Aa history Lovers 2004 moderators Nancy Olson and Glenn F. Chesnut page

minutes of the Alcoholic Foundation in July 25, 1949. Dick S.,

Tom B, and Bernard Smith were already trustees of the Foundation

in 1949.)

"Page 192:

"'We also realized that these increased demands upon the office

could not be met out of book income. So for the first time we

asked the A.A. groups to help. Following the Post piece.

Trustees Howard and Bert went on the road, one to Philadelphia

and Washington, the other to Akron and Cleveland. They asked

that all A.A. groups contribute to a special fund in the

Foundation which would be earmarked 'for AA. office expenses

only.' The contributions would be entirely voluntary. As a

measuring stick, it was suggested that each group send in one

dollar per member per year.'

"Please let me repeat myself, I am not sure if this is the same

Bert T. that owned the Tailor Shop in New York, but sure sounds

like it to me. Rick, maybe on your next trip to the Archives in

New York you might look for the name Herbert F. Taylor. Again I

am not sure if this is the same person either, but his name and

signature appears on Works Publishing Company stock certificates

date September 26th 1940 (see 'AA Everywhere-Anywhere' the

souvenir book from the 1995 International Convention page 23)

and Bert is short for Herbert. I also have a photocopy of the

same stock certificate dated June 20th 1940 and his name is on

that one too, as president I might add . May have no connection

at all, but worth looking into.

"Well, I hope this sheds some light on the source for my

assumption that Bert the Tailor might have been a Trustee of the

Alcoholic Foundation. This has open a whole other question about

the early make up of the Alcoholic Foundation and I think I

might explore this to find out what I can."

The following is from Jim Burwell's memoirs:

"It was also in June of this year that we made our first contact

with the Rockerfeller Foundation. This was arranged by Bert

Taylor, one of the older members, who had known the family for

years in a business way. Dr. Richardson, who had long been

spiritual advisor for the Rockerfeller family, became very

interested and friendly, and Bill and Hank made frequent visits

to him, with Hank on one side asking for financial help and Bill

on the other insisting on moral support only."

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This message was scanned by GatewayDefender [4]

8:33:05 AM ET - 3/11/2004

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++++Message 1702. . . . . . . . . . . . Living Sober

From: Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/12/2004 7:47:00 PM

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Hi

Joanna and a warm welcome back

As

Mel B noted, the booklet Living Sober was written by NY member Barry Leach. I

could not find a Conference advisory action (in publication M-39) that

explicitly approved it. However, the 1974 Conference passed an advisory action

that stated: "the partial draft of the new booklet 'Staying Sober' be

reviewed by the committee and returned with comments and suggestions to GSO by

June 1, 1974."

AA

Comes of Age (pg xi) states: "1975

- Publication of booklet Living Sober, detailing some practical methods AA

members have used for not drinking."

The

1974 advisory action infers that the booklet's title originally was planned as

'Staying

Sober'' instead of 'Living Sober'' (its opening narrative

"About that title" seems to address this). The first printing

occurred in 1975 and based on the mention in AA Comes of Age, 1975 also

appears

to be its Conference approval year.

The

booklet's author, Barry L, is historically prominent in two other areas. He

was

among the earliest homosexual members of the AA Fellowship. Barry also was the

individual who (in 1945) called Bill W from the 41st St clubhouse

concerning a black man who was described as an ex-convict with bleach-blond

hair, wearing women's clothing and makeup (re 'Pass It On'' pgs

317-318). The black man also admitted to being a "dope fiend." He is

reported (in Pass It On) to have disappeared shortly after yet anecdotal

accounts (at least here in Texas) often erroneously say that he went on to

become one of the best 12th Steppers in NY.

The

booklet 'Living Sober'' is reputed to be the second highest selling

publication in AA today.

10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black;">Cheers

Arthur

-----

*From:* Joanna Whitney

[mailto:[e-mail]]

*Sent:* Wednesday, March 03, 2004

8:31 AM

*To:*

[e-mail]

*Subject:* [AAHistoryLovers] Living

Sober

Hi Group --

I am newly

returning after a long stay away and glad to see you are all still here. I am

"Courier New";color:black;">really curious about the origins of the

publication Living Sober and

what conference approved

"Courier New";color:black;"> it.

Anybody?

"Courier New";color:black;">

Thanks,

"Courier New";color:black;">

Joanna

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++++Message 1704. . . . . . . . . . . . AA Historic Sites Near N.Y.C.

