[Manuscripts]. [Diaries of a Chicago Accountant Active in Alcoholics Anonymous]. Chicago, Illinois: (1947-1949). Two commercial annual journals. Uniform volumes, each about 9" x 6" with gilt titled and decorated red cloth over boards. Each filled with manuscript entries in an ink cursive to rectos and versos of daily blanks. First volume with two printed card placards laid-in to pages. Entries typically neat and legible. All about near fine.

The manuscript diaries of Randall M., a Chicago accountant who dutifully recorded his daily activities focused chiefly on his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous during 1947-1949. His full name is stamped repeatedly to both volumes. He was born in 1899 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and got sober on March 2, 1946. These are fresh to market, newly discovered by me and seem to be all that survives of his 1940's diaries (at least, I know of no others and am not holding anything back).

Covered in dedicated entries amid family and work happenings are Randall’s experience as a regular member and often leader of North Side-based Group 84 and a regular attendee of the city’s Tuesday downtown general meetings as well as AA Sunday breakfasts at the Wilson Avenue YMCA. 

Chicago saw rapid growth in AA membership during the 1940’s and was the first city to establish a Central Office (1941). Randall’s experience reflects the role of Chicago’s Central Office in maintaining organization amid the myriad groups in the city and its adjacent suburbs and his writing closely deals with the North Side and Evanston groups, mostly Group 84 and Group 88 which met on Thursdays (and sometimes Fridays) ; 84 met in various members apartments and 88 met primarily at a community space in Indian Boundary Park ; the two groups would briefly combine their meetings after the opening of the North Side Alano Club at 4616 N. Clark St. during the Fall of 1948.

Randall’s experiences are highlighted by generous evidence supporting equal treatment of women in the organization, frequent mention of a Chinese-American woman in Group 84 (who often hosted meetings at her restaurant in the 5400 block of N. Clark), his unwavering support to fellow and fledgling organization members, his attendance at a speech by founder Bill Wilson on April 27, 1948, his help in fundraising for and organizing the North Side Alano Club, etc… (laid-in to the 1948 volume are two surviving printed card placards from the Club).

A few quotes from the pages:

“Albert M[…] phoned during afternoon – apparently still drinking […] 8:00 Went by for Albert, Rev. Wilmer, Lutheran Minister there. Albert wanted to stop for drink before going into meeting at Indian Boundary. Told him no. He seemed to resent it. […] Decided to re-consolidate the group, but retain identity service of joint meeting for a while.” (January 22, 1948)

“Took “L” to beginner’s meeting. George B[…], 6yrs., conducted – Gave Bringman’s regards to Edgar B[….], also later to Clem L[….] at Wagtayle’s – All women’s program. Last speaker 10th step – Excellent. “Better to admit you’re wrong, than have the sweat pour off you coming off a drunk….and remember you’re only down on your knees, you’re not flat on your face or lying on your back shackled to the bed.”” (February 3, 1948)

“9PM – Albert M[…] came by – said he had bad news. Bud had a slip and was in a hospital in Syracuse. Got dressed and went with him to put Connie on 11:15 (The Chicagoan) NY Central – La Salle St. Sta. Vi took David to their apartment. Slow Taxi – Coffee at the station. Connie told about David saying a prayer.” (November 13, 1948)

“To AA auditorium 630PM. Bud F[…] & Jim F[…] there – w/Joe E[…] – Bud F[…] went to rotating committee to represent Group 84 and I went to Balcony for Board of Dir. Meeting of Club.” (May 31, 1949)

We have extensively transcribed more passages from both volumes. Out of a biding respect for privacy, we are hesitant to post them or any non-blurred images of the pages publicly as Randall utilized full names in his writing. 

I am willing to provide private links to view more to interested parties if appropriate (all those listed by name have surely passed on at this point ; Randall died in 1971).

These volumes provide a rare, intimate, and valuable primary glimpse into the life of an individual deeply involved in AA in early postwar Chicago, less than 15 years after the organization’s birth and less than a decade on from first publication of the seminal “Big Book.” 

For further context, the September 1951 issue of THE GRAPEVINE included an extensive story on the early history of AA in Chicago which includes many of the names and places found in these diaries: 

https://silkworth.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Early-History-Sep-1951.pdf