AA World Group Directory — Spring 1951
Published by The Alcoholic Foundation, Inc.
A remarkable snapshot of Alcoholics Anonymous at a pivotal point in its early development. Published by The Alcoholic Foundation in April 1951, this confidential directory was distributed primarily to A.A. group secretaries and a limited number of members who traveled extensively.
The directory lists A.A. groups throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries, including group mailing information, local contacts, reported membership figures, and financial contributions received during 1950. It records 111,765 members among 4,052 groups, including groups operating in hospitals, prisons, and 38 countries.
The cover emphasizes the private nature of the directory:
“CONFIDENTIAL — to be USED FOR A.A. PURPOSES ONLY and not as a mailing list for promotion.”
It also reminds members not to place the words “Alcoholics Anonymous” or the initials “AA” on envelopes, wrappers, or postcards—an especially interesting reflection of how seriously anonymity was protected in early A.A. correspondence.
More than a simple meeting directory, this is a detailed record of the Fellowship’s geographic expansion and developing service network during the spring of 1951. The individual group names, membership totals, contact information, and contribution records make it a valuable reference for collectors and students of early Alcoholics Anonymous history.
Publication Details
- Title: AA World Group Directory
- Date: Spring 1951
- Published: April 1951
- Publisher: The Alcoholic Foundation, Inc.
- Location: General Headquarters, New York
- Binding: Paper-covered boards with brown cloth spine
- Distribution: Confidential A.A. service publication
Condition
Excellent condition for its age. The binding remains secure, the interior pages are clean and well preserved, and the printed contents remain clear and legible. There is only minor exterior wear and light age-related toning. Please review all photographs for a complete view of the condition.
