1938: Frank Amos and his wife visited Bill and Lois W. in Brooklyn. They discussed Frank’s upcoming trip to Akron, Ohio, in detail, including the proposed hospital there. Before leaving, Frank asked Bill for advice on whom to contact upon his arrival in Akron. Bill would take the next two days to develop his recommendations.
1945: Walter Winchell’s syndicated gossip column, “Coast-to-Coast”
[right], under the heading “THINGS FEW NEW YORKERS KNOW,” mentioned Alcoholics Anonymous in passing twice. First:
[left], in Kusnacht-Zurich, Switzerland, responded to a letter from Bill W.
[right]
dated January 23rd, which acknowledged Jung’s unwitting contribution to
Alcoholics Anonymous through his work with Rowland Hazard
[below left, 1921]
in the 1930s. He expressed that Bill’s letter was “very welcome indeed.”
Jung noted that he had never heard from Rowland and had “often wondered what
has been his fate.” He mentioned that Rowland had “adequately reported”
their conversations, although he couldn’t share “everything” with Rowland,
having learned over the years of his practice that he would likely be
misunderstood “in every possible way.” What he couldn’t share with
Rowland…
[left], which stated:
[right], 6 days after Bill’s death, which stated,
This has been the year of alcoholidays. “The Lost Weekend” best-sold a nation into cautionary drinking; “Harvey,” the Pooka, turned the other cheek of laughter; and Alcoholics Anonymous are shouting so loud they are fast becoming as familiar as a hangover.Then:
Carrie Nation smashed the bars of a nation, but New York’s were too much for her. She sputtered and spumed, but accomplished no more than having a nude statue draped and sending a lot of barmen’s blood pressure up. “The Lost Weekend” caused a lot more pity than the real sight does; “Harvey” makes it a good deal funnier than it always it [sic]; Alcoholics Anonymous have been there before.1961: Dr. Carl Jung
[left], in Kusnacht-Zurich, Switzerland, responded to a letter from Bill W.
[right]
dated January 23rd, which acknowledged Jung’s unwitting contribution to
Alcoholics Anonymous through his work with Rowland Hazard
[below left, 1921]
in the 1930s. He expressed that Bill’s letter was “very welcome indeed.”
Jung noted that he had never heard from Rowland and had “often wondered what
has been his fate.” He mentioned that Rowland had “adequately reported”
their conversations, although he couldn’t share “everything” with Rowland,
having learned over the years of his practice that he would likely be
misunderstood “in every possible way.” What he couldn’t share with
Rowland…
was the equivalent on a low level of the spiritual thirst of our being for wholeness, expressed in medieval language: the union with God*. How could one formulate such an insight in a language that is not misunderstood in our days?Jung said that such a person must “walk on a path which leads [one] to higher understanding.” This can be done “by an act of grace,” “through a personal and honest contact with friends,” or “through a higher education of the mind beyond the confines of mere rationalism.” He noted that Rowland had clearly chosen the second way.
*“As the heart panteth after the water brook, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” Psalm 42, 1
I am strongly convinced that the evil principle prevailing in this world leads the unrecognized spiritual need into perdition, if it is not counteracted either by a real religious insight or by the protective wall of human community. An ordinary man, not protected by an action from above and isolated in society, cannot resist the power of evil, which is called very aptly the Devil. But the use of such words arouse[s] so many mistakes that one can only keep aloof from them as much as possible.…1969: The Post of Big Stone Gap, Virginia published “Invitational Meet For AA Is Set”
Alcohol in Latin is spiritus, and you use the same word for the highest religious experience as well as for the most depraving poison. The helpful formula therefore is: spiritus contra spiritum.
[left], which stated:
An invitational meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 9 at 2:30 at the Old Dominion Power Co. Building in Norton.1971: The Evening Star (Washington, DC) published “Bill W.”, an editorial
Any person interested in learning something about this world-wide organization and its approach to the growing problem of alcoholism is welcome.
The meeting will be conducted by out-of-state members of AA and will last exactly one hour per organizational policy. These visiting members will be available after the meeting to answer individual questions.
[right], 6 days after Bill’s death, which stated,Alcoholics Anonymous is by far the most effective organization dealing with one of man’s oldest medical and social problems.… AA is an organization in which people give much of themselves to assist other sufferers. Many are in Mr. W—–’s debt for his showing how it could be done.
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