A.A. History in October

Oct 1

1941 - Local news reports 1st AA Group in New Haven, CT.

Oct 1

1957 - Book "A.A. Comes of Age" published.

Oct 2

1944 - Marty M. founded National Committee Education Alcoholism, later became National Council on Alcoholism.

Oct 3

1945 - AA Grapevine adopted as national publication of AA.

Oct 5-7

1972 - 2nd World Service meeting held in New York.

Oct 5

1988 - Lois W. died.

Oct 6

1941 - 900 dine at Cleveland dinner for Bill D., AA #3.

Oct 8

1988 - Memorial Service for Lois W at Stepping Stones, NY.

Oct. 9-11

1969 - 1st World Service meeting held in New York with delegates from 14 countries.

Oct 10

1943 - 6 of 1st 9 AA's attend clubhouse anniv. in Toledo.

1970 - Lois reads "Bills Last Message" at annual dinner in NY.

1988 - Lois is buried next to Bill in Manchester, Vermont.

Oct 13

1947 - The Melbourne Group held its first meeting in Australia.

Oct 14

1939 - Journal of American Medical Association gives Big Book unfavorable review.

Oct 15

1904 - Marty M., early AA woman, is born in Chicago.

Oct 17

1935 - Ebby T., Bills sponsor, moves in with Bill and Lois.

Oct 20

1928 - Bill wrote promise to Lois in family Bible to quit drinking. By Thanksgiving added second promise.

1939 - Cleveland Plain Dealer begins series of articles on AA by Elrick Davis.

Oct 22

1963 - E. M. Jellinek, alcoholism educator and AA friend dies.

Oct 24

1942 - L.A. Times reports AA groups in 14 California cities.

1943 - Bill & Lois start 1st major A.A. tour, returned Jan 19, 1944.

1973 - Trustee's Archives Committee of AA has its 1st meeting.

1994 - National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence celebrates 50 years.

Other significant events in October for which we do not have a specific date:

Oct 1939 - First central committee formed in Cleveland; 1st example of A.A. rotation.

Oct 1936 - Bill C. a Canadian alkie staying at Bill's house, committed suicide using a gas stove.

Oct 1942 - First issue of Cleveland Central Bulletin is published.

Oct 1944 - First non American branch started in Sydney, Australia by Father T. V. Dunlea & Rex.

Oct 1951 - Sister Ignatia wrote "Care of Alcoholics - St.Thomas Hospital & A.A. Started Movement Which Swept Country" article in Hospital Progress the journal of Catholic Hospital Association.

Oct 1954 - The "Alcoholic Foundation" renamed the "General Service Board of A.A."

Oct 1958 - Playhouse 90 TV airs The Days of Wine and Roses.

Thanks to Billy C. and Nancy O. for this list, used by permission.