JWGA-001 · DECEMBER 1961
An A.A. connection, inscribed
Presentation inscriptions addressed to Jim Willis encourage his work with Gamblers Anonymous.
FOUNDER-FAMILY ASSOCIATION
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HISTORIC COLLECTIONS / THE JIM WILLIS ARCHIVE
The beginnings of Gamblers Anonymous
The Jim Willis &
Early Gamblers
Anonymous Archive
A fellowship taking shape.
A founder’s story, kept together.
Inscribed books, correspondence, early literature, and family papers trace the passage from an idea to an enduring recovery fellowship.
FOUNDER-FAMILY PAPERSONE CONNECTED ARCHIVE
Founder-inscribed volume & family-retained letter copy
The history is in the connections
The archive follows Jim Willis, the early fellowship, and the A.A. relationships that helped shape G.A. Its strength is the survival of those stories together: founder and family, literature and correspondence, public recognition and private memory.
Four cornerstones
A founder, a book, a letter, a legacy
Open each record to examine the scans and the object’s place in the larger archive.
JWGA-002 · 1964
The first G.A. book, inscribed
Personally inscribed by founder Jim Willis to his stepdaughter, Addie Williams.
FOUNDER-FAMILY ASSOCIATION
Examine this record →JWGA-005 · AUGUST 25, 1964
Bill Wilson writes to Jim
Wilson thanks Jim for the new G.A. volume and reflects on the work of assembling Alcoholics Anonymous.
FAMILY-RETAINED COPY
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JWGA-004 · JULY 2, 1982
The fellowship remembers its founder
An award of appreciation and love, presented at G.A.’s 25th Anniversary Convention.
ORIGINAL PLAQUE
Examine this record →Three threads through the papers
From an idea to a fellowship
01 · ORIGINS
A.A. and the early G.A. story
Inscribed literature and retained correspondence preserve relationships across two developing recovery fellowships.
02 · GROWTH
A program finds its voice
Pamphlets, convention programs, and press coverage show a new organization explaining itself to its members and the wider public.
03 · MEMORY
The founder in the record
Historical recollections, Twelve Step discussions, and recognition material preserve a community’s understanding of its beginnings.
The collection, item by item
Explore the complete collection
Books, papers, photographs, and publications retained together in the Jim Willis family archive. Choose an item to see its cover or primary image and selected additional views.
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Showing all 48 catalog records
JWGA-001 · December 1961
Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholicos Anonimos: Version Castellana
Gray-bound Spanish-language Alcoholics Anonymous text titled "ALCOHOLICOS ANONIMOS - Version Castellana," bearing production notation "50 12/61." The presentation inscriptions are addressed to Jim Willis and encourage his work with Gamblers Anonymous. Contemporary A.A. service histories confirm Nell Wing, Eve Marsh and Hazel Rice as G.S.O. staff; external staff histories also confirm Midge M. and Beth K. were on staff by 1961. Full surnames should be used only where the artifact itself is legible.
JWGA-002 · 1964
Gamblers Anonymous - First Edition / First Printing
Early first edition/first printing of the Gamblers Anonymous book, personally inscribed by founder Jim Willis to his stepdaughter Addie Williams.
JWGA-003 · 1981-1982
Gamblers Anonymous - Identification and Recovery - From: Jim W.
Historical typescript compiled from regular correspondence between an anonymous G.A. member and Jim Willis during 1981, while Willis was convalescing in an Oxnard rehabilitation hospital and as preparations were underway for the July 1982 25th Anniversary. It presents a rewrite/expansion of Jim's earlier story and covers the Algamus Society, apartment meetings, Fred Shields, Paul Coates, "Friday the 13th," dates, individuals and Jim Willis observations.
JWGA-004 · July 2, 1982
G.A. Award of Appreciation and Love - Jim W. - Founder of Gamblers Anonymous
Presented to Jim Willis at the G.A. 25th Anniversary Convention in Anaheim, California. The plate identifies him as "Founder of Gamblers Anonymous" and gives the founding date September 13, 1957.
One available photographed view
JWGA-005 · August 25, 1964
Bill Wilson Letter to Jim Willis
Bill Wilson thanks Jim for an inscribed copy of the new volume Gamblers Anonymous, praises the work, recalls assembling Alcoholics Anonymous, and comments on GA progress.
One available photographed view
JWGA-006 · June 1962
Questions and Answers About the Problem of Compulsive Gambling and the G.A. Recovery Program
Early G.A. pamphlet identified as First Printing, June 1962.
JWGA-007 · Printed April 22, 1976
Gamblers Anonymous
Pocket-sized Gamblers Anonymous booklet, printed 4-22-76. Contents include History, Gamblers Anonymous, The Recovery Program, The Unity Program, Compulsive Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous, Twenty Questions and New Members.
JWGA-008 · Undated; early issue
The Gam-Anon Way of Life
Early illustrated booklet titled "The Gam-Anon Way of Life." It contains the Gam-Anon preamble, suggested Steps of Recovery, purposes of the family groups, Unity Program, "Just for Today," and a Daily Moral Inventory.
