This is from an old church cookbook. My page is quite soiled. I make this cake often and have passed the recipe on to my daughters. I have listed two sets of amounts. The second amount for a larger cake in larger than 9x13 pan (10x15)

Iowa Chocolate Cake
3/4 C. shortening 1 1/8 C.
2 C. sugar 3 C.
1 1/2 C. boiling water 2 1/4 C.
2 C. flour 3 C.
1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp.
1/2 C. cocoa 3/4 C.
2 eggs, beaten 3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 tsp.
Put shortening and sugar in mixing bowl and pour over the boiling water.
Stir and Mix.
Sift dry ingredients twice and add to hot mixture. Then add eggs and vanilla. Batter WILL be THIN! Bake in loaf pan or layers at 350 degrees till top springs back. 40 min. for loaf anbout 30 min. for layers. It will keep for DAYS.