Suellen C.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Suellen C.
Date of Interview: September 26, 2006
Sobriety Date(s): June 6, 1974
Current Home Group & Location: F-Troop, Cinnaminson, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Essex County, NJ, Morris County, NJ, Burlington County, NJ

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

I took my last drink on June 6, 1974 and attended my first meeting on Saturday, June 7 at the Millburn Group in Millburn, NJ

How did you first learn about A.A.?

Because of my guilt about my problem, it seemed like everywhere I went there was a message about alcoholism. The April 1974 issue of Time magazine, (which I still have!) had a cover story about it, and TV was loaded with ads that annoyed me like “If you need a drink to be social, that’s not social drinking.” I had a vague and general knowledge of AA at that time, but I really thought it was for little old men in raincoats.

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

Upon contacting AA that fateful morning, a woman named Grace T. from South Orange was my first contact. She designated herself my sponsor, even though I had to ask her, just for the humility of it. That was NOT easy! Back then, a sponsor showed you the ropes for the first 90 days, then turned you loose. Quick study that I was, I thought she was shunning me, when in reality; she had sent me on my way to sobriety. I still considered her my sponsor and I wouldn’t go away. She was of utmost importance to my first five years in AA.

How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?

In 1974 there were approx. 475 known groups in NJ. I lived in an urban area, the Greater Newark Metropolitan Area, so there were numerous groups. It was and is a very active area, with some of the oldest groups in AA located there. One of the oldest groups is the South Orange Sunday Night Group, a group that even Bill W. had visited often, when he lived in Montclair. One of his friends, Ed S, was a member there when I came in. I used to pick up Ed S on Sunday nights at his apartment on South Harrison Street in East Orange and take him to the South Orange meeting. He would lecture me about “Bill W. said this and Bill W. said that…”and being the typical newbie, I was pretty zoned, and confused about why I was taking this Old Man to meetings. I didn’t have a clue at the time that I was with St. Peter! He taught me a lot about The Twelve Steps. He told me all the answers are there. He knew the Big Book by heart, and quoted from it all the time. He would regale me with stories about New York and Akron, and what Bill W. and Lois had sacrificed for AA.

Open Speaker Meetings abounded, and were generally large meetings; fifty people or more. The Verona Group had huge attendance; a hundred people or more. The smaller groups were usually discussion groups. I only belonged to one: The East Orange Women’s Closed Discussion Group. To me, it seemed like a clandestine group of Worldly Women who snuck down church alleys to meet. It was very exciting to be with these women, as there were so few women in recovery at the time.

There was a Speaker/Discussion Group, the Maplewood Hilton Group, which I also belonged to – about 40 or 50 people. But it was not “discussion” as we know it today; it was a speaker, and then there were questions for the speaker afterward.

My home group was The Sanford Heights Group on Sanford Avenue in Irvington. I also belonged to The Essex County Young People’s Group, located in Bloomfield, NJ. They had an Open Speakers Meeting and a Closed Step Meeting, as well as a Beginner’s Meeting.

At South Orange and Maplewood Hilton, the setup of the meetings were assisted by the Al Anon spouses (remember, there were mostly men in AA at the time) who would then go to another room for their meeting. While we all went to help set up, the Al Anon Ladies were always there in support. We used to go pretty early to meetings; sometimes as much as an hour before. There was much more to be done back then; coffee was often served in china cups and saucers, ashtrays abounded, and snacks were always at the ready. Sometimes the donuts and coffee were the only thing people had to eat that day, so having some sort of food around was important. Cleanup could take close to an hour as a result, and many a new AA found sobriety by washing dishes and ashtrays. It was a great way to feel like you belonged, even though you were frightened and confused. I know that was certainly true for me. I was too afraid to talk to people, but I could stand at the sink and do dishes, and that is where I began to be able to speak to people. Often the long tables were set with paper or plastic cloths and were either cleaned or removed after the meeting. So you can see, there was lots to do!

Greeters were ALWAYS at the doors of AA. ALWAYS! They shook everyone’s hand, steered the newcomer to an old-timer, showed them the coffee pot, and were the most comforting presence in my early sobriety, when I could barely look at another human. To have my hand shook as I entered a meeting made me feel human; like I was a part of the human race I so long ago left. There was little “hugging” back then; people shook hands. I needed a handshake far more than a hug when I was new. It signified respect – Being respected. What a wonderful, indescribable feeling – to have someone respect me enough to shake my hand.

There was the “AA Hug” – an embrace that included arms and shoulders, some back-patting with butts sticking way out and away so as to not become too familiar! Any breach of the AA Hug and you knew the person was up to no good and you stayed away from him!

Speakers stood at a podium. There was more often than not, a tongue-depressor taped to the podium in case someone had a seizure, which was not uncommon. This was before detoxes and rehabs were common, so it was not unusual at all for quite a few shaky drunks to be at a meeting.

The reasoning for speaking at a podium was for humility; it was considered a humbling experience to stand up while telling your story; an honor to be standing sober on your own two feet. It was common to dress more formally when one was on a commitment. Men often wore suits or business attire, women rarely went “casual” to a speaking commitment. We did not call it “service work” back then; it was called “Twelve Step Work”. You not only represented your home group on a commitment, you represented AA. You were expected to look your best (as best as you could…) since it was an honor to have this kind of commitment.

