Combine water, dates, and baking soda. Allow to stand 1 hour. Using mixer, cream butter until soft. Add sugar and blend for 10 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and blend for 10 minutes. Mix on low while adding alternately date mixture and flour. Beat until smooth. Add walnuts and mix until combined. Divide into 4 greased and floured bread pans. Bake 45-60 minutes. This recipe came from the Historic Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg, Pa. It is excellent, but you must follow the recipe exactly for success. Enjoy!!