From: Lash, William (Bill) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/12/2004 10:02:00 AM

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General Service Offices of AA (World Service, originally called the Alcoholic

Foundation):

1) 17 Williams Street in Newark, NJ, 'Honor Dealers'' Office; Hank Parkhurst &

Bill Wilson set up the first 'Headquarters'' office. Most of the Big Book is

written here & Ruth Hock (secretary) is the first non-alcoholic employee.

2) 30 Vesey Street, N.Y.C., the second office, Bill splits with Hank.

(1938-1940)

3) 415 Lexington; office moves to Grand Central area after Bill gets Bedford

Hills home. (1940-1944)

4) 141 East 4th Street. More space. (1950-1960)

5) 315 east 45th Street; larger quarters in Grand Central Area. (1960-1970)

6) 468 Park Avenue South, finally occupying 5 floors in two buildings

(including 470 Park Avenue South). (1970-1992)

7) 475 Riverside Drive; all of 11th Floor & half of the 10th Floor.

(1992-present)

Town's Hospital, 293 Central Park West. Bill had many trips to this hospital &

ultimately has a spiritual experience here. Dr. William D. Silkworth (author

of most of the Big Book's 'Doctor's Opinion''), Medical Superintendent,

treated 40,000 alcoholics here.

Calvery Church/House, 21st Street & Park Avenue South. Where Bill attended

Oxford Group meetings & got sober along with Ebby T., Rowland H., Cebra G.,

Hank P. and all the gang. Sam Shoemaker, source of 'the Steps & all the

spiritual principles via the Oxford Group'' was the pastor here.

38 Livingston Street, Brooklyn. Bill's home during the high-flying years

working on Wall Street. They were so rich that they combined two apartments

here.

182 Clinton Street, Brooklyn. Bill's home when he got sober. A gift of Lois's

father. Lost the house during the Depression (sober).

30 Rockefeller Plaza. Where Bill met 'Uncle Dick'' Richardson, conduit to John

D. Rockefeller. Bill sat in Rockefeller's chair on the 66th Floor office of

John D.

Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue & 44th Street. Site of over 35 General Service

Conferences.

Park Omni, Seventh Avenue & 56th Street. Site of General Service Conferences.

New York Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Site of the Bill W. Dinner, put

on every year by the New York Intergroup since 1945.

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++++Message 1705. . . . . . . . . . . . Burwell Correspondence and Memoirs

From: [e-mail] . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/13/2004 2:30:00 AM

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In an effort to reduce the large number of posts which must be searched to

find information, I am combining many that we previously posted singly. This

is a compilation of the letters to and from Jim Burwell, plus his memoirs. The

Philadelphia letters and the memoirs were originally posted by Bill L.

(Barefoot Bill), and the other letters were mailed to me a few years ago by

Cliff B. in Texas. My thanks to them both.

Nancy

__________

W.G.W.

Box 459 Grand Central Annex

New York 17, N.Y.

March 1, 1940

Dear Jimmy:

I hear Fitz came to join you at the first meeting of A.A. in Philadelphia -

how was the meeting?

It seems impossible to dig up any bona fide requests for assistance in the

territory around Philadelphia. Here is one though that might (undoubtedly

will) cause some inconvenience, but sounds like it might turn out to be

something.

Mrs. Arthur W. Corning, Apt. G-41, Blind Brook Lodge, N.Y. wrote to us

concerning her brother - Joseph Hoopes - who is now in the state hospital at

Delaware. She sent him the book and wanted to know if any of our members could

contact him while he was there. Can you do anything on this? Will you let me

know either way? Thanks.

Sincerely,

/s/ Bill

__________

W.G.W.

Box 459 Grand Central Annex

New York 17, N.Y.

March 4, 1940

Dear Jim:

Will you let me know with all speed at post office box #658, Church Street

Annex, New York City, just what time, and just where, and how to get to your

Philadelphia meeting Thursday P.M.

It seems a great movement towards Philadelphia is welling up here amongst the

brethren. At least one automobile load will put in an appearance, and perhaps

two.

It never rains - it pours! Twenty five dollars, coin of the realm has just

come into my hands and I am endorsing it over to you as per enclosed.

Once more Jim, a lot of thanks for the automobile. We appreciate what you did

so much.

Now a final burst of generosity comes from Ruth Hock who is sending you one

returned book and one new one, partly in consideration for the big business

done at Wanamakers, partly for the use of the Philadelphia brethren, but

mostly, I suspect, because she likes you so well.

Yours,

/s/ Bill

__________

W.G.W.

Box 459 Grand Central Annex

New York 17, N.Y.

December 9, 1940

Dear Jimmy,

Sorry you couldn't get up. I was away and so missed Bill Wells.

