AA History of History of

IINDINDI AANN AA A.A.A.A.

Disclaimer, Acknowledgments and CreditsDisclaimer, Acknowledgments and Credits

The The ““Trusted ServantsTrusted Servants”” who worked, in service, on this project do not claim to speak who worked, in service, on this project do not claim to speak for any specific member or group, nor do we infer any representfor any specific member or group, nor do we infer any representation of A.A., as aation of A.A., as awholewhole..

Those who were privileged to assemble the photos and narratives Those who were privileged to assemble the photos and narratives included in this included in this humble effort, would like to respectfully thank all those who phumble effort, would like to respectfully thank all those who previously contributedreviously contributedto the wealth of historical information, on the early years of to the wealth of historical information, on the early years of A.A., which is currentlyA.A., which is currentlyreadily available within the Public Domain.readily available within the Public Domain.

Every effort was been made to maintain the anonymity of all A.A.Every effort was been made to maintain the anonymity of all A.A. members, past andmembers, past andpresent. Fortunately, the General Service Office of Alcoholicspresent. Fortunately, the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous has madeAnonymous has madepublic, many cherished photos and specific information concernipublic, many cherished photos and specific information concerning the pioneers and ng the pioneers and founders of A.A., which often includes first and last names. Afounders of A.A., which often includes first and last names. All such references have ll such references have been faithfully reproduced and appropriately quoted.been faithfully reproduced and appropriately quoted.

Additionally, several web sites previously published photos and Additionally, several web sites previously published photos and other memorabiliaother memorabiliainto the Public Domain which also served to augment the images into the Public Domain which also served to augment the images presented herein.presented herein.

It is hoped that all who view this presentation, will enjoy the It is hoped that all who view this presentation, will enjoy the story told and story told and that they will receive the information in the spirit of the shathat they will receive the information in the spirit of the sharing of A.A.ring of A.A.’’s s ““experience, strength and hope,experience, strength and hope,”” in which it is provided. in which it is provided.

Gratefully, we remain . . . Gratefully, we remain . . . ““Trusted ServantsTrusted Servants””

History of A.A. in IndianaHistory of A.A. in Indiana

Map of Indiana groups at Stepping Stones

(Bill W’s Home) In Bedford Hills, New York

Bill W. meets Dr. Bob S. in Akron, Ohio, in May 1935.

Dr. Bob’s last drink on June 10, 1935. (Some say June 17)

This is the date Alcoholics Anonymous marks its Beginnings.

Bill W. Dr. Bob S.

James D. H. James D. H. (Read more on J.D.H. in (Read more on J.D.H. in Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers)Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers)

This is what J. D. wrote in his letter to Dean B., (circa 1954) describing his years in Indiana:

“I am the eighth man in A.A. not counting the sponsors, Dr. Bob and Bill. I received my A.A. work in Akron. I joined A.A., thenknown as the Oxford Group, in October 1936. My wife's folks live in Evansville and we arrived there on Decoration Day of 1938and decided to stay.

After obtaining an apartment I started out in search of an alcoholic but met with no success in so far as finding one that wantedto quit drinking. Every Wednesday night the wife and I held a meeting -- just the two of us -- using [the Methodist meditationalbooklet called the] Upper Room. The wife, who is not an alky, stood solidly back of me and said someday if I kept on trying Iwould eventually find someone who really wanted to quit drinking.

In October of 1939 I told my story to a Dr. Deker who told me of a very prominent surgeon in town who was definitely an alky.The big A.A. book was being published at that time and Dr. Bob Smith sent me one of the first copies off the press. I immediatelyread the book although I had personally heard all the stories except four. After reading the book I called this famous surgeon,one Dr. Joe W_____. When I entered his office I said: "I want just two minutes of your time" -- pulling out my watch -- "if after thetwo minutes are up, if you want to talk longer I shall be glad to do so. If not and you feel so inclined you may toss me out theoffice.“ I talked fast telling as much of my story as I could in two minutes. When the time was up I stopped. He asked me to staylonger. I stayed 30 minutes and left the book. Later he told me he read about half the book. I occasionally called on Dr. Joe. Hewas a charming individual but I was getting no place, or so I thought.