Each group had a Group Secretary. Each group had a local Post Office box. The Secretary was responsible for reading all the mail at the beginning of the meeting. Anniversary announcements were read, as well as news from New York. Anniversary celebrations were well-attended and there was usually a lot of festivity for anniversary night. Each Secretary was responsible for preparing and mailing anniversary announcements to all of the local groups; usually one or two dozen anniversary announcements would be mailed each month, of course depending on the size of the group.

Each group had a Membership List, containing names, addresses, and phone numbers of members. This was the form of communication at the time. When you became a member in good standing of a group, you received a membership list. This way we could send cards to people who were ill or celebrating a special event, Christmas and birthday cards. Letter writing was very common then, and individuals and the group as a whole would send notes and letters to friends and new people as a form of encouragement.

I remember being stunned by the amount of phone calls I got when I was new. At least two or three people would call each night and check up on me, order me to this or that meeting, or tell me when they were picking me up. My sponsor would pick up five women each night and take us to meetings. She would tell me to call her at “ten to seven” and she would tell me she would pick me up at “ten after seven”, then we’d drive all over the place picking up more women!

It was also not unusual for a carload of five old guys coming to get me at my house, and then dropping me off at 10:00 PM and disappearing into the night. I often wondered what in the world my neighbors thought! I was only allowed to pick up three people in my early sobriety: Ed S, a young soldier at the Veteran’s hospital, and Mary S, who had 25 years sobriety at the time. I was thoroughly instructed about never taking one man or one woman, never giving any man a ride home, never giving my phone number to a new man, and who to give “a wide berth”. I was sheltered and protected by the people of AA, men and women.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups?

As I previously stated, The South Orange Group is one of the oldest AA groups. By the time I got to AA in 1974, AA had a strong presence in the area, and there were numerous meetings every night; daytime and midnight meetings, too. The Al Anon Club in Newark was open 24-7, so there was always somewhere for a drunk to be safe.

When a new meeting started, it was usually a quiet announcement – I don’t remember any one person playing an “important role” in the formation of a new group. We all know the joke about “it takes a good resentment to start a new group”, but I don’t really remember it being that way. It was more like a need or people’s desire for a new step meeting, or whatever. Humility and anonymity were stressed strongly. This was not always the case, however, we being who we are. I do remember a few annoying people who thought they were “Stars”, but their light didn’t burn brightly or for very long. It is usually the quiet people doing the background work, getting a new meeting under way, and seeing to it that the group thrived without their direct input.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

I came in on the cusp of detoxes and rehabs. I had a very exciting experience as a member of the Essex County Young People’s Group. Young People’s joined with other groups to go clean out the old TB ward at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morristown, NJ. It was to become one of the area’s first Detox Programs. We had many meetings there in its early days. Next came the Detox at East Orange General Hospital on South Munn Avenue in East Orange, just steps away from my old apartment where I did the a lot of my drinking! How ironic that now I was going there to bring the message of AA. Honesty House in Stirling was a rehab that treated women, a Detox and treatment center opened at Runnel’s Hospital in Central Jersey. It was a time of huge growth and new understanding and acceptance of alcoholism. Then the insurance companies discovered there was a lot of money to be made as a result of our malady, and we all know what happened to that!

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

My late husband and I started a Step Meeting on Tuesdays for the Maplewood Hilton Group in 1976. The meeting is still in existence, now located in South Orange. When I lived in Mendham, my friend Rick M, Sr. Mary, who was an Al Anon member, and I started the Mendham Monday Night OS Meeting around 1980, another meeting that is still in existence. Another friend named Rick M. and I started F-Troop in Cinnaminson in 1992, as a Young People’s Group, but the young people never came, after all of our outreach to schools, colleges, churches…so we are just now F-Troop – for the Young-At-Heart!

Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?

I don’t know if it’s always differences that cause new groups to be started. In my experience it has always been a perceived need. Either a time was needed, or a day, or a type of meeting.

What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions? Bingo games? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)

I have always avoided the politics of AA. Too many egos for me. In North Jersey, the Traditions were as important as the Steps. In South Jersey, there seems to be a complete de-focus on Traditions. I’m not really sure what this question means, anyway. Bingo???

Whenever I started a meeting, I just went to the friendliest church, usually my own, or a church that had an existing meeting, and asked if we could start a meeting. We were never directly asked for rent; we promised a contribution. We were always told to give whatever we can, even if it is nothing.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety?

As I have already detailed, my Sponsor was the most significant person in my early sobriety. My sister Judy was my biggest outside-AA supporter, attending my first meeting with me, and celebrating my anniversaries with me until I moved away. Jack M, a man who broke my heart with his story, seemed to be at every door at every meeting I went to in my early sobriety. I don’t know how he did it, but every meeting I went to, there was Jack M at the door. He’ll never know how important it was for me to see a familiar face and get a welcoming handshake. Next would be John R, a man I remember from my childhood. He was always there for me, too. When I lost my 90-day pin and was devastated, he took his pin off his lapel and gave it to me. I still wear it today. Ed S, John M, who was my “escort” for my first sober New Year’s – a formal AA affair where he just made me feel like Cinderella; Jean A, who just couldn’t get sober for the longest time and then did – and she changed into such a beautiful person; Cathy T, my first pigeon; her Mother, who used to come to meetings in the summer in her gray winter coat and slippers, my pal Grace and her daughter, who I am still in touch with, Dave and Danny, who I am still in touch with; Mary S, who inspired me to want twenty-five years, and Rose, my beloved AA Mother.

How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?

I don’t know what “how were new members contacted” – if you mean where did they come from, most stumbled in off the street, or were escorted by some AA’s who took the Twelve Step call from Intergroup (North Jersey)with Hal and Lois at the helm for years, then located on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood. Some came from hospitals where they detoxed, some came from asylums, from ministers and pastors…some were ordered by families to do something or else.

Twelve Step anecdotes:

NEVER go on a Twelve Step call alone. It was all done so differently then, yet somehow the same. You went to a drunk’s house, sat while he/she cried and whined, fed them coffee, and tried to determine if the person needed to be in a hospital. If not, you came back when they were sober, talked to them and hauled them to a meeting.

Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?

I don’t really know what kind of relationship AA had with local authorities, other than for the most part, there was cooperation but never anything formal. That came shortly after I was sober; judges sending people to AA, sentencing them to rehab, etc. DUI used to be called DWI – Driving while under the influence. A friend who was sober SEVEN years when I came in, Dave E., was the person who eventually wrote the NJ laws on drunk driving and treatment of alcoholics in DUI situations. The inception of the DUI laws has been very instrumental in the safety of residents.

Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?

As I mentioned before, the treatment facilities were few and far between. There was Honesty House in Stirling, Alina Lodge in Blairstown, and detox was the focus of a center at Mount Carmel Guild on Straight and Narrow Streets in Paterson.

Insurance did not cover alcohol-related treatment centers early on, so it was tough to find treatment other than hospital detox. Those that were in existence did rely heavily on AA’s principles.

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

I am sure that there was community outreach, but I was not directly involved in that aspect of AA.

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

Back then, there were few opportunities to “go public” with one’s recovery. I personally coveted my anonymity, preferring to stay within the framework of AA. I would caution anyone who is toying with the idea of “going public” to remember the Traditions of AA and to honor them. Media exposure is not for the new AA person.

During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?

I don’t really know what the community thought. My best guess is that it was neutral to positive, but AA was small in comparison to today, and was met with guarded interest. At the time of my introduction to AA, there was still the argument of whether or not alcoholism was a “disease” as far as the medical profession was concerned.

Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?

By keeping drunks off the road! LOL! Seriously, the influence was helping people to get and stay sober, which had to help the community. But there was no direct influence; this is an anonymous program.

What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?

All I remember is great dinners and great dancing.

Have you had any contact with G.S.O.? Please elaborate.

Visiting the GSO in NYC early on, in its dusty old office, and being totally flabbergasted as if I had stepped into the hallowed halls of heaven. I just remember looking at the photos on the walls, long-forgotten now, and how nonchalant and friendly people were there.

Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?

Wow! That’s a LOT of questions all rolled into one!

First, there were TWO Most Important pieces of literature: The Jack Alexander Article, and This Is AA, and these were of utmost importance in my understanding of AA. There was a lot of literature when I first got sober. There was a lot of hoopla regarding Hazelton literature – whether or not to have it at AA meetings. Some meetings had it and some didn’t. My most beloved treasure is my Twenty-Four Hour Book, given to me at my second meeting. Non-AA approved at the time, it was my lifesaver.

I already described how AA’s were treated upon their new arrival.

Constant slippers were treated like the rest of us – with patience and tolerance. There was no particular way to treat a person who constantly slipped, other than to be of support when they wanted help. Often people were told to go back out and come back when they had enough. Or some would joke, “If you aren’t sure you’re an alcoholic, go buy some Gallo wine, and drink it. Gallo will get you sober!”

Thirteenth steppers were dealt with by harsh disapproval and a good talking-to.

People with multiple addictions were rare at the time, the addicted themselves not always knowing they were dually-addicted. I was sober about three years or so before I even heard the term “dual addiction”, although people talked openly about their forays into sedatives, diet pills, and the like. AA was generally for help with alcoholism and other addictions were mentioned as part of someone’s story. The dually-addicted person was advised to get help for all addictions.

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

AA has become less formal and somewhat blurred by the ability of people to “rehab-hop”. “Slips” have become “relapses”, relieving the person somewhat from responsibility to themselves or their group. Some people have learned the ropes of rehab-talk and prison-gab.

Years ago, a woman didn’t tell the details of her story at the podium; that was reserved strictly for sponsors, or a Closed Women’s Discussion Group.

Sayings and phrases have come and gone in popularity. Many goofy things have been tried and gone by the wayside.

Sponsors have become “Temporary” when they were always temporary anyway. Now a Sponsor is a sponsor forever. That may be a good thing; I’m not making a judgment. I believe the Sponsor/Pigeon (another change – now it’s a “Sponsee”) relationship often blossoms into a deep friendship; at the very least, it often becomes a deep and long-lasting relationship.

AA used to be called “A Simple Program”. Then it became “A Simple Program For Complicated People”. Then it became “A Selfish Program”. Now I think it’s back to “A Simple Program” again.

Commitments are routinely broken, speakers not even showing up for their commitment. Membership lists have all been but abandoned; no one knows how to get in touch with anyone except their closest AA pals. Groups don’t have PO boxes anymore. (Don’t need them with computers) Flyers announcing anniversaries or group anniversaries seldom are distributed; you don’t know who is celebrating when or where unless they are a close AA pal. Early on, people went all over to group or individual anniversaries because they knew about them and it was so important to show solidarity and support.

Groups sent get-well cards to whoever was in the hospital or ill, no matter what group the person belonged to.

