Fourth Southeastern Regional Convention Program — Bill W. & Lois W. in Jacksonville, Florida | 1948
Offered here is an original program from the Fourth Southeastern Regional Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, held in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1948.
This is an especially interesting piece of early A.A. convention history from a period when Alcoholics Anonymous was still developing its regional identity, service structure, and broader public presence. Only thirteen years had passed since the founding of A.A., and the Fellowship was expanding rapidly throughout the United States.
The convention was held at the Hotel George Washington in Jacksonville and brought together A.A. members, guests, speakers, and representatives from across the region.
Bill W. on the Program
One of the most significant features of this program is the appearance of Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, on the official schedule.
On Friday afternoon, the program states:
“Bill W. will deliver his message to all alcoholics.”
Bill was also scheduled to deliver the principal convention address on Saturday evening, making his participation a central part of the gathering.
The program also documents a wide range of early A.A. activities, including meetings devoted to:
- The Twelve Step Program
- The spiritual aspects of A.A.
- Employment and rehabilitation
- Women members of A.A.
- Non-alcoholic guests and their relationship with A.A. groups
- Education on alcoholism
- Group delegate business
- A general meeting open to members and guests
The schedule also includes a ladies’ tea honoring Lois W., further connecting the program directly to the earliest generation of Alcoholics Anonymous.
A Window into A.A. in 1948
What makes pieces such as this particularly collectible is the glimpse they provide into how A.A. conventions operated before the enormous international gatherings that would follow in later decades.
This was still an era of hotel meeting rooms, regional gatherings, fellowship events, group delegates, public education efforts, and direct participation by many of the people who helped shape Alcoholics Anonymous during its formative years.
The inside program even directs members and guests to the local Alcan Club Rooms at 121 East Forsyth Street, where entertainment and additional fellowship were available after the regular meetings.
The back cover carries the familiar recovery expression:
“But for the Grace of God”
Item Details
Event: Fourth Southeastern Regional Convention
Organization: Alcoholics Anonymous
Year: 1948
Location: Hotel George Washington, Jacksonville, Florida
Format: Original printed convention program
Notable Participants: Bill W., Lois W., and other early A.A. members and speakers
Condition
This original program remains in good vintage condition.
The covers show general age-related toning, scattered spotting and foxing, light surface wear, and some creasing consistent with a paper item of this age. The interior remains clean and clearly readable, with the convention schedule and program information well preserved.
Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition and appearance.
An appealing piece of early Alcoholics Anonymous history, documenting a 1948 regional convention at which Bill W. delivered both a message to A.A. members and the principal convention address, while Lois W. was honored during the weekend’s activities.