In the Spring of 1940 (April or May, I believe) I received a call from a prominent businessman from the county jail saying Dr. Joewas there and wanted to see me. I went to the jail and there sat Dr. Joe as if he owned the place. He had been in for severaldays. He had been reflecting on what I had said and what he had read in the A.A. book. Dr. Joe being a doctor, thisbusinessman and I decided the thing to do was send him to Akron to meet Dr. Bob. The businessman borrowed $75 for the tripand Dr. Joe was on his way. He returned about ten days later and came to my house and said he had two or three patients whoneeded help and would I go. Would I go! Wild horses could not keep me away.

We soon had several persons interested and the first regular established A.A. meeting was held in our little four-room house at420 S. Denby St., Evansville. Our growth was not rapid, but we soon had several that stopped drinking and made good A.A.members. The meeting continued at our home until we could not accommodate more so we moved the meeting place to Dr.Joe's office. Dr. Joe died and the meeting place was moved to a small room near the Presbyterian Church on Walnut St. “

James D. H.James D. H.’’s Home 420 S. Denby Streets Home 420 S. Denby Street Evansville, IndianaEvansville, Indiana

Material Early Members Would ReadMaterial Early Members Would Read

Irwin M.Irwin M.The following is from the book How It Worked, the story of Clarence H. Snyder, by Mitchell K., pg.161 – 162.

“Another of Clarence’s “babies,” was Irwin “Irv” M. Irwin was a salesperson who had lost several accountsdue to his drinking. He lived on Eddington Road in Cleveland Heights, (Ohio) Clarence had “pulled” Irv out of a bar at the request of Irv’s wife and had “convinced” him that he “needed to be fixed.” Irv had a difficult timesobering up, but was sold on the idea of A.A. and of helping others.

Irwin sold Venetian Blinds and traveled around the country doing so. Wherever he went, he started A.A.meetings. And Irwin was a high pressure salesperson in and out of A.A. Irwin was Jewish, weighed 250pounds, and kept slipping back into active alcoholism. Still he was a driving force in the early days of A.A. Inthe book, “DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, Bill Wilson is quoted as saying, “ The prospect of Irwin as amissionary scared us rather badly.” … Irwin, due to his widespread sales territory received constant lists ofinquiries from Ruth Hock at the New York A.A. office. Irwin followed up on them with the same gusto heused in his sales pitches. In a letter to Clarence, dated September 18, 1940, he wrote:

You know that list that Miss Hock sent me from New York. Well I Stuck my neck out, I contacted two men inIndianapolis and they are starting a group there. I contacted four but 2 stuck, the others were a doctor whowouldn’t admit he was alky and another Bozo who could handle it. However I am trying to do my share. I amthankful to providence that I started a few men on the road to health and they are also thankful. That’s whatmakes me feel good.

Irwin, in his travels, also started groups in Atlanta, Georgia and throughout the South. In a letter, dated March28, 1942, from Knoxville, Tennessee, Irwin’s wife wrote to Clarence that "Irwin started another club inCharleston, W. Va."… Personal Sponsorship was another hallmark which came out of Cleveland. Eachmember and prospective member was indoctrinated with the idea of having and then becoming a sponsor.The idea of sponsorship, as A.A. knows it today, originated in Cleveland. A.A. members were taken throughthe steps by their sponsor after being hospitalized for a short period. On their release, they were then taken tomeetings and told they were to carry their message of hope to others as an "avocation" without personalmonetary gain.

Irwin M.’s Home 1686 Eddington Road

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Doherty S.Doherty S. (Read the History of Indianapolis AA, by Neil S.)(Read the History of Indianapolis AA, by Neil S.)

Doherty Doherty ““DohrDohr”” S. was a good Irish Catholic business man from Indianapolis, whS. was a good Irish Catholic business man from Indianapolis, who had managed too had managed tostop drinking and had struggled with his alcoholism since 1936. stop drinking and had struggled with his alcoholism since 1936. It is believed that Doherty had seenIt is believed that Doherty had seenthe the Liberty Liberty and and Plain DealerPlain Dealer, articles and wrote to The Alcoholic Foundation, Box 657, Churc, articles and wrote to The Alcoholic Foundation, Box 657, ChurchhStreet Annex Post Office, New York City. Street Annex Post Office, New York City.

