Third Archives Roadshow on Saturday 11 September 2004 at West Kirby, Wirral
Presentation: Archivists, Archives and the Internet
by Peter J.H. (An Archivist), South Avon Intergroup, South Midlands Region
The Internet, to use a cliche, is ‘the new information superhighway’. It offers a plethora of websites on what the likes of Henry Kissinger and Aldous Huxley have called ‘the greatest Social and Spiritual movement of the 20th Century’, Alcoholics Anonymous, ‘America’s gift to the world’. At the click of a mouse one can view archival treasures, such as original manuscripts of the Big Book, newspaper and magazine articles important to us: “Liberty”, “Plain Dealer” and “The Saturday Evening Post”. One can download the voices of our Co-founders, Bill W. and Dr Bob, and see photographs of them, their families and the first one hundred. The Internet is the fastest growing medium, especially for the younger generation and is being used now by many for historical information on AA. Therefore, one thing seems to be clear, the Internet must be engaged and we must find a strategy for dealing with it, for understanding its potential power or we risk being sidelined in cyberspace in the battle for hearts and minds on the Broad Highway.
More than anything I want to talk about the potential impact that historical Revisionism may have on our movement and the consequences for the carrying of our message of recovery to the suffering alcoholic. As Milton Maxwell, a past Chairman of the Board and talking about professionals working in the field of alcoholism and which still has resonance today in relation to AA, said in 1964: ‘The alcoholism problem for the world is so big and AA is too good a resource for it to be ignored or undermined.
There are scores of websites with an interest in our Fellowship and also, for that matter, the Field of Alcoholism, with treatment and research a growth industry, and not forgetting the political and the vital economic interest. How alcohol and alcoholism is understood has massive repercussions in society. Ask the wine growers of France where thousands of jobs are on the line after a successful and honest 20 year French government health information campaign including the Loi Evin, a law which bans alcohol adverts on TV and cinema and which limits those in print to factual information only. All have combined to educate the French public on the dangers of alcohol which has massively reduced its consumption in that country. Yet they still have a hard core of drinkers related to the statistic of 40, 000 deaths each year attributed to alcohol and alcoholism in France.
In being Alcoholics Anonymous we have no opinion on any of this but we do have a solution to the problem of alcoholism and with a unique history to prove it, which makes us an important player in any strategy for dealing with the problem. Seeing as we no longer have a viable National Council on Alcoholism and our Public Information is sadly lacking, our history in the right hands can speak volumes for our message and could well revitalize a new NCA and a jaded PI. We have government and private agencies actively engaged in the field of alcoholism who are working against the revolutionary ideas of AA. This over ground which we thought we had won is being reclaimed by a reactionary force taking us back to a failed diagnosis of alcoholism as being self inflicted and a matter of personal control - as opposed to an illness - as evidenced in terms like ‘Harm Reduction Strategy’, ‘substance misuse’, ‘controlled drinking’ etc. We need again to humbly inform the public that alcoholism is not a matter of excessive drinking, that it is in the lack of control, both physically and mentally, demonstrated when one starts to drink. We have to reach the estimated 1 in 10 of the population who are alcoholic, who are under the delusion they can drink moderately. This idea has to be smashed and it can only be smashed thorough exposure to the principles in Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous, the horse before the cart. The strategy of controlled and moderate drinking advocated by some agencies is doomed to fail and seems merely a trap for an alcoholic to carry on drinking.
There are some major websites out there which specialize solely in our AA history and one can only hope they adhere to our language and Traditions and way of doing things. Most of the sites have disclaimers that they are not affiliated to Alcoholics Anonymous and they are not accountable either to AA and can pretty much do and say what they want. This is all very well when you are talking about one’s own conduct but when you are talking about someone else’s life you have to be careful and respect even deceased members’ right to anonymity. In this case I am talking about photographs of the writers of the Big Book stories, for after all, the Internet is in the public domain. I don’t want to doubt the sincerity and enthusiasm of what are more than likely members themselves. Most of the information I have seen - though not all - comes from material having already been in the public arena at some stage over our nearly 70 years of existence. This, therefore, should not pose a problem but it does grate when rubbish, such as the Hartigan book, already written to sensationalise, trivialize and undermine, is repeddled. Considering what has already been published by some writers with no love for AA who have gained access to sensitive material at major archives or have been disingenuous in their designs and gone on to publish books, and even have the audacity to put their own picture and name to it, can we in all honesty point the finger at mere repeaters. But it seems we can act as a responsible Fellowship and do something with a regard for our own integrity and the memory of our beloved Founders. The only option is Silence. It is the hymn of the Universe and it may yet find its way to Bill and Dr. Bob somewhere in the Big Meeting.
Opinions seem to vary on AA’s legacy, from the self appointed historians to writers who abound on the net. So discernment should be a watchword for AA archivists.
Personally speaking, and not historically speaking, some sites I found useful for current information and evaluation as opposed to re-hashing the limited material that’s already out there doing the rounds, sites such as the Primary Purpose Group website that offers current analysis and aids to recovery with information on sponsorship and Big Book Study.
The hunger for more knowledge about AA history coupled with the limited archives already on the web, may be driving some to do their own research, and, worryingly, some of them are intent on undermining established and accepted AA lore and are making rash and bold claims to do with our origins and influences. For instance some one has published a book casting doubt on whether Roland Hazard ever met Carl Jung. We could have a field day with that one.
The GSO website has an archive page and you can find and download current and past editions of Markings our Archive Journal and Interchange. GSO has a substantial body of archive material but none of it is available on the web as yet. They are very helpful with enquiries on clarification on historical questions and in my experience you always get a reply. There is also help and advice for AA archivists and links to the American Society of Archivists.
The Akron Intergroup has an archive website and one can take a visual tour through their archives. Interestingly on their site, the faces of Bill and Dr. Bob have been shaded out, something like shutting the door once the horse has bolted, though perhaps it is an attempt at restoring anonymity. The Stepping Stones Foundation that looks after Bill and Lois’s home has a good website which is worth a visit. Always something interesting on there. And in the most recent edition of their journal, Sackville was referred to as one of England’s founders.
AA History lovers is one of the better known sites for archivists; a members only forum on AA history. It has a large catalogue of historical discussion which is accessible to anyone.
It is controlled by a moderator who normally, though not always, screens material before it is listed in order for it to fit criteria of interest, analysis and debate. However, this is not always the case and one’s mailbox can oftentimes be filled up with chatter. But it does provide a pulse of what is happening out there on our history and there is sometimes lively discussion and a number of prominent history buffs who are always on hand to settle a problem question.
This site may well be something we could imitate if we wanted to get our own country wide history forum. This way one can build up a network of archivists’ friends and exchange email. This can start off a little archive all its own. Emails and replies become a record and an interesting reference for the future. This way we could begin to build up our history and all learn the stories of our pioneers: Bill H.and Canadian Bob of London; Alan B. of Bolton, our first earliest members in London and the provinces in the late 1940s; the setting up of the first Service Office and Publishing Company in the 1950; Padge, our first General Secretary who got sober under Max Glatt at Warlingham Park, the first NHS alcoholic Unit whose treatment was based in part on AA principles and was used as a model for other successful NHS alcoholic Units which were the start of a new life for many; John M. of Bath, Tani of Wells, Owen T., the fiery Welshman who started AA in Liverpool. GM and Tom T. of Birmingham, Tom G. of Manchester, Jack McG of Glasgow, graduates of the Crichton Royal Infirmary in Dumfries; Sackville and Richard of Ireland; Jack H. of Cambridge, who started the first prison group at Wakefield, Travers, who started the next 16 prison groups, every one of them; Dr Jim H. founder of AA in Bristol in 1953; Peter S. of Coventry; Jane C., AA’s great non-alcoholic friend in Britain, and many others who are just waiting to take their rightful place in our history.
Another thing to watch out for is wrong information on the web. Just because something has been posted on the net does not mean it is accurate. Some things can be faked, pictures can be doctored, articles rewritten, tapes misrepresented. It may serve one well to cross reference and seek sources before taking something as Gospel. Also if you see something you know to be wrong you can always email the site and let them know. For example some sites have biographical information on the Big Book story authors and full names are used and in two instances I know of they have misspelled or used incorrect names, so one could well ask what else is wrong? In the biographical sketch of the titled lady of ‘Stars Don’t Fall’ we have virtually the woman’s full family background. Is this appropriate? But then again, there is a hunger out there for this type of information. Should GSO be doing more within the spirit of our Traditions to give us detail and anecdote, and should AA consider publishing more books to do with our rich history?
Some sites have their own agenda, and are subject-specific, maybe with a particular grievance against some principle or other or directed at something they think GSO should be doing or not doing. I have found some documents on the web that were either esoteric or obscure, such as early correspondence between Bill and the Alcoholic Foundation or such things as Royalty payments for the Big Book. Even Bill’s will and codicil found its way on to the net a few years back. This was later withdrawn by the people in West Virginia who put it up there after an archivist in Chicago complained and asked them if there was there any legitimate reason for it being there. We can see from this that if you correspond with these websites you can sometimes get a positive response.