Twelve Step work was routinely done in hospital rooms. AA’s could walk into any hospital at any time of the day or night without restriction. Often, this was a way for someone to stay sober themselves – to just go to a hospital and ask for an alcoholic to try to help. Detoxes were always open to AA’s at any time.

People usually come to their first meeting pretty cleaned up now, thanks to treatment centers. Back then, it was exciting to watch a person get their first haircut, first new shoes, suit, clean clothes, a shave, get teeth fixed, etc.

“Thank You For Sharing” was adopted from EST in the early 80’s – and I see it starting to fade, finally. Men wear hats indoors – at a meeting. Casual dress, even sloppy dress, is accepted on commitments.

There is nowhere near the fellowship before and after the meetings; people show up late and leave early (myself included)

Everything comes and goes, and with all the changes, AA and sobriety, deep down, is still the same.

Links

Mt. Carmel Guild

The Mt. Carmel Guild in Paterson, NJ was an old relic of a place that took the best care they could of us drunks. It was the only place to go dry out where no money was involved. I would like very much to show what it is like now, hence the link. The Mt. Carmel Guild saved many lives and many families, and is very tangential to my sobriety. Thanks to the support of recovering drunks and the Catholic Church, the link shows it thriving now, and I feel that is important.

Rose D.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Rose D.
Date of Interview: June 28, 2006
Sobriety Date(s): August 9, 1964 & June 1, 1986
Current Home Group & Location: Moorestown Barber Group, Moorestown, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Glen Head, NY, Williston, NY & Mt. Laurel, NJ
(New York areas on Long Island)

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

I called NY Intergroup, someone called me that night, and three people picked me up for a meeting the next night. I did not drive at the time, so at least 2 times/week someone picked me up. For the 1st month (July 1964) I still drank, then the realization came, the aim was to not drink at all, instead of managing not to get drunk. Long Island had a good base of groups. I went to Westbury, Albertson, and Mineola in my first year.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

A Friend’s mother went to AA in Brooklyn, NY – never gained sobriety before death. – The husband of a dear friend was a member in Massillon, OH since 1948. In the 1960’s, there were TV ads for AA daily in the early hours; say from 12AM to 3AM.

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

In the first month or two “temporary” sponsors – then I met someone in Albertson Group about Sept. 1964. Betty had celebrated 3 years in AA when she became my sponsor, and maintains her sobriety.

How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?

Each group had 2 meetings per week; one was open, for family or friends and had three speakers, usually coming from other groups. The other meeting was closed for alcoholics only; usually one speaker qualified, and then open discussion. Often, if a group was large, a beginners group was held one hour earlier lead by someone with at least one year in AA.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups?

My hometown was Massillon, OH. I don’t know the date, but the group was one of the early groups after Akron began. Moorestown Barber Group in NJ is over 50 years old. Sometimes, new groups were established because of resentments. Just as often a group was too large and they were able to split. Sometimes, someone was able to find a church to start a meeting in their locality. – One of my sisters started AA in 1970 and was sober until her death in 2004 in Massillon, OH.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

In the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, the two counties on Long Island ( Nassau & Suffolk) were able to set up Intergroups in order to make sure anyone calling was not skipped & alleviated Manhattan’s Intergroup’s work. Almost all AA members started by calling AA; some referred by priests or ministers, some by doctors, some by family or friends.

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

I sponsored people, represented my group on speaking to other groups, made coffee, held offices in the groups. Helped to start two groups on Long Island.

What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions? Bingo games? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)

In Ohio or Long Island, I never heard of all day coffee houses – clubs – or any of the above. Occasionally a group would meet in someone’s home; the norm was meetings in churches. For about 2 years an “Old Timers” group met in Roslyn, NY. Most AA members criticized the purpose of the group, and it faded away.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety?

In 1964, I was afraid I would hurt my two young children, that made me call Intergroup. When I drank again in early 1979, it took me seven years to get sober again. (I never stopped going to meetings.) Again, I did not want to lose my children. My two sponsors were paramount in my sobriety; one from 1964 and one from 1979 who is still living – who tried to help me get sober again – and a person I still respect.

How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?

Most of the members came to AA thru 12-Step work. Rule #1, never go on a call alone, always take at least one other person along, even if going to take a person to the hospital. In Glen Head, NY a neighbor became amorous with a young man at least 20 years younger than her on a 12-Step call. Next time she called, three women went.

Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?

In 1985 I went to Veritas Villa Rehab after detox. There were many policemen from New York City attending. Also, in the 1960’s & 70’s some businesses had alcoholic counselors that used rehabs. I merely remember people were jailed and mental hospitals were used for detox. Local hospitals gradually established in-house treatment.

Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?

Veritas Villa (in upstate NY) definitely AA based. Also, the hospital where I detoxed for one week had AA speakers and was based on AA practices. The counselors arranged for people to go to a rehab, usually for about one month.

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

On Long Island, a speakers group would speak at high schools. Our group established AA listings in local newspapers for AA & Al-Anon. Gained permission to leave literature in local hospitals, doctor’s offices and even some churches.

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

If a person was on a TV spot (or radio) usually their face was not visible and they used first names only. On Long Island, there were some celebrities, if they participated; they acted in an anonymous manner. No – I never did any media work on my own. There was one problem we had for a time. For various reasons a member would bring an outsider to a closed meeting. This caused problems. Mainly because we had many open meetings available.

