melted
Three cups sorghum molasses
One cup sugar
Eight cups flour
One Tsp. salt
Two tablespoons soda
One tsp. ginger
One tsp. cinnamon
Two cups buttermilk or sour milk

Heat molasses and sugar together. When sugar is dissolved, add shortening and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Sift flour, salt, soda and spices together.

Add dry ingredients alternately with sour milk, Stir until a soft, smooth dough is formed. Work dough with hands five minutes. Chill dough at least four hours, then turn onto lightly floured board and roll one-quarter-inch thick.

Cut with cookie cutter, place on greased cookie sheet. Glaze with beaten whole egg and bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes.