Bob P.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Bob P.

Date of Interview: 6/26/2022

Sobriety Date(s): 11/13/1981

Current Home Group & Location: Red Lion, Medford

Locations lived in during sobriety: Somerdale, Marlton, Medford

 

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

First meeting ever was August 1972, Saturday night meeting at St. Bart’s on rt 70. Didn’t stick with it.

In 1981 he hit his bottom and started going to meetings in Moorestown. Felt like he didn’t belong and almost left, but his buddy (who he used to drink with) spotted him in the meeting and talked him into staying, then took him out for coffee at a diner till 2am to help him from going to the bar. Made a point of going to beginners meeting in Moorestown for 2 years.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

His father was a member of AA since 1971. His mother encouraged him to go to a meeting.

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

First sponsor was a Vietnam vet named Carl, had 6 months more time than Bob.

Second sponsor was Bill, was a cofounder of the Red Lion group. Went through the steps with him. Bill died of cancer after a few years.

Third sponsor was Eddie.

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

Discussion and topics at beginners’ meetings. Simple stuff like “one day at a time.”

Some Big Book meetings, not as popular.

A number of step 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?

Red Lion Group, Bob was an original member.

Bill & George were both cofounders of the group, these men were important to Bob in his early years of recovery.

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

Him and buddy took 2 newcomers on a last-minute road trip to Florida to see Joe & Charlie speak. The hotel was out of rooms and there wasn’t much space left inside so they set up in the pool area of the hotel and listened to the seminar on speakers they had set up on the patio. Ended up sleeping on the beach.

Summer 1993, spent a few months helping to restore the Wilson house in Vermont. People donated time and money and lots of supplies to fix up this hotel that was close to be demolished. Also attended the Canadian 50^th Anniversary of AA national convention in Toronto that summer.

Helped get weekly AA meetings from multiple AA groups to Beacon Hall, an adolescent rehab. He told me about a young woman who he first met when she was 14. She struggled to get sober for a few years, but she now has 35 years sobriety and is still friends with Bob.

He knew multiple people that would travel over to Philly for a midnight meeting. One night, at a meeting in Philly, he counted 17 people that were from south Jersey so they decided to start their own Friday night midnight meeting at the ODAT club in Mt. Holly, NJ. He says there was 50-60 people showing up. This was in 1988.

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?)

Dual addiction was an issue at national level, not just in South Jersey.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

Lefty, his friend that kept him at that first meeting.

Eddie L, Red Lion member, very funny guy.

George, cofounder of Red Lion. Bob says that before there was an intergroup office the phone for intergroup was in Georges kitchen!

Bill, cofounder of Red Lion.

Frank M, archivist in NY, would raffle off first edition Big Books at seminars.

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?

Old-timers would direct newer guys on how to act, and a lot of it was about welcoming new comers. Lots of focus on making the new guy feel involved. “Grab the new guy and bring him along.”

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?

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?

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

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

Bob says at the time it was “very fashionable to have a recovered alcoholic at your dinner party.” Says AA had a great reputation and most people knew of it.

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

Yes! 1983 he became GSR for Red Lion group. Used Billy F, a cofounder of Red Lion, as a service sponsor.

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?

13^th stepping: Someone told him very early on that men should not bother the new women. He insinuated that someone might beat you up in the parking lot if you didn’t leave the women alone.

Bob felt like addicts other than alcoholics wanted to widen AA, and the old-timers didn’t want any part of that. Old-timers would aggressively tell people not to talk about drugs or other addictions. He said it got pretty serious and there was a lot of talk of splitting up. But he said cooler heads prevailed, and they realized they could still help each other.

One of the first NA meetings was held in a warehouse in the Ellisburg Circle shopping center.

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

Media now talks more about celebrities and their recovery. There is not as much anonymity. He says that didn’t happen as much back then.

Diane R.

Archives: Personal History

Name:Diane R.

Date of Interview:9/19/18

Sobriety Date(s):4/21/87

Current Home Group & Location:TGIF – Oaklyn, NJ

Locations lived in during sobriety:New Orleans, LA and Audubon, NJ

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

Easter Sunday 1987 I went to my 1st meeting though I don’t remember anything about it.  A woman followed me out as I was fast walking to my car.  I remember feeling “Oh no, go away and at the same time-Oh thank God. This individual took me to my 1st “sober” AA meeting at the Lambda Center.  It was an all lesbian group (many of these women would later become my friends) but it sure gave me my 1st opportunity to proclaim “I’m not like these people” (LOL)

2. How did you first learn about A.A.?

I knew very little except they were the people that didn’t want you to drink AT ALL.  For this reason, I never tried it. I tried therapy, the mental hospital, and any other self help method to control my drinking.  Without success.

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

My 1st sponsor said “call me if you need me” (as if I would know when that would be- I’m very independent)  The best thing she did was to say YES. Then I got a sponsor who took me through the steps. I didn’t believe in God then but decided to turn my “will and my life over” to him.  While I have a male sponsor, he is gay. In the beginning I was kind of afraid of him and had to call him EVERY day. This daily call kept me from having to decide when I should or shouldn’t which was actually a big relief.  It turned from fear and respect to a deep friendship and to love. I adore my sponsor. He showed me that I too could have a spiritual experience of the educational variety- my whole attitude about life changed. He taught me how to sponsor others and to see sponsorship as an honor and privilege.  Looking back- he had 3 years more sobriety than I did but he seemed like such a wise “oldtimer” He is my sponsor to this day.

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

Too many to count.  Most registered AA groups had elected officers-Secretary, Treasurer, Intergroup Rep, GSR, Literature and Grapevine representatives.  There was a monthly chairperson who procured a leader who spoke for about 10-15’ on a topic of their choice for the meeting. The last day of the month was reserved for Traditions.  We had quarterly speaker meetings where a group member was chosen by the group to tell their story. Stories were told for an hour to 75 minutes then group members would provide feedback  We had monthly business meetings, and annual group inventory and an Anniversary dinner.

5. 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?

I don’t have any idea when AA was founded in New Orleans, LA- NOLA.  I got started in 1987 and there was at least one group that had been around for 50 years.  My group was founded by myself and about 9 other individuals because of a resentment we had with other groups in the club house. (like so many other groups- resentment put to good use.)

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

There were more and more D&A treatment centers popping up in NOLA.   There were mostly “closed Meetings) in the area most likely due to treatment center influences.  We needed to adhere to our singleness of purpose, alcohol and not drugs- a drug is a drug. Later, there was a group from a treatment center that had a philosophy of getting your rage out.  These individuals would identify as alcoholics, but when they shared, they raged. We had to add more rules to our opening statements to exclude raging. Mostly- they left and went elsewhere.

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

Served as Group Secretary and Treasurer, sponsored about 20 people, participated in workshops such as Traditions, Singleness of Purpose and Sponsorship, and did some local circuit speaking, accepted leadership opportunities for Annual Deep South Conventions.

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

See #6.

9. 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 already talked about some of the controversies, but our group got caught up in “Rule 62- don’t take yourself too seriously”.  We added more and more announcements (rules) than were necessary. I mean, there are 12 Steps, 10 Commandments, and 7 deadly sins, but we must have had 20 things members should and shouldn’t do.  One of our group inventories was almost the end of this. I remember crying and running out, and it was MY house! Looking back, I think we had too many bleeding deacons and too few elders. The person with the longest amount of sobriety had 5 more years than I did.  We didn’t fold. I came back (afterall I lived there) and we decided to breathe and remind ourselves that it was the higher power who was supposed to direct our group conscience. We compromised and just added 2 more rules!
We had our 7th tradition basket but no real fundraisers for our group.  There were 2 fund raisers for Intergroup- the Fall Festivals and in the Spring -AA Day in the Park.

10. What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety?

My sponsor, my Homegroup and a small circle of about 15-20 friends- you know that people I would never have been seen dead with!  Of these my most inner circle is 7. I am sober 31 years an we’re all around the same time. The youngest having 29 years. When they told us to stick with the winners, who’d have thunk it was us?  Though these friends are still living in NOLA, and while we don’t get together like we used to (every weekend and at least 3 days during the week) But we are as close today as in those early years.  As one member of our circle says, “when we were together all the time and partying all the time, we were really standing in the rowboat and hanging on to each other for dear life!” (my family lived in New Jersey so they weren’t a part of my early sobriety)

11. 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 had a group phone list.  Many of us sponsored multiple people, phone duty (back when you had to sit right by the phone for the entirety of your shift)  Our group always made an announcement ( one of the better one) that we would be “going for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee” after the meeting and to see a group member for a ride or more info.  Since we did this religiously, newcomers and shy individuals would often join us and were able to participate in the craziness that we were- they could see that there was a lot of fun to be had in sobriety.
There was one 12th Step call that was to a member of our close friends-a person I sponsored.  About 5 of us went to the house where she lived with her boyfriend (who called us)  She was locked in the bathroom screaming she was going to kill herself. I’m a nurse and another is a physician and we went to the coroner’s office together to secure commitment papers and had her committed. She called me while committed to tell be she hated me.  A week later we got together and picked up where we left off and are still friends today. A newer person that came with us on the call, said that he was going to join our group because this group was serious about sobriety and even if you drank, they came after you.  He too is 30 years sober today.

12. 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?

As today, judges sent DUI’s to AA and some police knew where we could be found especially around Mardi Gras.  NOLA is a City and emergency rooms knew where we were as well.

13. 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?

Most.

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

Not that I remember.

15. 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 was no internet or even cell phones and we had not contact at the level of press, radio or television.

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

Well. In a town that’s made for drinking, there had to be strong sobriety.

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

Yes. To those who came or were sent to AA meetings.

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

Quarterly a member of our group would be asked to speak at Intergroup- Intergroup and Central office as well as our Annual Conventions were well established when I arrive.

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

Not personally but received information from my homegroup rep.

20. 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 Big Book, 12 and 12, Living Sober and AA approved daily meditation books and multiple pamphlets
Newcomers were always seen as the most important people at our meetings. With constant slippers we were always glad they were back but a group member with some time would approach them to see if they has a sponsor, a homegroup and sometimes- “why the hell do you keep going back out?  What will it take and what can I do? Those talking about drugs were referred to the Closed Meeting Statement. If someone walked in off the street, we’d welcome them and ask them to just listen, then someone would speak with them after the meeting. Now about 13 Steppers, a later to be friend kept going after my and my girlfriend’s sponsees.  We invited him over to my house to lecture him on this manner and we also included our sponsor’s and his-like an intervention of sorts. It really didn’t stop him except he left ours’ alone.

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

The differences I have noticed seem to have more to do with geography than time.  Like most people, I think the was I got sober was the only or at least best way. Some of the basics that I miss was having a guest just start off at  meetings with an AA topic. The hardest this though has been that in NOLA, when people tell their story they must have at least 1 year of sobriety and they go on for an hour +.  My homegroup here indulges me and I give a pre story warning. Funny thing is that I have had 2 NOLA friends visit my homegroup where they have been asked to speak and they speak for at least an hour!.  At least now they know I haven’t been exaggerating.

Thank you so much for asking me to participate in this Old Timer’s survey.  I don’t know that it has highlighted many changes in AA -which I think may be a good time.  When I sponsor we still start with the 1st forward of the 1st edition at work the steps as outlined in the Big Book and illuminated by my sponsor.  I figure it worked for me an so many others that there is no need to change. It was a nice walk down memory lane.  I’m happy to be an elderly Deacon now and I never take myself too seriously.

Wayne K.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Wayne K.
Date of Interview: 9/24/06
Sobriety Date(s):6/21/74
Current Home Group & Location: Winslow Crossing Serenity – Turnersville, NJ
Locations lived in during sobriety: Camden County, NJ

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

Two AA members 12 stepped me on 6/21/74 and took me to the Friday night Bellmawr meeting.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

I first learned about AA when I was 12 stepped.

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

I had a sponsor when I first came in but he did not direct me to the steps.

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 approximately 50 meetings in South Jersey at that time. The format was as follows:
a) The chairman opened the meeting with “How It Works” & “The Preamble”
b) Two topics were chosen
c) All attendees of meeting stated name and shared (or passed)

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 am unsure as to when AA started in my area. There were at least 7 meetings a week in Camden County. “Russian Paul” & I were involved in starting my home group. New groups were formed because the meetings were getting too big.

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

AA began to grow due to the state of NJ sending DUI offenders to AA. At this time Seabrook Rehabilitation just opened.

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

In my homegroup I was the chairperson, literature rep, GSR & coffee maker. I was on the Public Information Committee and was on numerous 12-Step calls.

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?)

There were no controversies that I recall.

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety and why?

“Bitchin John” “George the Barber” & Bob P. were very prominent in my sobriety because I worked night work and they made themselves available during the day to help me.

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?

New members were contacted via 12-Step calls. We would carry the message to schools and church groups through the PI Committee.

On one 12-Step call, I had my “biker” clothes on & was 12 stepping a man in a suit. When I brought him to detox the staff addressed me as if I was the “drunk.”

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, Maryville Rehab did & still does incorporate meetings & the 12 steps into their format along with other rehabs.

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

No, I did not seek cooperation.

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 was no interaction that I was aware of.

Today, I would caution young AA’s to not judge the program by what is portrayed via the media (stars & public figures) as they are only members and not representatives of the program.

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

At first the community was a little leery of the program as a whole.

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

Yes, my homegroup enabled some of its members to become sober, productive members of the community.

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?

Early AA’s treated newcomers by giving them the Big Book, 12×12 book, and a list of member’s phone numbers. Our group welcomed the slipper with open arms and compassion, but did not tolerate the 13th steppers. If multiple addictions were mentioned the group members would handle the situation tactfully. We let non-alcoholic drug addicts join the meeting but also directed them to NA.

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

Some of the changes are as follows:

Pros: The membership has improved. The fellowship is more accepted than before. People are more educated about addiction and AA.

Cons: More groups are straying from the primary purpose of AA. Meetings are getting too large. Hand raising as opposed to going around the room allowing all to share. (New members are not made to identify themselves this way.)

Vic M.

Archives: Personal History

Name: Victor M.
Date of Interview: September 19, 2007
Sobriety Date(s):Mar. 1956-1963, 1964-1981, 1985-present
Current Home Group & Location: Back to Basics Kennedy Hospital Cherry Hill
Locations lived in during sobriety: Camden, Gibbsboro, Cherry Hill, NJ.

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

I asked a man that I worked with back in 1956 and he took me to my first meeting at the Center City Group in Phila, PA. I was only 21 years old and I went to find out that I wasn’t an alcoholic. I wanted to prove to my wife and my parents that I couldn’t be an alcoholic because I only drank for 7 years.

How did you first learn about A.A.?

From the man I worked with. He kept telling me I couldn’t drink. I just told him to shut up and he was the one who couldn’t drink. Because he belonged to that triple A or whatever it was called.

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

Yes, his name was Jack M. of Phila. He said he would tell me how to stay sober for one day not the rest of my life. He was right. He would say “boy if it’s not in the book it’s BULLSHIT” He was right. He gave me a lifetime membership card for the 4021 Club in Phila. Signed by him and Jimmy B.

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

Don’t remember how many meetings were in the area at that time. My home group. Center City met once a week on wed. nights. We used to have what we called house meetings at someone’s house on Sat. or Sunday and spend the whole day and have dinner and share our experience, strength, and hope with everyone at the meeting. Most formats were Speaker meetings. Newcomers were not allowed to talk until they completed all 12 Steps or completed 3 months of continuous sobriety. When we introduced ourselves we said “I’m a drunk and my name is Vic.” And nobody responded with “HI, VIC”.

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?

Don’t remember. Big Ed W., Warren F., Kenny H., Warren M.

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

Well a lot meetings were being formed and a few new Club Houses (Camalon Club, 400 Club,…)

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

Well I don’t know if I personally made any big contribution but I did show up at meetings and sponsored a lot of guys. I made a lot of coffee at meetings got involved with intergroup 12 step calls, which seems to becoming a lost art.

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

More drunks showing up which caused overcrowding and RESENTMENTS caused a lot of people to start a new meetings. They forgot they were only trusted servants.

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 can’t get into the politics of AA. Dr. Bob told Bill Wilson, “For God’s Sake Billy lets not louse this thing up keep it simple and do it one day at a time.”

What individuals were especially prominent in your sobriety?

Bill Wilson, met him in 1956 at a convention with my sponsor who knew Bill. Don’t ask me what he said to me but it was a great moment, he told me to stick with Jack and you might be OK.

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?

My first 12 step call was with my sponsor on a Wed. night before our AA meeting. He said come on boy we have some work to do. The first thing he did was to stop at a state store to buy a half pint of whiskey. I said what are you doing? This is only for the drunk we are going to see – he might be in the DT’s and he’ll need it. I said OK. I usually just tell the person about my life as the Big Book says to do. I also add you only have to stay sober for one day at a time, and YOU CAN’T QUIT DRINKIN, DRINKIN! 12 step calls today are a lot different than years ago. Today most people just take them to a detox.

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?

Well, back when I was drinking the cops would take me home and leave me a note telling me where my car was. A lot of cops today just lock you up. They don’t know that alcoholism is a disease. Alcoholism runs rampant in the law enforcement area. Except for the cops that are in AA.

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, this time when I was early in recovery a woman called me from Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill and said she had a 5 bed detox in the mental health ward and wanted to know if I could get someone to come over and explain what AA is and how to get help after detox. I was going to 7 meetings a week then and I said I’ll see what I can do. I wound up starting the mtg. on a Wed. Night back in 1985 (Get Well Group.) Also helped get the Friday night Group.( The Promises) get started. Both Groups Are still in force. Also I eventually wound up being employed by Kennedy and received my CADC certification. I always say “Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” The best thing I can do with my life is to give back to others what someone gave to me many years ago. I love drunks.

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

Yes, My doctors and clergy.

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?

11th and 12th tradition’s reflect on our PERSONAL ANONIMITY I personally don’t care who knows I’m an alcoholic I will protect everyone’s anonymity because I have to.

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

Most people didn’t even know about AA.

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

Yes, our group is a Beginner Class it is an open meeting all are Welcome. All you do is sit and listen or read along with the notebooks we give you. You can achieve all 12 Steps in 1 month’s time if you do your homework.

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

My earliest conference was with Joe & Charlie in Florida and I didn’t know all that stuff was in the Big Book. It helped me so much in my recovery this time. It got me into the history of AA and so much more.

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

Yes, if I want to find out something about AA I get it right from the horses mouth not some second hand information.

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?

Of all the conference approved literature that AA sells, none of the books that the early AA’s read are on the list today including the Holy Bible. I heard a IGR at a meeting say don’t buy any books from Hazelden they’re not approved, they sell all AA books too. Dick B. has a lot of books on the history of AA and they are factual. Before some one says anything about our books or any books they should do a little research. The newcomers today are treated a lot different then years ago. Newcomers are the most important people in the room, make them feel WELCOME

Without New People we couldn’t grow. SLIPPERS why do we say KEEP COMING BACK if we don’t mean it. I thank GOD that when I came back to my group they didn’t tell me to go away. Where does it mention 13th steppers in the Big Book? It doesn’t. So it’s BULLSHIT it came from rehabs so did No relationships. KNOW THYSELF—TO THINE OWNSELF BE TRUE. SHAKESPEARE. 13th steppers are around it not in it. Other addictions—I always ask at the beginning of the meeting, How many people came here because they ate too many Hershey Bars? I never see any hands. In this meeting we talk about alcohol if you have a drug problem why don’t you try NA? I don’t ask them to leave, but will talk to them after the meeting.

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

Oh WOW! Types of meetings, chair persons, intergroups, phone system, Thank GOD the first 164 pages has not changed except for a few words and for that I am very grateful. I am enclosing an attachment below of the books that the first 100 guys read before there was AA and a Big Book.

Books the early members read before AA

1. The Holy Bible
2. Matthew-The Sermon on the Mount
3. The Book of James
4. 1st Corinthians chapter 13 (LOVE)
5. The Upper Room
6. My Utmost for His Highest – Oswald Chambers
7. The Runners Bible – Nora Smith Holm
8. Daily Strength for Daily Needs – Mary W. Tileston
9. The Meaning of Prayer – Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick
10. The Sermon on the Mount – Emmet Fox
11. A Layman with a Notebook – The Oxford Group
12. Carl Jung – Writings
13. The Varieties of Religious Experience – William James
14. The Book of Luke
15. The Book of Psalms
16. Rev. Sam Shoemaker
17. The Greatest Thing in the World – Henry Drummond
18. Victorious Living – E. Stanley Jones
19. The Book of John

These are just a few of the books early AA’s read, this is before AA. Most of the first 100 men and 1 woman read anything that was spiritual in order to stay sober and gain their Faith in the Oxford Group and their Higher Power. They labeled themselves as (The Drunk Squad of the Oxford Group)

If you take notice none of these books are on the conference approved reading list today.

Compliments of B to B Group, Cherry Hill, N.J.

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.