During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?

Anonymity was important. The community members or organizations who supported AA were strong. But, women were looked down upon (double standard.) But, I think most people were wary of AA & its members.

Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?

Very definitely – Groups have a positive effect on their areas, simply because AA members become healthy & try to have a good family life. Many members anonymously do work in their businesses & churches & they become productive members of society.

What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?

I did some volunteer work on my local Nassau County, NY Intergroup, especially for its beginning years. Also, for a few years, a few of us started AA retreats at a local retreat house. Now the retreat house has about 4 retreats a year – notably a retreat around New Year’s Eve.

Have you had any contact with G.S.O.? Please elaborate.

No, I have not been active in GSO. The Grapevine and AA literature are very valuable to me. I have never cared for large conferences or conventions.

Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?

Newcomers were always welcome. There were always a couple people who helped newcomers sometimes slacking off when the person picked a sponsor/sponsors. Slippers were always welcome. Only if they disrupted a meeting were they taken out. Sponsors always tried to protect newcomers from 13th steppers. For many years some AA members thought they could dictate the kind of medicine people were taking – that could be dangerous. There could be problems about people not sticking to alcohol. We could always refer people to NA.

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

Gradually, specialized groups were formed: for lawyers, doctors, etc. Men only groups began to be formed, then women’s groups. Some people maintained these groups were not real AA. I disagree. In addition to regular group attendance, I think a woman’s group really helped. Meetings held in private homes are not my favorite type of meeting. When people contributed to discussion they only said their name – they didn’t add “I’m an alcoholic” until the 70’s. The local hospitals having alcohol treatment, the good rehabs that came to life are great! Long Island had Freeport Hospital and one rehab for men up to the 1960’s 0 otherwise people went to one of three mental hospitals. A major milestone came when the AMA pronounced alcoholism a disease, then changes in treatment developed. Anonymity has suffered because celebrities have used AA to help their careers. General public anonymity is hard to practice, and helps support spiritual anonymity. This is a major problem in recent times.

John D.

Archives: Personal History

Name: John D.
Date of Interview: 10/30/06
Sobriety Date(s):5/9/61
Current Home Group & Location: Prince of Peace, Marlton, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Commack, NY, Des Plaines, IL, Chicago, IL, Villa Park, IL & Marlton, NJ

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

Living in NY I returned to Chicago for my father’s funeral. I met a boyhood friend, Jerry W. at my father’s wake. He had been sober 3½ years. We discussed AA. He mailed me info and I went to my 1st meeting 5/20/61 at East Northport Long Island, NY. A 3 speaker meeting.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

My father told me of 2 of his coworkers in 1946. Read about AA in college Psych class. Jerry W. told me about it in June 1960.

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

Yes, phone calls, rode train together to Manhattan to work. Met for lunch and went to meetings.

How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?

Many on Long Island & Manhattan. Most groups had 2 meetings a week. A 3 speaker meeting with a lead introducer and a second step meeting. Visitors would qualify and then discuss a step.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups? Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?

Only attended for 16 months and returned to Chicago area. Meetings on Long Island had been in existence since the ‘40s.

Chicago – We had home groups. We met in each other’s homes once a week and attended other meetings at clubs or churches. In Chicago, we had many meetings in hospitals to recruit newcomers. In Chicago they had a daily luncheon in a private dining room in a downtown department store “The Fair”. It dissolved in ’65 when the store was sold. Luncheon moved around for a few years and ended with the start of noon-time meetings.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

I moved to Philly in ’72. Noon-time lunch meetings downtown moved to Baptist church “Mustard Seed” on Tuesdays. Added additional days over the years.

In NJ, I attended Moorestown on Tues, Fri & Sat from ’72-’81. I attended Medford Wed & Fri ’81-’90. I then attended Prince of Peace Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri ever since.

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

Chaired Tues & Sat night in Moorestown. Speaking commitments at other groups. Listed for 12 step calls. In early days, chaired Fri 1 PM meeting in Bellevue Hospital.

Helped start new meeting at Mustard Seed in Chicago & Philadelphia.

Helped start St. Mark’s meeting in 1972.

What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions, Bingo games, etc? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)

Sharing time brief. Show of hands (same people always raise hands). Stick to Alcoholism.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

Don D. First sponsor – We are still in contact & sponsor each other.

Beaure H. Second sponsor – Spiritual tools and carrying the message.

Walt D. – Example of carrying the message.

Thousands of AA members by staying sober a day at a time.

How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?

We got calls from intergroup and 2 of us would go to prospect’s home and tell our stories.

We attended meetings and invited newcomers to our home group.

12 step card “Dime Therapy” – Business card with our phone numbers and sent with a dime.

Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?

People are still recommended.

Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?

Yes, Speaker meetings rather than step to identify with stories.

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

Yes

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

In Chicago, 4 of the first 10 members were newspaper writers. We actually had a meeting at the Wrigley Building on Wednesday evenings. Since moved to the Sheraton with most members from the media.

I worked at the Bulletin. We had many members employed and management referred employees.

During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?

With understanding.

Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?

Many people got sober and examples of what AA could do were shown.

What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?

Meetings use to close with “We have a nice way of closing, would those who care to join us in the Lord’s Prayer.” Today “Who’s Father?”

Have you had any contact with G.S.O.? Please elaborate.

No

Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?

New members were welcomed.

Slippers were encouraged to keep trying.