If we want to start our own site we already have an archives policy based on our Traditions and it makes sense. The principles worked out here can be applied to cyberspace, such as the principle of anonymity and non-affiliation coupled with the confidentiality and classification principles of archivists.
It appears anyway that every other area has its own unofficial website with information on or about AA; groups, meetings, Reunions, gatherings and Conventions, local histories and links to other sites. My home group, the Newcomers of Bristol,. hosts a site called AA Reunion in Bristol. This contains information on forthcoming events to do with traditional AA happenings such as annual dinners and the Reunion of the 1st European Convention. It also hosts an archival AA History pamphlet ‘How the West was won’ and a Time Line covering 50 years of history in Bristol and the West of England. There is also a transcript of the closing address of the 50th anniversary celebrations held in Bristol.
The AA history pamphlet was supplied by AA archivists and went through a process of consultation through the local Intergroup before being printed and distributed.
We must admit that nothing stands still, not even history, which is evident from the work of history revisionists. We, as AA archivists, facilitating the study of AA history, should endeavour through the study of our past to capture the spirit that enabled large scale recovery to come into being in the world, after all the Big Book tells us ‘the age of miracles is still with us’. We must let history speak through the words and deeds of those who made it possible and come to understand AA as those people living it understood it with the mystery and wonder intact. History written from outside AA will always be an outside opinion. AA must speak for itself. Our history must be there to support our message and not be under-mined by opportunists. We must allow potential members to learn about AA uninterrupted and unhindered by what others want to attribute or change about our past.
AA history is being written now by a small cabal of writers, and cannot be free of their interpretation and/or prejudice. This vanguard have been busy for years plundering our history. After Lois died in 1988 it could be said finally of our Fellowship that ‘we are the Parents now’. Therefore we must leave ourselves open in all humility to the guidance of God’s spirit, ‘so that our great blessings do not spoil us’ and not be swayed or flattered by historical revision. I saw one site comparing Lois to being one of the greatest women of the 20th century, she may or may not fit that description but would she recognise herself in that, or would AA; is this our language even? On her death bed she claimed only ever to have been used as an instrument of the Higher Power. These early AAs were ordinary men doing extraordinary things. Sackville described Bill as the most extraordinary, ordinary great man he had ever met. The same spirit that guided Bill and Dr. Bob is still available to those who seek it. That is what is remarkable and transforming from the greatest social movement of the 20th Century. ‘Dear Lord our hearts our restless only until they can rest in You.’
There are scores of sites, nearly all originate from America, the Bethlehem of AA. Bill and Dr. Bob could rarely have imagined how their lives and images are being flashed around the Globe. Everyone with something to say is online about some aspect of their lives. Writers, academics, archivists, historians, reporters, have all joined the fray and all seem to be promoting their latest book. We have been here before of course and seen this cozying up to AA. This is how it works; they first come to us, learn the ropes then they let go and off they go master sailing for themselves. Foundations with big dollars are buying up archives and opening sites. Treatment centres as publishing houses are churning out a river of books and flooding cyberspace and bookshops. The attraction is over-whelming for some, like a new Spanish Maine. We must be careful here because history is being written over our heads and we cannot help but be shaped by it, not only by how we see ourselves but also by how others see us. The history books we are told are written not only for AAs but to appeal to all 12 Step fellowships. Is this in itself not a subtle form of affiliation imposed on us from outside and something that settles in the collective mind?
Before, when we had something that others wanted and which affected our First Legacy of Recovery, the treatment centres, though necessary for some and good if worked in conjunction with AA., over time developed their own lexicon and without any respect for AA have sent us new members, who, using a new language, tell us Alcoholism is now to be understood as Addiction and that AA fellowship is better replaced by 12 step groupers. This in the face of our Traditions and though AA speaks for its self it lacks for one thing and that is expression by its membership. AA can stand all of this, but we have to act like sponsors and inform these people how to behave in AA. The treatment centres grew out of us, and yet away from us, following their own dynamic and interest. What AA discovered for them is that hidden compulsions exist and manifest in any number of behaviours, and can be treated by AA’s approach - the programme in the form of 12 Steps. Something similar is happening now with the Internet and the new breed of writers. After all is said and done AA but represents two friends, you my brother and you my sister, in you whom I meet I discover myself. Our job is to keep that spirit available and not ‘louse it all up with Freudian complexes’.
