Tomato Chowder

2 slices bacon cut into small pieces
2 onions sliced
2 cups potatoes cut in 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups tomatoes, canned or fresh
2 cups boiling water
2 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour seasoned w/ pepper

Fry bacon until crisp in deep skillet, cook onion in bacon grease for 5 minutes.
Add potatoes and boiling water; simmer slowly until potatoes are nearly done, add tomatoes (cut in small pieces), continue cooking slowly for 20 minutes longer, bring milk to a scalding point.
Add soda to chowder. Add milk gradually, bring back to boiling point and add pepper.
Thicken with butter and flour - cook until thick. Serve immediately.