Cream softened butter in large mixing bowl. 

Gradually add sugar & beat mixture until it's light & fluffy. 

Beat in egg & vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt & all spice.

Using a half a cup at a time, add flour mix to batter - beating it thoroughly before adding more (half a cup at a time) until all the flour mixture is used.

Wrap in waxed paper & chill for at least 2 hours.  (May be done 3 days in advance if well wrapped - I divide dough into 4 parts & wrap them separately since they soften while I'm working on each batch.)

Roll dough on lightly floured surface until it's an eighth of an inch thick.  Cut into stars, crescents, circles, etc. & place on baking sheet.  Decorate with sprinkles or icing if desired.  Bake 4 to 6 minutes at 400.  Done when edges begin to brown.

Makes about 100 cookies.

My great grandfather, John Croghan, was a caterer to the White House in the 1800s.  He provided the inaugural dinner for President Cleveland among other things.  My grandmother told me that this cookie recipe came from him & it's been a tradition in our family.  I have to say, I'm really glad I have an electric beater & don't have to make them by hand in the "traditional" way.