One cannot go on the net and look for Alcoholics Anonymous information without coming across the prolific writer Dick B. Most of his books cover the early Akron story with the notable exception of Sr. Ignatia, the religious sister who worked so closely with Dr Bob for many years and who established the first hospital treatment plan for drunks at St Thomas Hospital in Akron, which was later emulated the world over. Dick identifies himself as a member by remaining anonymous, choosing to omit his last name. Finding his website one could be mistaken for confusing AA with a First Century Christian Fellowship, linking as he does at every opportunity the Big Book and the Bible, and using Christian charged language in talking of the pioneers and the work they were about in setting up AA. We must remember what Bernard Smith said; AA is a spiritual programme for a material world. The fact that it started in a Christian country is incidental. What we are interested in as Alcoholics Anonymous is spiritual, common principles akin to any real faith worth its salt; such is AA’s appeal around the world from Cairo to Beijing. We must recall a principle is something that is unchanging and has always been there and just because it was written down and found itself in the Bible doesn’t mean it was invented there. It started first in the mind of God.
There is nothing startling perhaps and nothing original in AA Everything is borrowed from somewhere else, a patchwork quilt of many colours: from Psychiatry, Medicine and Religion. But paradoxically something is new in AA. By applying the principles of AA, ‘we can suppress and control an illness which was once usually regarded as a social crime.’
The Programme was put together by lay people, ordinary people, you and me people, defeated people, and with a spark of genius and a fire of desperation; not by people with letters after their name and titles or with some other agenda for gathering information around AA. These people will separate us from our own history if we let them and start dictating what we believe and then manipulate how we view our own past to stimulate what they believe and what they want us to believe. Let us never forget this is a practical programme for desperate people not something to be messed round with. This is a story of great human endeavour. By the late 1940s the Oxford group was gradually passing from the scene, its job done. Let’s not try to resurrect something that has had its day and was useful then but not now. It possibly had to be there in order for AA to enter the world in God’s plan of ‘divine alchemy’. Out of that vortex in Akron and New York came our Big Book, and the old medieval alchemists dream had finally come true - lead had been turned into gold! This is our inheritance from old time AA, the Big Book, a text book of modern man in search of a soul.
AA needs the concert of many voices to succeed in its mission of recovery. In every city, town, village and hamlet a vital force is here now for alcoholics who want to recover. The early AA members knew they had something valuable to offer the world with this message of simple ideas that, if practised, would bring about the impossible, sobriety for the alcoholic who wanted it. The miracle is still here and with new chapters being written every day this is living history and a story of personal empowerment from the once powerless.
The thing about Archives is it gives everyone a chance to get involved by writing their own chapter in AA’s history. We can link up our stories and those of our groups with the people we meet in this universal chain of recovery. That’s why our roots are so important to us because they are what give us life today. AA is a wonderful story, a true victory of light over darkness. To study AA is to fall in love all over again, with this new love comes responsibility to protect the integrity of AA’s message and its history. In this world of the multi-disciplinary approach and of competing theories on the nature of our condition, archives is the vehicle to protect our legacy, it is our compass point and anchor for the present, and the future, and our window on the past.
As archivists, who and what can we look to to understand our history? We can study ‘the family books’, “AA Comes of Age”, “Pass it On” & “Dr Bob and the Good Old Timers”. We can be aware of Nell Wing’s efforts in starting AA’s archives and for being our first archivist. She held the first workshop on archives at an International Convention in New Orleans in 1980 and two members of my home group, Newcomers, were there. Next is Frank M. ‘ the happy archivist’ from New York who succeeded Nell in 1983 Frank was at GSO for nearly 20 years and we owe him a deep debt for his enthusiasm and his interest in awakening so many of us to the importance of our roots. And the incomparable Joe and Charlie and their Big Book Study, the most original, if not the greatest, thing to have happened to AA since the publication of the Big Book in 1939. Such great men and such a grand forum for not only Big Book Study but also for their terrific weekends which accomplished for hundreds of thousands of members the living link we all have with AA history.
Now maybe is the time we as a fellowship in England can now finally discover our own historical roots and the rich legacy that our pioneers have left us. I believe we are still living in their legacy, still being fuelled by their energy, their example and their enthusiasm. We are standing here because of what they did and the sacrifices they were willing to make. We can draw on that genius they displayed to power us on in the forthcoming century. We need to know our history to distinguish us from other agencies dealing with alcoholics who are only there because of what we did and to understand what we are doing today and grasp the true significance of our unique message. We can’t survive on a partial, engineered and distorted message. Our history must join with our 12th Step and rest firmly in the mind as testament to the calibre of Alcoholics Anonymous as a new and permanent force in the world. Let’s pray that our rich blessings may never spoil us and that we shall live forever in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.