I am a life long collector of recipes, from many sources, including cartons and packaging of ingredients. This DATE OATMEAL SQUARES from an old (1960's) date box is the one I think you may be looking for:

DATE OATMEAL SQUARES

1 cup dates, coarsely chopped*
1/2 cup hot water
2 tsp vanilla, divided use
1 cup rolled oats, uncooked
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sifted flour
1/2 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, spray 8x8x2-inch pan with nonstick spray.

Simmer together dates and 1/2 cup hot water until thickened. Stir in 1 tsp. vanilla. Set aside.

Combine oats, brown sugar, and flour. Add butter and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla while stirring. Press 1/2 of oat mixture into bottom of pan. Cover with date mixture, then sprinkle with remaining oatmeal mixture. Pat gently.

Bake 20 minutes. Cool completely.

*8 oz of dates equals 1 cup