JWGA-010 · June 9-10, 1962
Program for the 4th Annual G.A. Convention - Hacienda Motel, Fresno, California
Program for the fourth annual G.A. convention, held only five years after the recognized founding meeting.
JWGA-011 · 1977
Gamblers Anonymous - 20 Years
Commemorative 20-year volume prepared by the First International Conference Committee. The book documents the First International Conference in Chicago, Illinois, July 21-24, 1977, and includes history, recovery material, Gam-Anon / Gam-A-Teen content, meeting guidance, sponsorship and growth information. The foreword page is signed "Bill G. / Cleve."
JWGA-013 · April 11, 1958
G.A. Membership Committee Meeting material
Early organizational record referencing membership records, wives and prospects, outreach to Judge Louis Burke, wives meetings, and assignments involving Bernice and Sybil.
One available photographed view
JWGA-014 · February 1973
Gamblers Anonymous Bulletin - National Service Office
National Service Office bulletin reporting G.A. activity, intergroup reports, correspondence and contributions.
JWGA-015 · 1979
Gam-Anon statement - Approved BOD Meeting 1979
One-page Gam-Anon statement describing the family fellowship, its approach to compulsive gambling in the family, boundaries around responsibility for the gambler, and recovery principles. The bottom of the sheet reads "APPROVED BOD MEETING 1979."
One available photographed view
JWGA-018 · September 13, 1980
Ray M. - "Lest We Forget"
Three-page appeal to G.A. members emphasizing Jim Willis role in the founding and development of G.A. and urging recognition as the 25th anniversary approached.
JWGA-020 · August 25, 1961
TIME - "Organizations: Gamblers Anonymous"
National periodical coverage of Gamblers Anonymous during its early expansion.
JWGA-021 · May 26, 1962
The Saturday Evening Post - "Gamblers Anonymous" by Stanley Frank
Major national feature on Gamblers Anonymous.
JWGA-022 · May 26, 1962
The Saturday Evening Post - "Gamblers Anonymous" - second physical copy
Second retained physical copy of the May 26, 1962 Saturday Evening Post G.A. feature.
Second physical copy. The images shown are shared article references from JWGA-021; copy-specific photographs are not yet available.
JWGA-023 · May 21, 1962
Citizen-News - "Ex-Gamblers Fight Malady" by Troy Knighten
Citizen-News feature on Gamblers Anonymous.
JWGA-024 · August 23, 1958
The Saturday Evening Post - "I Was a Compulsive Gambler"
Very early national compulsive-gambling feature appearing within the first year after G.A. formal founding.
JWGA-034 · April 1948
Coronet - "Needed: A Gambler's Anonymous"
Article arguing for an Alcoholics Anonymous-style response to destructive gambling nearly a decade before formal G.A. founding.
JWGA-035 · March 10, 1986
Sports Illustrated - "Tales of Self-Destruction" - Special Report: Gambling
Sports Illustrated special-report feature beginning with a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, and discussing compulsive gambling, Gamblers Anonymous, treatment programs and Robert L. Custer.
JWGA-036 · December 18, 1974
ABC Wide World Special - "Monty Hall at Gamblers Anonymous" publicity photograph and caption sheet
Publicity material for the Wide World Special episode "Monty Hall at Gamblers Anonymous," scheduled December 18, 1974.
JWGA-037 · January 28, 1962
Jim Burwell letter to Jim and Sybil Willis
Family-retained copy of correspondence from early A.A. figure Jim Burwell to Jim and Sybil Willis.
One available photographed view
JWGA-038 · September 1975
Compulsive Gambling
Pamphlet titled "Compulsive Gambling," printed September 1975 and bearing the G.A. Approved / N.S.O. seal. It includes an explanatory introduction, the Twenty Questions, and a short statement that the pamphlet was prepared by the Gamblers Anonymous Fellowship.
JWGA-039 · December 1977
Questions and Answers About the Problem of Compulsive Gambling
Later Questions and Answers pamphlet dated December 1977.
JWGA-040 · July 1981
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous pocket booklet containing the fellowship statement, Recovery Program, Unity Program, material on compulsive gambling, Twenty Questions and suggestions for new members. The archive file is identified as the July 1981 printing.
JWGA-042 · August 1, 1960
New York World-Telegram - "Compulsive Bettors Aided By AA-Type Organization"
First article in a four-part New York World-Telegram series on Gamblers Anonymous.
One available photographed view
JWGA-043 · August 2, 1960
New York World-Telegram - "The Long Road to Ruin or GA"
Second article in the four-part series.
One available photographed view
JWGA-044 · August 3, 1960
New York World-Telegram - 'GA Saved Husband's Life' - Bookie Urged Death For Mate
Third article in the four-part series.
One available photographed view
JWGA-045 · August 4, 1960
New York World-Telegram - "New Group Helps Those Near Ruin"
Fourth article in the four-part series.
One available photographed view
JWGA-046 · March 26, 1961
New York Post - "The Biggest Bet Of Them All"
New York press coverage of Gamblers Anonymous.
One available photographed view
JWGA-047 · April 2, 1961
New York Mirror - "These Men Stake Their Lives"
New York press coverage of Gamblers Anonymous.