Jack Alexander expects to be in Philadelphia all day next Sunday. He would

like to see Drs. Hammer and Saul and also the man in charge of alcoholics at

the Philadelphia General Hospital. Will let you know just when he will arrive

and may come down myself, proceeding with him, Sunday night to Akron where he

will also take in the Cleveland group, going from there to Chicago and finally

writing his article at St. Louis, which is his home town. This schedule is

still tentative so will keep you posted.

Wes Northridge tells me there is another opening in your out-fit and he

expects to interview your Mr. Carns (?) about it within a day or two. If you

feel you can, I wish you would write this gentleman and put in a good word for

Wesley with your boss. Some months ago I would not have done this for I have

learned to be careful about pushing people too hard for jobs under some

conditions.

But in this case I feel very different. There has been a really miraculous

transformation in Wes. It is one of the most remarkable things I have ever

seen and I am positive that it is going to stick. Lois and I rode with him

over to the Rockland meeting the other night when we had a good chance to talk

for a long time. All of the cockiness and disagreeable egotism is a thing of

the past. Moreover, he had laid hold of the spiritual angle in a big way. So I

am willing to bet on him without any reservation whatever. As you know he has

held some swell jobs and is usually competent to make the kind of industrial

survey you are selling.

Please find enclosed a copy of my report to the Trustees. Ruth is away in

Cleveland and I can't give you Kathleen Parkhurst's address.

Give all the boys my best together with greetings from the whole New York

group who appreciated the telegram from the Philadelphia group. Though we

haven't framed the telegram, it hangs on the bulletin board big as life.

Be seeing you soon.

As ever,

/s/ Bill

__________

W.G.W.

Box 459 Grand Central Annex

New York 17, N.Y.

January 11, 1941

Deal Jim:

First of all please thank Art McMasters and all of the Philadelphia group for

their telegram of Christmas greeting to Lois and me. An avalanche of cards,

letters, etc. came in from all over the country and it gives us both a great

thrill to realize how many true friends we have.

Your detailed description of operations at the Research Council was most

gratifying. I have followed up the Foster Kennedy situation to the point where

Blaisdell, although he won't read the paper himself, states he will request

Dr. Smith to prepare and read one at the New York Academy of Medicine. And as

you know, Dr. Foster Kennedy will speak on the paper and the entire

proceedings will be published in the Academy Quarterly. This will, of course,

validate our work all over the world and will, in one grand short cut, make it

possible to sell any doctor the program

immediately.

Some of the follow-ups you suggested I can make myself when Lois and I come

down to Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia, which will be some time within

the next two weeks. The rest of them I think ought to wait on publication of

the Post article which is so powerful (we have just seen the manuscript) that

it alone ought to push almost any doctor over because of its clear description

and such convincing statistical data. Sommers, the Post editor, wrote us a

nice letter saying that he believes the article will

prove a great one both for the Post and for us; and after reading the article

there can be no doubt of that.

As a model A.A. group I know all you Philadelphians will be set for the new

grist of prospects when they appear.

With best to Mary, yourself, and all our friends,

As ever,

/s/ Bill

__________

January 23, 1941

Dear Jimmy:

Just sort of a note to send along a copy of the second effort at a bulletin.

It doesn't contain very much and I'm full of ideas for it and such, but you

can realize how difficult it is to get very much of anything on one page. And

it is just out of the question to put out a lengthy bulletin right now. So

this will have to do for the present. I've sent a few along to Art McMaster.

Bill won't be down for another week or two though he definitely has the trip

in mind. Finley Shepard is working on the Foundation money angle right now and

Bill wants to be handy. Besides which Lois has the grippe and won't be set to

go anywhere for another week. She is feeling much better now and is on the

upgrade but needs rest and quiet.

As you have perhaps already heard, the article will have the first three pages

of that issue of the Post. We don't know yet whether the cover will carry an

announcement of it or not, but it may. There has been some confusion about

pictures, but they now have an assortment and what they will use only the Lord

knows. They have club pictures,

hospital pictures, office pictures, large group pictures and what have you.

The big group picture taken in Cleveland was a floparoo. After they went to

all the trouble to get four or five hundred people together, and hired a

commercial photographer, he let them down for the picture, for some

unknown reason, just didn't come out. They had to get another group together,

about a hundred and take that.

Did the Post get in touch with any of you down there for some splash picture

of some kind. They wanted something hair raising like a man being carried into

a hospital on a stretcher or something. Will you let me know if they did? I

hope not!

No other news - my best to Mary - be seeing you -

/s/ Ruth [Hock]

__________

W.G.W.

Box 459 Grand Central Annex

New York 17, N.Y.

