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

Signed by Ruth Hock, Nell Wing, Dr. Jack Norris, Geraldine Delaney, Eve Marsh & Others

Overview

Offered here is a remarkable signed copy of 50 Years with Gratitude: A Family Album and Souvenir of the International A.A. Convention, published for the 1985 International A.A. Convention held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, celebrating fifty years of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This convention souvenir book is already a meaningful piece of A.A. history, capturing the spirit, people, places, and fellowship-wide gratitude surrounding A.A.’s 50th anniversary. What makes this particular copy especially desirable is that it contains signatures and inscriptions from several individuals of major significance to Alcoholics Anonymous and the broader recovery movement.

Most importantly, this copy includes the signatures of both Ruth Hock and Nell Wing — two women whose work helped preserve, produce, and carry forward the written history of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is highly unusual to encounter both names together in a single signed A.A. item, making this a standout association copy.

Ruth Hock, who typed the original manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, was honored at this 1985 International Convention when she was presented with the five-millionth copy of the Big Book. Her presence and signature are especially meaningful because she was rarely publicly involved in A.A. after leaving her early role in the 1940s. Ruth Hock died approximately ten months after this convention, adding further historical weight to her appearance in this volume.

Nell Wing, A.A.’s first archivist and longtime secretary to Bill W., also signed this copy. The presence of both Ruth Hock and Nell Wing together connects this book directly to two of the most important women in the preservation and transmission of A.A.’s written legacy.

Additional signatures and inscriptions include Dr. Jack Norris, Geraldine “Mrs. D” Delaney, Eve Marsh, and others.

Historical Significance

The 1985 International Convention marked a major milestone in A.A. history: fifty years from the meeting of Bill W. and Dr. Bob in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. This souvenir volume serves as both a family album and historical keepsake from that anniversary gathering, preserving photographs, memories, and fellowship-wide reflection from a moment when many early A.A. friends, workers, trustees, and old-timers were still present to celebrate the Fellowship’s growth.

This copy rises well above a standard convention souvenir because of its extraordinary association signatures. The combination of Ruth Hock and Nell Wing is particularly compelling. Ruth helped bring the original Big Book manuscript into typed form before publication, while Nell spent decades preserving A.A.’s records, correspondence, manuscripts, and historical memory.

Together, their signatures represent two essential chapters in A.A.’s literary and archival history: the creation of the Big Book and the preservation of the Fellowship’s story.

Notable Signatures & Connections

Ruth Hock was Bill W.’s early secretary and the person who typed the original manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous. Her role in the creation of the Big Book places her at the very beginning of A.A.’s publishing history. At the 1985 International Convention in Montreal, she was presented with the five-millionth copy of the Big Book, making her connection to this event especially meaningful. Signed material from Ruth Hock is not commonly encountered, particularly in association with later A.A. convention material.

Nell Wing was A.A.’s first archivist and longtime secretary to Bill W. She joined A.A.’s New York office in 1947 and became Bill’s secretary in 1950, working closely with both Bill and Lois Wilson. Nell helped preserve early A.A. records, correspondence, manuscripts, and memorabilia at a time when much of the Fellowship’s history could easily have been lost. Her memoir, Grateful to Have Been There, remains an important firsthand account of her decades with Bill, Lois, and the growth of A.A.

Dr. Jack Norris was a non-alcoholic medical doctor and corporate health executive whose work at Eastman Kodak helped pioneer company support programs for alcoholic employees. He later served Alcoholics Anonymous as a Class A trustee and Chairman of the General Service Board. His signature represents the important role played by non-alcoholic friends and professionals in supporting A.A.’s service structure and public credibility.

Geraldine O. “Mrs. D” Delaney was a major figure in alcoholism treatment and recovery history. Founder of the Little Hill Foundation, which operates Alina Lodge in Blairstown, New Jersey, she helped shape one of the most respected long-term residential treatment programs for alcoholism and addiction.

Eve Marsh was a General Service Office staff worker who served closely with Bill W. and others in the New York office from the 1950s through the 1980s. Her presence here adds another meaningful connection to A.A.’s central service history and office life.

Collector’s Significance

This is a wonderful A.A. convention souvenir from the Fellowship’s 50th anniversary, made exceptional by the presence of multiple signatures from people connected to A.A.’s service, archival, medical, office, literary, and treatment history.

Highlights include:

Official 1985 International A.A. Convention souvenir volume
Montreal, Quebec, Canada · July 4–7, 1985
Signed by Ruth Hock, typist of the original Big Book manuscript
Signed by Nell Wing, A.A.’s first archivist and longtime secretary to Bill W.
Rare association of Ruth Hock and Nell Wing signatures in one A.A. item
Connected to the convention where Ruth Hock was presented with the five-millionth copy of the Big Book
Signed by Dr. Jack Norris, Geraldine Delaney, Eve Marsh, and others
Strong connection to A.A.’s 50th anniversary celebration
Meaningful association with A.A. archives, General Service, early publishing history, treatment history, and non-alcoholic friends of the Fellowship

For collectors of A.A. International Convention material, signed A.A. books, Ruth Hock items, Nell Wing items, General Service history, or important recovery figures, this is a standout piece.

Condition

This book is in very good condition overall. There are handwritten inscriptions and signatures on several pages, including page 16 and two pages at the back of the book. Light handling wear may be present from age and use.

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Final Note

A.A. convention books tell the story of the Fellowship gathering together across time and geography. This signed 50th anniversary volume does even more. It preserves the handwritten presence of Ruth Hock and Nell Wing — two women deeply connected to the making and preservation of A.A.’s written history — along with other important figures from A.A. service, medicine, archives, and treatment.

A highly meaningful and display-worthy association copy from the 1985 International Convention and a special addition to any A.A. history collection.