Broiled Eggplant Sandwich- Westinghouse Refrigerator

My husband got me a lot of vintage cook booklets and appliance booklets for Christmas. I am trying not to look at them all right away and spread them out over a few days. The appliance ones seem very humorous today. The Dad on this one got caught snacking on a turkey drumstick. The book is Your Westinghouse Refrigerator It's care and Use, 1947. There are over 100 recipes in this booklet. This is a rather unusual sandwich recipe from it.

Broiled Eggplant Open Face Sandwiches

1 large eggplant
8 slices cream cheese
3/4 cup cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
8 medium thick slices tomato
8 slices bacon
2 eggs
4 tablespoons lard
Peel eggplant and slice in 1/2 inch slices. Let stand in salt water 2 hours. Dry. Mix the salt with the cracker crumbs. Beat eggs. Dip eggplant in egg, then in cracker crumbs. When fat is hot, fry the eggplant on both sides, until golden brown and until tender. This requires about 12 minutes. Place eggplant on broiler rack and on each piece of eggplant place a slice of tomato, then a slice of cheese. Cut the bacon strips in half and place crisscross over the cheese. Broil until the bacon is brown and crisp. The eggplant may be fried in advance of needing it and kept in refrigerator until ready to use. This makes a delicious luncheon meal or late evening snack.
Serve with Cheese Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup grated cheese
Dash of pepper
Melt butter, blend in the flour, add the milk and cook on low heat until medium thick. Add seasoning and cheese and stir until cheese is melted. This may be made in advance and kept in refrigerator, warming when ready to serve. Serves 8