"Inquiries made there are forwarded to a Cleveland banker, who "Inquiries made there are forwarded to a Cleveland banker, who is head of the local Fellowship, or is head of the local Fellowship, or to a former big league ball player who is recruiting officer of to a former big league ball player who is recruiting officer of the Akron Fellowship, which meets the Akron Fellowship, which meets Wednesday evenings in a mansion loaned for the purpose by a nonWednesday evenings in a mansion loaned for the purpose by a non--alcoholic supporter of the alcoholic supporter of the movement. " movement. "

This quotation comes from the first article in the This quotation comes from the first article in the Plain Dealer.Plain Dealer. The banker, probably a bank teller, The banker, probably a bank teller, Bill J. and the ball player is Rollie H.Bill J. and the ball player is Rollie H.

Irwin M. arrived by September of 1940 to DohertyIrwin M. arrived by September of 1940 to Doherty’’s request who bluntly introduced himself:s request who bluntly introduced himself:““I am from Cleveland and II am from Cleveland and I‟‟ve come here to help you get to work.ve come here to help you get to work.””“Irv” introduces “Dohr” to James D. H. in Evansville during this period, and J.D. wrote the following

of Dohr:“S______ and I corresponded weekly, often talked on the telephone and were of mutual help.

However, the growth of AA in Indiana is due almost entirely to S______. While a few groups in the tri-state area and elsewhere stem from Evansville, S______ is really the boy who put AA on the Indiana map, I have always considered him the number 3 man in AA, a statement I can boldly make after having been closely associated with Dr Bob and Bill Wilson. And there are others, who think the same as I.”

Indianapolis marks its beginnings as October 28, 1940. (Neil S. Indianapolis marks its beginnings as October 28, 1940. (Neil S. History of Indy)History of Indy)

DohertyDoherty’’s Struggled for Alcoholism s Struggled for Alcoholism ‘‘CureCure’’

Sacred Heart Hospital

““In the spring of 1936, Doherty became ill with a In the spring of 1936, Doherty became ill with a damaged liver and had to stop drinkingdamaged liver and had to stop drinking——his life his life depended on it, but he could not. Consequently, he depended on it, but he could not. Consequently, he became a patientbecame a patient at [The]at [The] Menninger [Clinic, in Menninger [Clinic, in Topeka, Kansas;] but he left after few months and Topeka, Kansas;] but he left after few months and began compulsive, destructive drinking. Eventually, began compulsive, destructive drinking. Eventually, Doherty became a patient at Sacred Heart Hospital Doherty became a patient at Sacred Heart Hospital in Milwaukee where he spent two years.in Milwaukee where he spent two years.””

From DohertyFrom Doherty’’s niece Lauras niece Laura

Doherty S. Finds HopeDoherty S. Finds HopeAs the Indiana AA founder, J.D. always gave credit to DoherAs the Indiana AA founder, J.D. always gave credit to Doherty for "puttingty for "putting

Indiana on the AA map. Now it was time for Indianapolis to grow Indiana on the AA map. Now it was time for Indianapolis to grow via thevia theenergetic enthusiasm of Irish Catholic business man: Doherty S. energetic enthusiasm of Irish Catholic business man: Doherty S. His niece,His niece,Laura, described him as a devoutly religious family man who was Laura, described him as a devoutly religious family man who was full of fun andfull of fun andsteady as a rock. Some of his family & friends never saw him drusteady as a rock. Some of his family & friends never saw him drunk andnk andreceived news of this illness with stark disbelief.received news of this illness with stark disbelief.

But in the spring of 1936, Doherty became ill with a damageBut in the spring of 1936, Doherty became ill with a damaged liver and hadd liver and hadto stop drinkingto stop drinking——his life depended on it, but he could not. Consequently, hehis life depended on it, but he could not. Consequently, hebecame a patientbecame a patient at Theat The Menninger Clinic, in Topeka, Kansas; but he left afterMenninger Clinic, in Topeka, Kansas; but he left afterfew months and began compulsive, destructive drinking. Eventuallfew months and began compulsive, destructive drinking. Eventually, Dohertyy, Dohertybecame a patient at Sacred Heart Hospital in Milwaukee where he became a patient at Sacred Heart Hospital in Milwaukee where he spent twospent twoyears. He was then released, but only under the care of an attenyears. He was then released, but only under the care of an attendant. Theydant. Theytook residence at the family country place, nicknamed "The Tangltook residence at the family country place, nicknamed "The Tangle,"e,"

The Liberty magazine article, The Liberty magazine article, Alcoholics and GodAlcoholics and God, come off the presses by, come off the presses bySeptember 1939. In Cleveland, The Elrick B. Davis ArticlesSeptember 1939. In Cleveland, The Elrick B. Davis Articles from the from the ClevelandClevelandPlain Dealer,Plain Dealer, appear from October appear from October -- November 1939. November 1939.

