Johna Blinn's Harbour Island Bahamas Fruitcake

Johna Blinn's Harbour Island Bahamas Fruitcake
"wests"
1 pkg. pitted dates -- (8 oz) cut into quarters
1 pkg. dried apricots -- (8 oz) cut into quarters
3 jars whole maraschino cherries -- (16 oz)
1 can flaked coconut -- (3-1/2 oz)
4 lbs. shelled whole pecans
1 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup dark rum
6 eggs

Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Mix until well blended, dense and sticky. Grease and line two 9/5/3-inch pans with waxed paper. Grease again. Pack fruitcake mixture tightly into pans. Bake in preheated 325 degree over for 1 hour 20 to 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch in the center. Cool cakes in pans; unmold.