13 steppers – warned newcomers

Other Addictions – after a meeting or attended other 12 step groups devoted to the problem. Welcome to stay if what we have to say will help. Did not chase them out.

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

More young people.

In most groups, more tolerance.

Joe McG

Archives: Personal History

Name: .Joseph McG
Date of Interview: 1/22/07
Sobriety Date(s): 10/16/68
Current Home Group & Location: Sunday Spiritual Brooklawn, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Folcroft, PA (11 yrs), Woodbury, NJ (27 yrs)

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

10/16/68 – I called Philadelphia Intergroup up. I got sobered up in Folcroft, PA and went to my first meeting.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

Driver’s Improvement school media PA

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

No. God as I understood him.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups? Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?

Around 1965. (Kay D, Frank M, & Loraine McC) Most of the meetings were packed with people so new meetings started to accommodate the many people.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

The American Medical Association stated that alcoholism was an incurable disease and printed a card with 20 questions on it about alcoholism. Yes & No questions were on this card and if you answer yes to three questions potentially you were an alcoholic.

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

I got involved. I served many jobs in AA.

(1) PR Chairman; (2) Chairman of Intergroup in NJ; (3) Trustee of AA in SJ.

I started three meetings in South Jersey: Deptford Wednesday Meeting (27 yrs ago); co-started the Sunday Spiritual in 1986; & started the Woodbury YMCA meeting seven years ago.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

My sponsors helped me. I had a woman (Kay D) as my first sponsor. She died with over 40 years of sobriety. I have a staff of sponsors now: Jerry; Eddie; Jim; Jo D & I have an AA msgr. as my Spiritual Advisor. (I also met, in person, Bill W in his NY office and spent around a ½ hour with him. He helped me out also.)

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

No

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

I was in a radio show and also on a TV show. On the TV show only the back of me was exposed.

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

I feel it’s basically the same, to help people to get away from drinking.

Jim W.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Jim W.
Date of Interview: 9/20/2006
Sobriety Date(s): 11/25/1974
Current Home Group & Location: Maple Shade, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Marlton, NJ & Southampton, NJ

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

My employer gave me an ultimatum; Do something about your drinking or you’re fired! At that point I said “no more.” Entered Carrier Clinic 11/25/1974.

First meeting outside of rehab was Barclay Farms Thursday Night. Meeting was in church basement. Low ceiling, lots of columns, 40 people all smoking.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

First meetings were in rehab. Outside speakers came in. Rehab strongly suggested AA as the ‘only way to learn to live without drinking.’

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

As they said in the meeting: ‘Stick with the winners.’ The old-timers made a lasting impression on me. I simply tried to do what they did.

How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?

There were plenty of meetings (about 1/2 the number we have today.) Mostly speaker and discussion meetings.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups? Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?

Medford meeting started in 1972 when Warren M. and George C. found an air conditioned church library available. Summer meetings were very uncomfortable in those days.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

A lot of new meetings started with a resentment and a coffee pot. Just like today!

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

Became an active member of Maple Shade Group. Never missed the Business meeting and always had an AA job.

Active at Assembly level. Held office four times, helping to establish many of the current financial practices of the assembly. Served on the Unity Committee of Intergroup, taking service presentations to many local groups.

What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions, Bingo games, etc? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)

State run DUI License restoration program offered attendance cards to AA groups to be given out to DUI offenders. Many groups chose not to participate as many of these people were not alcoholics and potentially jeopardized the anonymity of members of groups they attended. Other groups participated in the program citing the 5th Tradition as precedent.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

Old Timers like Warren M., John M., and Bill M. served as walking examples of the Big Book. I wanted what they had so I did what they did. They truly walked the walk.

How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?

We received a lot more requests for 12-Step calls in those days. I probably averaged one every 2-3 months. Also, a lot of rehabs contacted Intergroup when clients were released to get them rides to their first meetings.

Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?

The Maple Shade Group actually met in a room above the police station when it started in 1962.

Judges have always shown respect for AA.

Corrections officials often considered AA meetings in their facilities a nuisance as they disrupted the normal routine. That feeling persists today with many corrections officers.

Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?

Carrier Clinic conducted regular beginners step meetings (Steps 1, 2, & 3) which were mandatory for its clients as far back as 1972.

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

Our group regularly (each year) contacts doctors, schools, and police. Medical profession seems to want to treat this disease using its own resources.

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

I am concerned that new people today might use the internet in place of an AA meeting. It just isn’t the same! This fellowship thrives on person to person contact. The internet is a poor substitute.

During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?

With guarded optimism! We still have to earn the respect of others with long term consistent results and behavior.

What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?

The South Jersey Annual Convention was originally held in Atlantic City. When gambling became legal there, we noticed a significant drop in attendance, and many of those who did attend spent more time in the casinos than at the convention. After 2 years we moved the convention to Ocean City to remove ourselves from temptation.

Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?

I have always felt that alcoholism is first and foremost an addiction and have accepted those addicted to other substances based on that belief. I must always remember, however, that this is Alcoholics Anonymous and has never claimed to be effective on anything other than alcohol.

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

When I first came to AA, the average length of sobriety in most meetings was 2 years. Over the years that average has increased significantly, today being approximately 8 years according to GSO, and often higher than that in some meetings. At a recent group anniversary the results of a sobriety countdown showed 11 1/2 years average length of sobriety.

This is not necessarily good news! We don’t have nearly as many newcomers in our meetings! We must understand that the newcomer is the future of AA and concentrate on attracting them to our fellowship.