These articles appeared in the main Cleveland newspaper, juThese articles appeared in the main Cleveland newspaper, just five monthsst five monthsafter the first A.A. group was formed in Cleveland, OH . The artafter the first A.A. group was formed in Cleveland, OH . The articles resulted inicles resulted inhundreds of calls for help from suffering alcoholics who reachedhundreds of calls for help from suffering alcoholics who reached out for theout for thehope that the fledgling Alcoholics Anonymous offered. hope that the fledgling Alcoholics Anonymous offered.

Liberty and Plain Dealer Articles

DohrDohr’’s Letter to Liberty Magazines Letter to Liberty Magazine and Its Responseand Its Response

Alcoholic Foundation Letter to Dohr with the A.A. BookletAlcoholic Foundation Letter to Dohr with the A.A. Booklet

1940 Houston Press Articles

A.A. Booklet

First Edition First Edition ‘‘Big BookBig Book’’ / A.A. BookletAlcoholics Anonymous ‘Big Book’ 1943 A.A. Booklet, Published by Works Publishing

Doherty S.Doherty S.’’s Home 4750 Central Ave.s Home 4750 Central Ave. Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis, Indiana

Doherty SDoherty S’’s Familys Family’’s Country s Country Residence Residence ““The TangleThe Tangle””

A.A. Bulletin 11/14/40A.A. Bulletin 11/14/40 listed Evansville & Indianapolislisted Evansville & Indianapolis

Evansville Courier February 27, 1941Evansville Courier February 27, 1941

Evansville Courier February 28, 1941Evansville Courier February 28, 1941

The Saturday Evening PostThe Saturday Evening Post

March 1, 1941

This article was on the bottom center of the first page, of the This article was on the bottom center of the first page, of the PalladiumPalladium--Item Item and Sunand Sun--Telegram, Richmond, Indiana, on March 24 Telegram, Richmond, Indiana, on March 24 –– 25, 1941. This article is 25, 1941. This article is

also in the Archives collection of news clippings, at GSO in Newalso in the Archives collection of news clippings, at GSO in New York City.York City.

INDIANAPOLIS

STAR

JULY 29, 1941

Sunday Morning Breakfast Sunday Morning Breakfast Hotel Riley (16Hotel Riley (16thth & Capital Ave.) 9:00 a.m. from 1941 & Capital Ave.) 9:00 a.m. from 1941 -- 19471947

Bill W Speaks in Evansville Bill W Speaks in Evansville

From The Evansville Courier, October 20, 1941

From the book ‘PASS IT ON’, page 267.

SUNDAY INDIANAPOLIS STAR October 19, 1941

The Indianapolis Papers Reports on First Public Meeting of AlcohThe Indianapolis Papers Reports on First Public Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymousolics Anonymous

INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY

CROPSEY AUDITORIUM

814 N. PENN

Indianapolis Star

October 25,1941

Indianapolis Star

October 26, 1941

Indianapolis News

October 25, 1941

Evansville Press reports Dr BobEvansville Press reports Dr Bob’’s 1941 Talk in Evansvilles 1941 Talk in Evansville

Articles from Indiana in the Archives at New York 1942Articles from Indiana in the Archives at New York 1942

The Cleveland Central BulletinThe Cleveland Central Bulletin A.A. newsletter reports on IndianapolisA.A. newsletter reports on Indianapolis

January 1943

"BULLETIN AS GIFT"

"May I compliment you on the three issuesof Central Bulletin I have seen andparticularly on the December issue, justreceived?

I should like to subscribe for CentralBulletin for our four Indianapolis Groups asa Christmas gift from me. I was greatlyimpressed, when in Cleveland last week,with the progress Cleveland has madewith its problem. I think the more the restof the Groups know of it, the better ablethey will be to cope with their own."

D.S., Indianapolis, Ind."

January 1944January 1944

Indianapolis MEETSIndianapolis MEETS

One of our local men (Cleveland) makes a returnOne of our local men (Cleveland) makes a returnvisit to Indianapolis, Ind., to lead their annualvisit to Indianapolis, Ind., to lead their annualconsolidated cityconsolidated city--wide meeting Friday evening.wide meeting Friday evening.January 28th.January 28th.

He led their meeting a year ago. This meetingHe led their meeting a year ago. This meetingwill be open to the clergy, medical men andwill be open to the clergy, medical men andwelfare organizations. Four groups are activewelfare organizations. Four groups are activeand successful there.and successful there.

May 1944May 1944

OUT OF TOWN MEETINGSOUT OF TOWN MEETINGS

SUNDAYSUNDAYINDIANAPOLIS, IND. INDIANAPOLIS, IND. –– Riley Hotel, Capital Ave. & 16Riley Hotel, Capital Ave. & 16thth Street Street (Breakfast)(Breakfast)………………………………………………………………………………………….; 9:00 A.M..; 9:00 A.M.Weekly meetings Mon., Wed., Thurs., Friday in homes ofWeekly meetings Mon., Wed., Thurs., Friday in homes ofmembers. Telephone: Franklin 2743.members. Telephone: Franklin 2743.

The Cleveland Central BulletinThe Cleveland Central Bulletin reports more on Indianapolisreports more on Indianapolis

June 1944June 1944

INDIANAPOLIS GROUPINDIANAPOLIS GROUP

An interesting little folder comes to ourAn interesting little folder comes to ourattention from Indianapolis whichattention from Indianapolis whichundoubtedly is sent or given to undoubtedly is sent or given to interested prospects and it tells distinctlyinterested prospects and it tells distinctlythe first steps in affiliation with AA asthe first steps in affiliation with AA aswell as all necessary factual information.well as all necessary factual information.

In it they report 27 members who haveIn it they report 27 members who havebeen total abstainers for a period of 1 tobeen total abstainers for a period of 1 to6 years with the number increasing each6 years with the number increasing eachmonth. The group numbers 85 men andmonth. The group numbers 85 men and8 women.8 women.

April, 1945

INDIANAPOLIS OPENS A NURSING HOME

From our good friend, Jim B., of Indianapoliscomes the pleasing information that on the firstof April, he and Dr. John Nevitt opened a nursinghome for the treatment of Alcoholics, and thatthey are equipped to take care of twenty patients.We wish them success in their endeavor.

The hospital is called Indiana Home andis located at

1341 No. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, Ind.

1341 N. Alabama Street Indianapolis, Indiana1341 N. Alabama Street Indianapolis, Indiana The Indiana Home location from 1945 The Indiana Home location from 1945 -- 19571957

The Indiana HomeThe Indiana Home

Back in 1945, a community group formed Back in 1945, a community group formed a committee and purchased a home at a committee and purchased a home at 1341 N. Alabama. Men struggling with 1341 N. Alabama. Men struggling with alcohol dependence stayed at the Indiana alcohol dependence stayed at the Indiana Home for six days at a cost of $60. They Home for six days at a cost of $60. They were detoxified by a method not were detoxified by a method not uncommon then uncommon then –– gradually decreasing gradually decreasing doses of alcohol. After the home was doses of alcohol. After the home was destroyed by fire in 1957, the Indiana destroyed by fire in 1957, the Indiana Home opened again at 2054 N. Delaware.Home opened again at 2054 N. Delaware.

2054 N. Delaware Street Indianapolis, Indiana2054 N. Delaware Street Indianapolis, Indiana The Indiana Home location from 1957 The Indiana Home location from 1957 -- 19701970

Indiana HomeIndiana Home 2054 N. Delaware Street2054 N. Delaware Street

(pictures from Archives of Fairbanks Hospital)(pictures from Archives of Fairbanks Hospital)

