Advertisement Poster of the Cover of the Saturday Evening Post from March 1, 1941
The Saturday Evening Post — March 1, 1941
Original Advertisement Poster Featuring the Jack Alexander Article on Alcoholics Anonymous
Framed Original | 22" × 28" | Historic AA Milestone
This is an exceptionally rare original advertisement poster reproducing the iconic cover of The Saturday Evening Post dated March 1, 1941—the issue that featured the landmark article “Alcoholics Anonymous: Freed Slaves of Drink, Now They Free Others” by journalist Jack Alexander.
This advertisement poster was produced to promote the issue and is far scarcer than the magazine itself. It represents one of the most important moments in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous, marking the point at which AA emerged from obscurity and entered public awareness on a national scale.
The poster measures 22" × 28" and has been professionally framed, creating an outstanding display piece suitable for a home, office, meeting space, or archival collection.
Historical Significance
The March 1, 1941 Saturday Evening Post article is widely regarded as the single most important piece of publicity in AA’s history.
At the time, Alcoholics Anonymous was still a small and largely unknown fellowship. Judge Curtis Bok, owner of The Saturday Evening Post, commissioned Jack Alexander to investigate and write about the organization after learning of it from trusted sources. Bill W., eager to spread the message, granted Alexander full access—records, interviews, and firsthand observation of AA in action.
The results were immediate and overwhelming: 918 inquiries in just 12 days flooded AA Headquarters. Post offices and branch offices received unprecedented reader mail. AA membership expanded rapidly across the country. The Second Printing of the Big Book, released the same month, sold quickly as a direct result.
Ruth Hock, AA’s first non-alcoholic secretary, described the New York office as completely overwhelmed by the response.
Bill W. later wrote that the article “took AA out of the pioneering stage and made it a movement.” He credited the article with bringing recovery to tens of thousands and wrote that the Post had effectively written “an insurance policy on our future.”
Jack Alexander later became a non-alcoholic trustee of Alcoholics Anonymous and was credited in his obituary with helping make AA a major organization.
Poster Details
Publication: The Saturday Evening Post
Date Featured: March 1, 1941
Subject: “Alcoholics Anonymous” by Jack Alexander
Format: Original advertisement poster (not a magazine page)
Dimensions: 22" × 28"
Framing: Professionally framed, ready for display
The artwork features the classic cover illustration and prominently references the groundbreaking AA article that changed the course of recovery history.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. Minimal wear consistent with age. One small tear along the left edge. Bright colors and strong image presence. Frame in very good condition.
Please review all photos carefully to assess exact condition.
Collector Notes
Original promotional materials related to the 1941 Jack Alexander article are among the most sought-after artifacts in AA collecting. Advertisement posters of this size and quality are extremely scarce, particularly in framed, display-ready condition.
This piece represents the moment AA entered national consciousness, the catalyst for explosive fellowship growth, a foundational artifact in recovery history, and one of the most important publications ever written about Alcoholics Anonymous.
A true museum-level display piece and a cornerstone artifact for any AA archive or collection.