Don Q.

Archives: Personal History

Name: .Don Q
Date of Interview: 1/12/07
Sobriety Date(s): 12/15/1975
Current Home Group & Location: Maple Shade Tuesday Night, Maple Shade, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: NJ & FL

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

It was a Monday morning and I was coming off a two-week drunk. I called the old Camalon Club at 93 Stewart St. They told me there was a meeting at noon; that if I wanted to get sober maybe I should be at that meeting. That was Dec. 15th, 1975 and I have not had the need to have a drink since.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

I saw an ad on TV. It was a very simple ad. It said if you have a problem with alcohol, call AA. It was about 2 ½ years before I got sober.

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

There was a man at the Camalon Club who reached out to me and helped me. He later became my first sponsor. His name was Watergate Frank. He was a member of the Maple Shade group. He helped me with the steps and traditions and the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. He got me involved with the Maple Shade group. He didn’t sugar-coat anything – he told me how it was and what I had to do to stay sober.

How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?

I do not know exactly how many meetings there were but I would say there are at least 4 times as many meetings today. The formats were speaker, discussion, step & traditions, Big Book, and As Bill Sees It. The meetings were strictly about alcohol & alcoholism, nothing more – nothing less.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups? Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?

The Maple Shade group started in 1962. Meetings were held once a week. The Moorestown group had more than one meeting per week. The Camalon Club had meetings every day and every night. That was the only club in the area at that time. New groups were usually formed with a resentment, a coffee pot, and a need for the discussion of other AA topics.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

There were very few rehabs at that time. Burlington County had a detox and Camden County had a detox. The answering service at that time was at the old Camalon Club. The first formal Intergroup meetings were held at the shopping center across from Marcus Rd. in Cherry Hill. Dottie G was the chairperson.

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

I became involved in the Maple Shade group, held most offices in the group. Over the years, I was involved in Intergroup. I was on most committees one time or the other. I was Unity chair twice and Trustee twice. I was in the workshop committee for South Jersey General Assembly. We did a lot of workshops with the Assembly and Intergroup combined.

What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions, Bingo games, etc? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)

The controversies that stick in my mind were NA wanting to be incorporated into AA’s meeting list, and Double Trouble wanted to be a part of AA. This would of course violate some of AA’s traditions. Meeting places were acquired and rents collected strictly by contributions, no Bingo Games or gambling was used. There was one group that had a 50/50 raffle.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

Watergate Frank – 1st Sponsor

Noel LeC – 2nd Sponsor

Jim M – 3rd sponsor and today he is one of my dearest friends.

Al G, Tom G, Maggie B, Mary S, Bill M, Dan M, Bitchin John, & Bob D – there were many more that were a great help to me. These people showed me the things I needed to learn by example. These people had a degree of humility, peace of mind, serenity and above all, a great deal of integrity. These are the things I needed to learn and put into practice in my own life. These people didn’t just “talk the talk”, they “walked the walk” in every aspect of their lives.

How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?

At the time, the answering service was at the old Camalon Club and all 12-step calls came into the club. If you spent a lot of time there, you could go on as many as 3-4 12-step calls a day. We always went out in pairs. I do not know how many people I helped but it sure helped me to stay sober.

Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?

Part of the Maple Shade group inventory is to contact the local authorities in the Maple Shade area, the library and other public access forums to ensure they have AA literature, if they want it. We also leave [the name of] a contact person if they want it.

Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?

The “rehabilitation program” explosion that came about in the 1977-1980 period all started out with a 12-step format. Many of them had AA meetings there. The 12-step format seemed to change over the years.

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

The Maple Shade group’s attitude has always been cooperation without affiliation with any local or federal agencies.

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

There should be a clear understanding of the traditions before any type of media exposure can be considered. Personally, I do not believe in any exposure to the media.

During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?

At that time, I believe there was a lot less tolerance than there is today.

Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?

By showing an example of sobriety, I believe the Maple Shade group has had a positive influence on the community.

What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?

I remember the early conventions being overwhelming. The first one I attended in early sobriety was the Northeast Regional in Washington, DC. I also attended the conventions in Ocean City.

Have you had any contact with G.S.O.? Please elaborate.

The Maple Shade group has contacted the GSO over the years to gain insight on different issues.

Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?

The Maple Shade group has a Beginner’s meeting that shares with the newcomers what AA is and what it is not, that AA is about alcohol & alcoholism and that AA has but one primary purpose; to carry the message to the alcoholic that still suffers. We also share with newcomers the 12 steps and 12 traditions so that they have a clearer understanding of the program of AA. We use the Beginner’s format from the GSO.

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

The program of AA has not changed – the fellowship has changed. We allow individuals to speak about things that have nothing to do with alcohol & alcoholism. There is not enough emphasis when it comes to the traditions and why they are important. People today are of the mindset that they can conduct their own personal interpretation of the 12 steps & 12 traditions and stay sober; without structure. The program of AA, as it is outlined in the Big Book and the 12 & 12, needs to be emphasized more in order for people to have and maintain sobriety.

Bill O’B.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Bill O’B.
Date of Interview: 11/14/06
Sobriety Date(s):6/19/76
Current Home Group & Location: Thursday Night Step Study- Maple Shade, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Willingboro, Cinnaminson & Maple Shade, NJ

How and when did you get started in A.A.? Where did you sober up and go to your first meeting?