The Indiana Home/ Fairbanks HospitalThe Indiana Home/ Fairbanks HospitalBy 1969, over 10,000 patients had been served By 1969, over 10,000 patients had been served at the Indiana Home. Charges for treatment had at the Indiana Home. Charges for treatment had risen to $160. More and more patients were risen to $160. More and more patients were being admitted and requests were growing for a being admitted and requests were growing for a facility in which women could seek help as well. facility in which women could seek help as well. Expansion plans were realized through a grant Expansion plans were realized through a grant from the Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Trust Fund. from the Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Trust Fund. Richard M. Fairbanks Jr. was instrumental in the Richard M. Fairbanks Jr. was instrumental in the dispersion of funds to the Indiana Home.dispersion of funds to the Indiana Home.The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Hospital opened at The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Hospital opened at 1616thth and Northwestern in May 1970 with 60 and Northwestern in May 1970 with 60 beds, including a unit for women as well as one beds, including a unit for women as well as one for men for men –– the first treatment facility in Indiana to the first treatment facility in Indiana to provide a unit exclusively for the treatment of provide a unit exclusively for the treatment of women with alcoholism.women with alcoholism.

The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Hospital opened at 16The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Hospital opened at 16thth and Northwestern in May and Northwestern in May 1970 with 60 beds, including a unit for women as well as one for1970 with 60 beds, including a unit for women as well as one for men men –– the first the first

treatment facility in Indiana to provide a unit exclusively for treatment facility in Indiana to provide a unit exclusively for the treatment of the treatment of women with alcoholism.women with alcoholism.

The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Hospital opened The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Hospital opened at 16th and Northwestern in May 1970at 16th and Northwestern in May 1970

View of rooms at the new 16th Street and Northwestern Ave. Fairbanks Hospital

Indiana & Indianapolis Indiana & Indianapolis The start of more groups than can be recorded here, not only in Indiana but elsewhere, was due to theextensive and prolonged efforts of Mr. S. Included are those with an original impetus from the IndianaHome, an Indianapolis non-profit hospital for male alcoholics, in which he had a deep interest andwhere A.A. influence is still strong. Dohr was instrumental in forming the Indiana Home. This is theforerunner to Fairbanks, now a facility on the campus of Community Hospital North.

Significantly Dorherty S’s Indiana Home preceded the world renowned Hazelden Facility in Minnesota.

Here are some of the other firsts for Indianapolis A.A.Indianapolis had an Intergroup office originally a Club at 124 West Georgia Street, opened on April 3, 1948. Harry L was the first Central Office Manager.

We were the first in the nation to be incorporated. The attorney who affected this for us is still a very committed member of our Indianapolis Fellowship. Other Intergroups were able to follow our model.

We were the pioneers of using the Telephone Answering Service to extend our availability. It is an opportunity for those who reach out for help. They can do it here in Indianapolis 24/7 for 52 weeks every year. This was launched in January of 1943.

The introduction of Tokens or Medallions might have started here. We have the substantiating correspondence over the signature of the Archivist of AA World Services Office.

We might have been the second group to establish an A.A. meeting in a prison. Late in 1942 or early 1943 we initiated A.A. in the Putnamville Facility. The first AA meeting in prison was San Quentin, CA. - promoted by the Warden Clinton Duffy. A recent re-release article is available from AA Archives via a Grapevine re-print.

From the July 1948 From the July 1948 Grapevine:Grapevine: Indianapolis A.A’s Open Club; A three story brick building, used during the war as the USO Center, is now the new Alanon Club of Indianapolis. The clubhouse is complete with a large room for dancing, lounges and coffee and sandwich bar, equipped with a brass rail so that the members will feel at home. The opening was attended by approximately 500 members and friends. The clubrooms are open at all times and groups from all parts of the city hold meetings there.

The Alanon Club

Above is an aerial view of the corner of Capital Avenue and GeorAbove is an aerial view of the corner of Capital Avenue and Georgia Street taken in 1965.gia Street taken in 1965.

The Alanon Club served as a recovery social center, AA meeting location and Center for AA business activities, including a telephone service. It was supported by AA meetings around the state and was known simply as the Alanon Club. It was one of the first AA Intergroup Offices in the United States. The 124 Georgia Street location

served as a Central Office from 1948 to 1955. This building was razed and is now a parking garage

The American Weekly, August 14, 1949, Help For AlcoholicsThe American Weekly, August 14, 1949, Help For Alcoholics reports on the use of the Answering Service.reports on the use of the Answering Service.

Q. Why do A.A. members use tokens, medallions, and chips to mark sobriety? When did that practice start?

A. The chip system is thought to have begun in Indianapolis in 1942. The tradition is believed to have started with Doherty S., who introduced A.A. to Indianapolis and who said in a letter to Bill that the practice originated in that city.

