1873: William Duncan Silkworth [left,
1908]
was born in Brooklyn, New York, the oldest of seven children born to
Isabelle Duncan and William Silkworth Sr.
1917: Junius C., Jr. [right, as a
midshipman]
of Pike, Mississippi, was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. He would
later become one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous in Jacksonville,
Florida.
1980: Margaret “Marty” M. [left], 75, died at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut,
following a stroke. Her final public appearance was earlier in the month at
A.A.’s 7th International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was
a featured speaker.
She had been briefly married in her twenties but identified as a lesbian
for the remainder of her life. She used her maiden name and the title
“Mrs.” to protect her privacy.
Marty had a distinguished career as a magazine editor, art critic, and
photojournalist, contributing to prominent publications
such as
Vogue, Harper’s, and Tatler [right, respectively]. However, alcoholism ultimately left her unemployable.
Marty began attending Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) meetings on 11 April
1939, at the home of Bill and Lois W., the day after the publication of
the book Alcoholics Anonymous. This made her one of the earliest
women involved in the Fellowship. She developed a close friendship with
Bill W. and was in a 40-year romantic relationship with fellow alcoholic
Priscilla P.
[right: together at Fire Island, 1948]. Peck served as an Art Editor at Vogue for 25 years. Together, they
owned a home in Greenwich Village, a vacation property at Cherry Grove on
Fire Island, and later in life, a residence in Connecticut.
Marty authored at least three books: Primer on Alcoholism,
Marty Mann’s New Primer on Alcoholism, and
Marty Mann Answers Your Questions about Drinking and Alcoholism
[left, respectively], as well as numerous articles for various
publications. She played a pivotal role in founding High Watch Farm, the
world’s first recovery center based on A.A. principles, and established
the National Council for Education on Alcoholism (NCEA*).
1942: The first New York City Central Committee was established to respond to inquiries from prospects. Based at the A.A. Clubhouse at 334½ West 24th St. in Manhattan, the committee hired two secretaries to answer letters and phone calls. At this time, New Jersey groups also used this Clubhouse as their headquarters.
1942: [Year-end] In New Orleans, Louisiana, Steve C. had gotten sober and was seeking to help others struggling with alcoholism.
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