The last time that I drank, I was drunk at the Friday Night Springside Rancocas meeting in Burlington on 6/19/76. I was drunk and in and out of a blackout and crying at the meeting. I had been going to meetings for about two years at that point but never really stopped drinking unless I was in a detox or rehab.

My first meetings were in Starting Point Farm in the summer of 1974 when I was there to dry out.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

In 1974 I was working as a Public Defender in Burlington County, Mt. Holly. One of my clients committed a serious crime while drunk and was at sentencing involved in AA. He had his sponsor and Noel L. from Starting Point speak for him.

After listening to these witnesses speak, I realized I was in bad shape and needed help just like my client.

Did you have a sponsor when you first came in? What type of sponsorship did you have?

I had several sponsors: Jack McN., Jim McM., Perry N., Noel L. and Ron S.

I needed someone who was strong and would not put up with my lies and empty promises.

How many groups or meetings were in existence? Can you recall the formats used at some of these early meetings? How were they run?

I never remember not being able to find a meeting. There seemed to be a lot of them, not as many as now, but still a lot.

Mostly they were discussion, some step, some Big Book, candle light, speakers meetings. All were smoking meetings. They were run the same way as now.

When was A.A. started in your town or area? How often were meetings held? Who were some of the people playing important roles in the formation of new groups? Can you explain the differences that led to new groups being formed in your area?

I was living in Willingboro at the time and there were at least 3 meetings per week in Willingboro. Monday night, Sunday afternoon and one other day, but I can’t remember when.

What else do you know about the growth of A.A. during that period of time?

I remember that a lot of women started to come to meetings. They didn’t talk about their drinking except in General terms.

Also, I remember new groups starting to address people from special or distinct backgrounds. Gays, Lesbians, Alcoholics who are children of alcoholics, women’s meetings, men’s meetings lawyer’s meeting, etc.

What contributions did you, yourself, make to the growth of the Fellowship? (Don’t be unnecessarily modest!)

I served as an officer in several groups that I joined over the years.

I did the incorporation for the ODAT Club when it moved to Mt. Holly and bought the building on Washington Street.

I started the Maple Shade Thursday Night Step Study Group.

What controversies over issues addressed in the Traditions can you recall people wrestling with? (How were meeting spaces acquired? Was rent or other funding obtained by gambling sessions, Bingo games, etc? How did the membership resolve these affairs?)

I was never aware of any questionable practices associated with paying our expenses.

We always passed the basket and got enough to support ourselves.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

Jack McN., Perry N., Ron S., Jack McM. & Noel L.

These guys never gave up on me even though I kept drinking for the first two years in the program.

How were new members contacted? What kinds of Twelfth Step work were going on? Are there any Twelfth Step anecdotes that stick out in your mind that you’d care to share?

Some of us stared H&I commitments years ago. We have regular visits to hospital detox and rehab and meet a lot of new people in that way.

When I was practicing law, I would often represent a lot of clients, many in criminal cases who had severe drinking problems. I would also try to 12 step these people in the direction of AA without revealing much of my own background as an alcoholic.

Today, A.A. is well known to, and supported by police officers, judges and corrections officials. What kind of relationship did A.A. in your area have with local authorities? How has that changed since you sobered up?

I always remember a close and good relationship between AA and judges, police and probation.

The authorities clearly saw the good work that AA does and always respected AA’s involvement.

Treatment facilities nowadays frequently host A.A. and other Twelve Steps meetings. Did any of them use a Twelve Step format or incorporate meetings into their structure?

Yes. All of them that I am aware of.

Did you seek the cooperation of other local community or professional agencies?

No.

Today, radio and television public service announcements for A.A., as well as Internet Web sites, are becoming commonplace. When you first got sober, how did A.A.s interact with the media? Have you had any profound experiences sharing your relationship with alcohol with the public? What cautions might you have for young A.A.s today regarding media exposure?

No.

During the early years of your recovery, how did the community receive Alcoholics Anonymous?

Very well. I was always accepted as a recovering alcoholic and everyone was happy to see me getting better.

Do you think your group(s) has had an influence in your community? If so, how?

All positive. AA is a good community resource to help deal with the problems caused by problem drinkers.

What do you remember of early conferences, assemblies, and conventions? Can you recall opening intergroup or central offices?

No.

Have you had any contact with G.S.O.? Please elaborate.

No.

Today, Conference-approved literature is available to help A.A. members deal with a wide variety of challenging questions. In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion. How did early A.A.s treat newcomers? How did your group(s) treat constant slippers? Thirteenth steppers? How were people, wishing to talk about multiple addictions during your meetings addressed? How about nonalcoholic drug addicts walking in off the street for their first meeting?

When I first came to AA in 1974 and got sober in 1976, there was always a lot of literature, so I do not agree with the above statement. (In the early days of the Fellowship all we had was the book Alcoholics Anonymous, common sense and your compassion.)

AA worked 30 years ago exactly the same way it works now. I can speak only for myself, but I always helped anyone that needed help even if they had drug problems.

I think any old timer that rejects drug problems or cross addicted people have no understanding of AA or the steps and traditions. I have always rejected the intolerance of those AA Nazis and I will continue to do so. It has not hurt my sobriety in any way!

In what ways has A.A. changed over the years?

Hopefully it has gotten more tolerant and compassionate to dual addicted people. We should not act better than anyone else simply because we are only alcoholics.

We should keep our hand out to help anyone.