Old Country Whole Wheat Bread

This recipe has been calling to me since I discovered it while sorting Mom's recipe box. I decided to give it a try today. Here's the transcription, cleaned up a little bit:

Old Country Whole Wheat Bread

Makes 3 loaves or 3 dozen rolls | from Grandma Johnson (Virgie Johnson Wilhite)

First Sponge:
1 pkg. dry yeast
2 c. warm water
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. sugar
4 cups white flour

Dissolve yeast in water. Add salt, sugar, and flour.
Mix well. Cover. Let rise until "spongy" (1 hr.).

1/4 c. shortening
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. honey or molasses
4 c. whole wheat flour

Add shortening to boiling water and molasses or honey. Cool to lukewarm.
Stir cooled liquid into sponge (first mix). Add the whole wheat flour and  mix well.
Put on lightly floured board and knead 6 minutes. Let rise 2 hours in greased bowl. Form dough into rolls or divide into loaves. Let rise again and bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes for rolls, a little longer for loaves.