One available photographed view
JWGA-048 · December 10, 1968
LOOK - "If I Don't Show Up, Please, Please Call Me"
LOOK magazine feature on compulsive gambling / Gamblers Anonymous.
One available photographed view
JWGA-049 · June 30, 1968
The New York Times - "Compulsive Gamblers Inch Their Torturous Way From Cliff's Edge"
New York Times feature on compulsive gamblers and recovery.
JWGA-050 · August 1961
ACE - "Gamblers Anonymous"
ACE magazine article on Gamblers Anonymous.
JWGA-051 · July 1969
The Plain Truth - "Gambling: A Growing Problem"
Article on the growth and social consequences of gambling.
JWGA-052 · June 1966
Living With The Compulsive Gambler - Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon pamphlet identified as First Printing, June 1966.
JWGA-053 · October 10, 1981
Discussion: Change of Our 12 Steps of Recovery
Multi-page internal discussion of whether G.A. recovery steps should be changed, including historical background on the original steps and their relationship to A.A.
JWGA-054 · August 15, 1981
Alfred C. Collins letter to Jim Willis regarding G.A. Twelve Steps
Two-page August 15, 1981 letter from Alfred C. Collins ("Al C") to James "Jim" Willis at Pleasant Valley Convalescent Hospital in Oxnard. Collins asks Willis to document the origins and wording of the G.A. Twelve Steps amid a fellowship debate over proposed changes. The retained sheets show a signature and handwritten notes/telephone numbers.
JWGA-055 · 1955
Fifty Million Americans Can Be Wrong
Anti-gambling pamphlet discussing gambling prevalence, social effects and public policy.
JWGA-056 · 19th century · edition unconfirmed
Mason Long - The Life of Mason Long, the Converted Gambler
Early hardcover edition of Mason Long's autobiographical gambling-and-conversion narrative. The scanned copy has green decorated cloth and extends beyond page 275; selected photocopied pages carry underlining and marginal marks.
JWGA-057 · January 28, 1980
Ray M. letter to Jim Willis and Norma
Letter from Ray M. to Jim Willis and Norma retained within the founder-family papers.
JWGA-058 · 1972
Walter Wagner - To Gamble, or Not to Gamble
World Publishing first printing, 1972. Includes dedication to Gamblers Anonymous "with admiration" and chapters devoted to G.A.
JWGA-059 · January 1993
Gamblers Anonymous - A New Beginning
Second edition, January 1993, of the revised G.A. book. Dedication identifies Jim W. as founder, 1912- 1983, and acknowledges Alcoholics Anonymous for sharing its program with him.
JWGA-060 · 1984
Sharing Recovery Through Gamblers Anonymous
First Edition, copyright 1984. Includes dedication to Jim W., founder, 1912-1983, foreword by Robert L. Custer, M.D., and an appendix with a biography of Jim W.
JWGA-061 · 1930
Cecil H. Rose - Gambling and Christian Ideals - tan cloth copy
First Edition, 1930, published in London by The Epworth Press / J. Alfred Sharp. Tan cloth binding. Includes inserted anti-betting tract and ownership/address stamps.
JWGA-062 · 1930
Cecil H. Rose - Gambling and Christian Ideals - blue cloth copy
Second physical copy of the 1930 first edition, this example in blue cloth with prior-owner / institutional marks.
JWGA-063 · 1981-1982
Founder-history working fragment
Family-retained working material related to Identification and Recovery. The available scan presents four pages of the founder-history text.
Selected photographs from the four-page scan available for this record.
No matching items. Try another title, year, or catalog number.
All 48 Recovery Speakers entries are represented. Retired and reserved catalog numbers are not additional items. Single-sheet records show the available image; the second magazine copy uses clearly labeled shared references.
Provenance & continuity
The Addie Williams papers
The family context joins founder-inscribed literature with correspondence, fellowship records, and recognition material. Preserving those relationships is part of preserving the evidence.
Originals, retained copies, and photocopies are distinguished in the catalog. Fixed JWGA identifiers preserve the audit trail, including reserved and superseded entries.
JWGA-001 through JWGA-063 is a catalog range, not a claim of 63 separate physical objects. The Recovery Speakers digital archive provides the complete research records, sources, and collection details.
View provenance & research at RecoverySpeakers.org ↗- SEPTEMBER 13, 1957The recognized first G.A. meeting in Los Angeles.
- 1961–1962G.S.O. inscriptions, early literature, and convention material record a developing fellowship.
- 1964The first G.A. book and Bill Wilson’s letter to Jim Willis.
- 1981–1982Historical recollection, consultation, and formal founder recognition.
- THE FAMILY PAPERSThese strands survive together in the documented Addie Williams archive.
Offered as one archive
A connected story, preserved together
For collectors and institutions interested in the history of mutual aid, recovery, and the founding years of Gamblers Anonymous.
For complete historical details, sources, and research records, visit the Recovery Speakers research archive. This independent collection is not affiliated with or endorsed by G.A., Gam-Anon, A.A., or A.A.W.S.