The A.A. Grapevine — January 1945 | Volume I, No. 8

An original January 1945 issue of The Grapevine, published during the first year of the magazine and during one of the most formative periods in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This issue offers an especially interesting snapshot of A.A. as it expanded beyond its earliest groups, with articles on public perception, group growth, wartime recovery, the development of A.A. clubs, and the emerging national conversation around alcoholism.

Bill Cunningham and A.A.

The cover article is:

“Bill Cunningham, Top-Flight Columnist, Likes Being an A.A. ‘Side-Line Rooter’”

Written by Boston Herald columnist Bill Cunningham, the article recounts his introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous and the impression the Fellowship made on him as an outsider.

Cunningham describes encountering alcoholics who had dramatically changed their lives and reflects on the unexpected hope and usefulness he found in A.A. His perspective makes the article a strong early example of favorable public commentary on Alcoholics Anonymous from outside the Fellowship.

Charles Jackson Speaks at Hartford A.A.

Another major article is “Charles Jackson Speaks at Hartford A.A.”

Jackson, author of The Lost Weekend, discusses alcoholism, the writing of his novel, and his thoughts on Alcoholics Anonymous.

The article is especially interesting because The Lost Weekend had become one of the best-known literary treatments of alcoholism of the era. Jackson’s appearance before an A.A. audience creates an important connection between the Fellowship and the broader cultural conversation surrounding alcoholism in the 1940s.

Early Group Growth

The issue also contains substantial reporting on the expansion of A.A. groups around the country, including:

• “Granite Vermont Opens Its Heart to A.A.”
• “War Gave Florida Group Flying Start”
• “How 14 California Groups Grew to 22”
• “In Texas, Women Too, Are Wonderful”
• “A.A.’s Country-Wide News Circuit”

These articles provide a valuable look at how A.A. was spreading from city to city and how local groups were adapting the program to their own communities.

A.A. and the Armed Forces

The issue includes “Mail Call for All A.A.s in the Armed Forces,” documenting efforts to maintain A.A. connections among servicemen during World War II.

The article discusses the formation of a Seamen’s Club in New York and correspondence from A.A. members serving in the military, offering a direct look at the challenges of maintaining sobriety during wartime.

Marty Mann and the Oregon Conference on Alcoholism

Also included is a report titled “Oregon Conference Studies Alcoholism.”

The conference brought together physicians, educators, public officials, and alcoholism specialists, including Marty Mann, who is noted as giving a lecture on “The Approach of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

This is a particularly interesting piece of early recovery history because it reflects the growing effort to bring alcoholism into medical, educational, and public discussion during the 1940s.

Editorial on the Third Step

The issue also includes an early editorial on the Third Step, discussing surrender, spiritual growth, and the practical application of A.A. principles in daily life.

Together with the group reports, outsider commentary, and wartime material, it gives the issue a broad and unusually rich historical scope.

Issue Details

Publication: The Grapevine
Date: January 1945
Volume: I
Number: 8
Format: Original large-format monthly journal
Cover Article: “Bill Cunningham, Top-Flight Columnist, Likes Being an A.A. ‘Side-Line Rooter’”
Notable Content: Charles Jackson and The Lost Weekend, Marty Mann, Third Step editorial, Armed Forces A.A., early group growth

Condition

This issue remains in fair condition and shows clear signs of previous use and storage.

A series of binder holes has been punched along the left margin throughout the issue, indicating that it was likely once stored in a binder. There is also handwritten notation across the upper portion of the front cover and a few additional handwritten marks within the issue.

The pages show age toning, scattered staining and discoloration, edge wear, creasing, and small tears and chips along the margins and corners.

Despite these condition issues, the text remains clear and readable, and the important articles appear complete.

Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition and appearance.

A scarce and historically rich first-year issue of The Grapevine, with strong content connecting early A.A. to journalism, literature, wartime recovery, public education, and the rapid growth of the Fellowship.