The A.A. Grapevine — December 1947 | Volume IV, No. 7 — Bill W. on the First Tradition

An original December 1947 issue of The A.A. Grapevine, published during a period of rapid growth for Alcoholics Anonymous and featuring a strong mix of holiday reflection, early Traditions material, family recovery, group development, and nationwide A.A. news.

The cover article, “’Tis the Night Before Christmas —”, looks at the special challenges the holiday season could present for recovering alcoholics. Rather than treating Christmas as something to fear, the article encourages members to focus on gratitude, service, fellowship, and the deeper meaning of the season.

It is a warm and distinctly early-A.A. reflection on how sobriety changes the experience of the holidays.

Bill W. on the First Tradition

One of the most significant pieces in this issue is the editorial:

“On the 1st Tradition” — by Bill

The article centers on the principle that the welfare of the group must come before individual preference and emphasizes humility, unity, and the absence of coercive personal authority in A.A.

This is particularly important historically because it comes from the period when Bill was actively developing and explaining the Traditions that would shape A.A.’s future structure.

The issue also includes a notice that A.A. Tradition, Bill’s pamphlet covering the Twelve Points of Tradition, was being distributed through the Alcoholic Foundation.

Family Recovery and the Early A.A. Home

Another substantial article, “A Wife Learns How Best to Really Help,” explores the experience of living with a recovering alcoholic and the changes required of family members as well as the alcoholic.

The writer reflects on control, fear, resentment, detachment, love, and the realization that recovery affected the entire household.

This material is especially interesting because it predates the formal development of Al-Anon and shows how family members were already grappling with many of the ideas that would later become central to family recovery.

A.A. in Industry

The issue also includes “Reference Library — On the Industrial Aspect,” dealing with Alcoholics Anonymous and alcoholism in the workplace.

The article discusses experience with A.A. among employees of the DuPont Company and considers absenteeism, workplace accidents, rehabilitation, and the value of helping alcoholic employees recover rather than simply dismissing them.

It is a strong example of the growing recognition of alcoholism as a medical and social problem rather than merely a moral failing.

Nationwide A.A. Growth

The issue contains extensive reports on the continuing expansion of Alcoholics Anonymous, including:

• New A.A. groups forming across the United States and Canada
• Prison groups and institutional work
• Open and closed meeting practices
• Women organizing their own meetings
• Group anniversaries and regional gatherings
• A.A. activity in Tacoma, Omaha, Cleveland, Vermont, Minnesota, Houston, San Quentin, and elsewhere
• Continued use of radio, newspapers, and community outreach to explain A.A.

These reports provide a valuable snapshot of the Fellowship as it moved from its earliest formative years into a rapidly expanding national movement.

Additional Highlights

Other notable content includes:

• “You Don’t Know What Lonesome Is!”
• “Christmas Lights Are Signals Along A.A. Road”
• “The Group Meeting Page”
• Discussion of open versus closed meetings
• “The ‘Border Boys’ Want In!”
• “A.A. Digest — Excerpts from Group Publications”
• “Bottoms Up” humor and illustrations
• Group anniversary reports
• News of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale addressing an A.A. banquet
• Reports on prison and correctional A.A. activity

Issue Details

Publication: The A.A. Grapevine
Date: December 1947
Volume: IV
Number: 7
Format: Original large-format monthly magazine
Cover Article: “’Tis the Night Before Christmas —”
Notable Content: Bill W. on the First Tradition, early family recovery, A.A. in industry, holiday sobriety, group growth and institutional work

Condition

This issue remains in fair condition and shows substantial evidence of previous use and storage.

A series of binder holes has been punched along the left margin throughout the issue, indicating that it was likely stored in a binder. There is also handwritten notation across the upper margin of the front cover and additional pencil marking near the lower portion.

The issue shows age toning, scattered staining and spotting, edge wear, creasing, and small tears and chips along the margins. The pages remain generally clear and readable, and the important articles appear complete.

Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition and appearance.

A content-rich 1947 issue of The A.A. Grapevine, especially notable for Bill W.’s early discussion of the First Tradition, holiday recovery material, family recovery, and documentation of A.A.’s continuing national growth.