December 11, 1947

Dear Jimmy:

Well, it's been a long time. But you know me. More than usually delinquent, I

realize I never answered your request for a financial lift. Nor have I thanked

you for that history of A.A. The first came when I was feeling pretty low

myself and had already committed the dough the Foundation set aside for us to

improvements on the house. So, actually I wasn't in a position to help. Later

on George Hood, I believe, brought me the history.

That history I did read with tremendous interest, as have several others who

have since been to the house. I think several of the oldtimers ought to wright

[sic] up their impressions just as you have done. If we had a dozen such

accounts, I think it would be possible to piece together, after referring to

the office files, an extremely accurate account of just what happened and who

did what. Personally I don't care a rap who did what. But I suppose there will

be a lot of debate about it later on. So the material should be assembled from

different points of view and the best possible record made. I don't think it

would be possible for me ever to write a detailed history of A.A. I could only

tell the story in a very general way. But if this thing keeps growing and

making a stir, I suppose some historian will want to know the real facts by

and by. If we don't assemble them now, the record never will be anywhere near

straight. And lots of interesting detail and incidents will be forever lost.

So your effort in this direction

is tremendously appreciated, Jim. Don't let my negligence of correspondence

make you think it isn't.

Lois and I expect to get out on the road a great deal after the first of the

year. It looks like we might hit the Coast beginning at Vancouver and, say

about the middle of March. Thereafter we should work southward, arriving two

or three weeks later at San Diego. This however, is tentative -- only a guess.

The idea of the trip would be to help explain and consolidate the Traditional

material I have been publishing in the Grapevine. The planks of our recovery

platform seem pretty solid. The sidewalls of the structure are now going up.

They are the Traditions.

And too, we shall have to do something further about the New York

Headquarters. A self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, unkown [sic] to most A.A.

members, could never stand up over the long future. So we shall have to have

some kind of annual conference in which out-of-towners delegated for the

purpose would sit down and talk things over with the Trustees, the office, and

the Grapevine, and make a joint annual report to the Groups. But how in the

hell to choose this conference without politics and uproar has always been a

puzzle.

After a lot of thought, I am beginning to think we have an answer -- at least

a partial one. The conference can't be too big, it cant be too small. It can't

ever be a political or governing body. Just a bunch of sane AA's who will sit

down and see whether things are going all right in New York and make a report

on it. I think that's all we shall ever need. But how shall we make the

assembly of the conference simple, fair, and not political? That's the burning

question.

What do you think about this? Why not divide the country, including Canada,

into four equal quarants. [sic] Suppose we take latitudes and longitude line

already on the map. Say 40 [appears that it said 10 and was corrected by ink

to 40] degrees latitude and 95 degrees longitude. The north and south line

would pass just west of Chicago, the east and west line just above San

Francisco and Washington. Then why not build the conference up a little at a

time. The first year a panel of twelve, the next, twelve more, and the third

year another batch of twelve. At the end of three years the total of

out-oftowners [sic] would be thirty-six. Which, plus the Headquarters people,

would make a conference of about fifty. To get the first panel of twelve, we

would go to the three largest groups in each area. These twelve would be

delegated for a three-year term, and each would have an alternate. The second

year we would do exactly the same thing. We would then have six

people from each quadrant. But this would still leave a serious inequality. As

matters stand to-day [sic] the northeast quadrant would contain fifty per-cent

[sic] of all the A.A. members. So I suggest that the third panel of

twelve be selected on the size of the town only. No matter in which quadrant

the cities happen to be. This would weight matters up a little in favor of the

northeast quadrant, where so many AA's are to-day. [sic] If things change

later the composition of the conference would shift accordingly. We might even

include foreign centers in this list of twelve, or we might create, later

years, a special foreign panel.

Having thus designated the conference cities mechanically, why shouldn't we

suggest to them that they do the same in picking out a delegate. Otherwise we

shall have thirty-six political brawls every year at the designated point. Why

couldn't central committees, or in case it is where there is no strong central

committee, why couldn't the groups themselves each nominate their choices. And

it ought to avoid politics or hand picking from here. Even though some hand

picking might be done at the present time, it surely

couldn't be done later on when the present old-timers are gone. I'm convinced

the whole process will have to be pretty much mechanical. What do you think

about all this?

Please write me and tell me about all the news, especially about yourself and

that good wife of yours. Lois and I hope you both prosper and we shall look

forward so much to seeing you when we come.

As ever,

/s/ Bill

__________

3943 Louisiana Street

San Diego 4,

Calif.

January, 16th 1948

Dear Lois and Bill

It was swell hearing rom [sic] you at last, especially to hear you all are