50 Years with Gratitude from the 1985 International Convention - Signed
“50 Years with Gratitude” A Family Album and Souvenir of the International A.A. Convention, Montreal, Quebec, Canada July 4-7, 1985.
This special convention book has been signed by several figures of significance to Alcoholics Anonymous with Dr. Jack Norris and Nell Wing signing on page 16. There are two pages at the back of the book with inscriptions and signatures by Eve Marsh, Geraldine Delaney and others.
Dr. Jack Norris was a non-alcoholic medical doctor and corporate health executive whose pioneering work at Eastman Kodak brought company support programs for alcoholic employees. He then brought his administrative and medical leadership to A.A.’s service structure where, as a Class A trustee and later Chairman of the General Service Board, he helped guide A.A.’s expansion in service, governance, and outreach. His involvement shows the role that supportive professionals and non-alcoholic friends played in the development of A.A.’s institutional infrastructure.
Nell Wing was A.A.’s first archivist and longtime secretary to Bill W. She was a non-alcoholic friend of Alcoholics Anonymous whose work profoundly shaped the preservation of the fellowship’s early history. She joined A.A.’s New York office in 1947 for what was meant to be a temporary job, but soon became indispensable. In 1950, Nell became Bill W.’s secretary, forming a close professional and personal partnership with both Bill and Lois Wilson. She frequently spent weekends at their home, Stepping Stones, assisting with correspondence, research, and organizational work.
Recognizing that early A.A. records were at risk of being lost, Nell pioneered the systematic preservation of documents, letters, and memorabilia—eventually becoming A.A.’s first official archivist. Her efforts created the foundation for A.A.’s modern Archives and ensured that the fellowship’s formative years were meticulously documented.
Nell remained associated with A.A. until her retirement in 1982, and after Bill’s death in 1971 continued her close relationship with Lois while helping safeguard their legacy. She later wrote the memoir Grateful to Have Been There, reflecting on her 42 years with Bill, Lois, and the evolution of A.A.
Wing’s legacy is that of the fellowship’s great historical guardian—an unsung but essential figure whose devotion preserved the story of Alcoholics Anonymous for future generations.
Geraldine O. "Mrs. D" Delaney was a groundbreaking leader in the field of alcoholism and addiction treatment whose influence continues to shape recovery programs today. Born in Stonington, Illinois, she later became one of the early women to achieve long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous—an experience that deeply informed her life's work. After her brother Oscar found sobriety through AA with the support of co-founder Bill Wilson, Delaney embraced recovery, ultimately maintaining more than fifty years of continuous sobriety.
Geraldine Delaney is best known as the founder of the Little Hill Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Alcoholics, the nonprofit organization that operates Alina Lodge in Blairstown, New Jersey. Under her leadership, Alina Lodge became one of the first and most respected long-term residential treatment centers for alcoholism and drug addiction. Delaney championed a "no-nonsense," highly structured, and deeply compassionate approach to treatment-one that emphasized personal responsibility, emotional growth, family healing, and spiritual development.
Her innovative philosophy included boundary-setting, rigorous accountability, and extended-length stays designed to support lasting recovery — an approach that was considered revolutionary in the mid-20th century. She also established one of the earliest in-house family programs and made Alina Lodge one of the first nicotine-free treatment facilities in the nation.
Mrs. Delaney's unwavering commitment helped thousands of individuals and families reclaim their lives. Her legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Little Hill Foundation and Alina Lodge, institutions that continue to embody her vision of sobriety, service, and hope.
Eve Marsh was a GSO staff worker that worked closely with Bill and others at the office from the 1950s-1980s.
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This book is in very good condition. There are handwritten inscriptions and signatures on several pages in the book.
Please view all of the photos for the conditions.
