PERSONAL MESSAGE TO BILL W. FROM AN EARLY DETROIT MEMBER
WIRE RECORDING
This will likely be the only opportunity that you will ever have to actually own an item that was personal to Bill W. The items listed on this website that have come from the personal library of Bill W are the only known items held in the private market that can be authenticated as having been owned by Bill W.
This is another “wire recording” from Lois W that was donated to the Midwest tape Library.
VERY HISTORICAL PRIVATE COMMUNICATION TO BILL W
This thirty minute message is George H one of the early members from Detroit (sponsored by Archie T.) talking to Bill letting him know that he will be leaving later in the evening for a trip to California. He then updates Bill on his recent trip to Akron and his visit with Dr. Bob. This wire was most likely recorded in 1948; Anne Smith was home at the time.
He talks candidly to Bill about what he sees as some problems with some of the older members close to Dr. Bob wanting to sway his thinking and turn him against some of Bill W’s proposals. Most of these ideas were related to the development of the traditions. He explains that Earl T from Chicago was also there talking with Dr. Bob, and he also mentions that Earl seemed to want the older members to have control of the organization. George seemed very concerned that the negative attitude of these members would affect Dr. Bob. This conversation goes into significant detail and other early Cleveland A.A. members are mentioned by name.
George also makes note of Dr. Bob’s health, and predicts that his condition is much worse that he is letting on. He states that he expects Dr. Bob to not live longer than, perhaps, six months. This recording is very interesting and gives insight into some of the attitudes toward Bill W’s ideas at that time. This took place during the time when Bill was lobbying to get the traditions adopted at the Cleveland convention.
As A.A.’s approaches its 100th anniversary in 2035 any items that can be directly linked to the founders will demand extremely high dollars. These old wires play perfectly and actually produce better sound than any recorded tapes.
Also shown in the pictures are four letters from Lois discussing the wires. The buyer will receive a CD of the communication, plus copies of the letters from Lois.