Nell Wing wrote in 1962 about the history of the chip system:“The chip system might have begun in Indianapolis…. reference was made in a letterfrom Doherty to the start of giving out ‘chips’ and ‘tokens.’ This was in 1942. I imaginethis would be about right, because most of the early groups started in 1940 and itwould take about a couple of years to think of anniversaries and marking any time ofsobriety. I asked Bill about this and his memory is that the system started inIndianapolis.”In Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, it indicates that Sister Ignatia in Akron, working atSt. Thomas Hospital, also used medallions: “Sister Ignatia gave each of her newlyreleased patients a Sacred Heart medallion, which she asked them to return beforethey took the first drink. She would occasionally give out St. Christopher medals aswell.” (page 195).We don’t know precisely who started this system, or when and how it spread to othergroups. As with many things in A.A., the exact nature of the history eludes us.(From the Markings newsletter Spring 2008)

Early Tokens / Serenity PrayerEarly Tokens / Serenity Prayer

This printing of the Serenity Prayer is from an issue of the New York Tribune in 1941.

Sister Ignatiagave thesemedallions tonewly releasedalcoholicpatients ofSt. ThomasHospital inAkron, Ohio.

Richmond, IN Group Tom Ross One Year Token

Nov. 6, 1951

Clarence S. Coin Token

Indiana & Indianapolis Meeting ListIndiana & Indianapolis Meeting List

Circa 1948 Indianapolis Meeting Directory1947 Indiana Meeting Directory

Hotels that held the Sunday Hotels that held the Sunday Morning Breakfast MeetingMorning Breakfast Meeting

Hotel Antlers, 1947 Hotel Warren, 1958

The After 1948 Directory of Meetings Listed Hotel Riley & Hotel The After 1948 Directory of Meetings Listed Hotel Riley & Hotel Warren Warren as having a 9:00 A.M. Sunday Breakfast Meetingas having a 9:00 A.M. Sunday Breakfast Meeting

Hotel Severin / Buffet & Dining RoomHotel Severin / Buffet & Dining Room

Akron Pamphlets circ 1941Akron Pamphlets circ 1941

Alcoholics Anonymous Pamphlet Published by the Indianapolis GrouAlcoholics Anonymous Pamphlet Published by the Indianapolis Groupsps First made in 1944First made in 1944

Early AA 20 Questions Early AA 20 Questions HandoutHandout

1947 AA Sponsorship

Pamphlet

Fort Wayne BeginningsFort Wayne BeginningsFrom Dean BFrom Dean B’’s talk given at Turkey Run State Park in late 1954 or early 1955s talk given at Turkey Run State Park in late 1954 or early 1955..

““The late C.L.B. of Ft. Wayne told me two years ago that The late C.L.B. of Ft. Wayne told me two years ago that his wife read the 1941 his wife read the 1941 Saturday Evening Post Saturday Evening Post and and ordered the Big Book which he refused to read, until he ordered the Big Book which he refused to read, until he had been practically forced to enter the Keeley Institute, had been practically forced to enter the Keeley Institute, taking the book with him.taking the book with him.

Returning home he tried to interest others, without much Returning home he tried to interest others, without much success. On December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese success. On December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Mr. B and three other Ft. Wayne attacked Pearl Harbor, Mr. B and three other Ft. Wayne problem drinkers attended the Indianapolis breakfast and problem drinkers attended the Indianapolis breakfast and soon afterwards started a similar gathering in the Allen soon afterwards started a similar gathering in the Allen County seat. Pearl Harbor was only incidental, of course, County seat. Pearl Harbor was only incidental, of course, but out of Ft. Wayne came the beginning of many other but out of Ft. Wayne came the beginning of many other groups in northeastern Indiana.groups in northeastern Indiana.””

Early Meeting Places in Fort Wayne and a Post ResponseEarly Meeting Places in Fort Wayne and a Post Response

C. L. B. ‘s Fort Wayne Home

2109 Florida Drive

Fort Wayne’s Alconon Group meets at YMCA

South BendSouth Bend Read more on South BendRead more on South Bend’’s beginnings in s beginnings in The Factory Owner and the Convict, by Glenn C.The Factory Owner and the Convict, by Glenn C.

Two men, an Engineer who worked in Sales and a Factory OwneTwo men, an Engineer who worked in Sales and a Factory Owner, started ther, started theSouth Bend group. Joseph South Bend group. Joseph ““SooSoo”” C. had gotten sober by attending A.A. meetingsC. had gotten sober by attending A.A. meetingswhen he was working in Buffalo, New York. But when he was transfwhen he was working in Buffalo, New York. But when he was transferred to theerred to theSouth Bend area, he slipped back into drinking. He sought out a South Bend area, he slipped back into drinking. He sought out a psychiatrist in Southpsychiatrist in SouthBend, who had read the Jack Alexander article on A.A., and encouBend, who had read the Jack Alexander article on A.A., and encouraged Soo to joinraged Soo to joinwith another of his patients who was an alcoholic, a factorywith another of his patients who was an alcoholic, a factory--owner named Kennethowner named KennethM., in forming an A.A. group there in town.M., in forming an A.A. group there in town.

So how did Soo and Ken finally decide to take their psychiaSo how did Soo and Ken finally decide to take their psychiatristtrist’’s advice?s advice?They met in a bar one evening and after splitting a large bottleThey met in a bar one evening and after splitting a large bottle between them saidbetween them saiddrunkenly, drunkenly, ““Yeah, sure, letYeah, sure, let’’s start an A.A. groups start an A.A. group””! But they actually did it. The next! But they actually did it. The nextmorning, February 22, 1943, they got up, they stayed sober, and morning, February 22, 1943, they got up, they stayed sober, and neither of themneither of themever drank again. Sooever drank again. Soo’’s apartment at 128 S. Scott in South Bend was the contacts apartment at 128 S. Scott in South Bend was the contactaddress given to the New York office, but Soo died during the suaddress given to the New York office, but Soo died during the summer of 1944, andmmer of 1944, andKen M. became the principal message carrier in the South Bend arKen M. became the principal message carrier in the South Bend area.ea.

Groups in Elkhart, Goshen, Mishawaka, and Michigan City crGroups in Elkhart, Goshen, Mishawaka, and Michigan City credit thereedit therebeginnings to South Bend. beginnings to South Bend.

Evansville Courier, February 25, 1943

March 7, 1944 March 7, 1944 Bill W. Speaks in EvansvilleBill W. Speaks in Evansville

Evansville Press

Works PublishingWorks Publishing1947 Pamphlet 1950 Pamphlet

1950 The Alcoholic Foundation Pamphlet

Jack Alexander Article Pamphlet

1949 Pamphlet

More Early Pamphlets from Works Publishing

Sedatives PamphletsSedatives Pamphlets1948 Pamphlet 1952 by Alcoholic Foundation

Alcoholic Foundation / Works PublishingAlcoholic Foundation / Works Publishing

1952 Pamphlet 1952 Pamphlet

Alcoholic Foundation / Works PublishingAlcoholic Foundation / Works Publishing

1952 Pamphlet 1952 Pamphlet

A.A. Publishing / General Service OfficeA.A. Publishing / General Service Office

1952 Pamphlet 19531956

1962

Indianapolis News report

Jan. 1, 1947Indianapolis Star reports

June 10, 1947

1947 Indianapolis Newspapers report on Alcoholics Anonymous

Homes For Treatment of AlcoholicsHomes For Treatment of Alcoholics

Indianapolis News

May 23, 1957

Three Part Series on The Indiana HomeThree Part Series on The Indiana Home Indianapolis News Front Page Articles: Indianapolis News Front Page Articles:

April 23, 24, 25, 1951April 23, 24, 25, 1951

Bill W. Speaks in Indianapolis June 6, 1951

Indianapolis Star June 6, 1951

Indianapolis News June 5, 1951

Indiana State Convention in Indiana State Convention in Indianapolis 1954 & 1955Indianapolis 1954 & 1955

First Indiana AA State ConventionIndianapolis Star May 8 & 9, 1954

2nd IndianaState A.A.

ConventionMay 7 & 8,

1955

This Is NOT The End ! This Is Only A Beginning !!“Abandon yourself to God as you understand

God. Admit your faults to Him and to yourfellows. Clear away the wreckage of the past.Give freely of what you find and join us. We

shall be with you in the Fellowship of theSpirit, and you will surely meet some of us asyou trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. MayGod bless you and keep you - - - until then.”

“Alcoholics Anonymous” Page 164