March 3 in A.A. History

In 1940, The Collegian, the “official publication of the student association of Daniel Baker College” in Brownwood, Texas, published an unsigned item, titled “Down With Demon Rum,” about Alcoholics Anonymous, that began

    If you've been troubled with pink elephants in the dormitories or your fraternity house, fret no more, gentle readers. Demon Rum is about to be catapulted from whence he came.
    ere in New York a group of sixty brave souls who once gazed with affection on the wine when it was red, have at long last come to know the villain for what he is. What is more, they have organized a club called Alcoholics Anonymous; and the other evening, they were dined, but not wined, by John D. Rockefeller, himself.

In 1941, Dale A. [left] from Seattle, Washington, read Jack Alexander’s article about Alcoholics Anonymous in the March 1 issue of The Saturday Evening Post and subsequently wrote to the Alcoholic Foundation in New York City. He is regarded by many as the founding father of Seattle A.A.

In 1947, Nell Wing [right, in 1945], fresh from a two-year tour in the Coast Guard, begins work at the Alcoholic Foundation, located at 415 Lexington Ave., New York City. She had stopped in New York on her way to Mexico, where she planned to pursue a career as a sculptress. Seeking a temporary job to earn a little travel money en route, she started as a typist, earning $32 a week [~$453 in 2025].
    She would remain at the Foundation for 36 years, serving as Bill Wilson’s secretary and later becoming A.A.’s first Archivist. Her relationship with Bill and Lois Wilson was more akin to that of a daughter than an employee.

In 1954, this month's issue of the LULAC (League of United Latin-American Citizens) News reported that

    Three members of the Montrose [Colorado] branch of Alcoholics Anonymous addressed the club [the Houston, Texas Jr. LULACs] on March 3, and gave an interesting explanation of the organization and function of A. A. The Juniors were very much impressed when they also spoke on the bad effects of abusive drinking especially among the youth of our nation. These speakers wound up their interesting talks with the answering of questions.

In 1963, approximately 350 people filled the Montreal Botanical Gardens Auditorium for the release of the new French edition of Alcoholics Anonymous (Les Alcooliques anonymes) [left: 3rd edition]. The first edition included eleven translated stories from the original English-language book; Appendix II, “Spiritual Experience;” eight stories from French-speaking members in stories from French-speaking members in Canada and Europe; the Twelve Traditions translated from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions; and selected extracts from Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age.
    Joe C., one of the translators, presented a copy of the book to Eve M., a G.S.O. staff member, on behalf of A.A.’s only living co-founder, Bill W. The book was printed with financial support from A.A. World Services, Inc., and was also distributed in France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland.