Hello, and welcome to the beginning of what will be a complete history of Alcoholics Anonymous Southern Illinois Area 21 District 19. This story will be brought to you courtesy of "Alcoholics Anonymous in Springfield Illinois 1941 - 2001" printed for the 60th anniversary of our fellowship. You can expect to find a little more of the story each month here on the website, and a complete printing at the end of the year. Stay tuned....
"There is one characteristic that marks the decline of every civilization... they forgot where they came from." -Carl Sandburg, Illinois Poet Laureate
"Under the impact of (Jack) Alexander's glowing story in the Saturday Evening Post of March 1, 1941, membership in Alcoholics Anonymous began a rapid, nationwide growth. In the last ten months of 1941, membership quadrupled from 2,000 to 8,000, and one of the visions of the Big Book finally came true. Suddenly it was no longer possible to send sober alcoholics experienced in the program to visit all those expressing interest. In countless nooks and crannies of an America mobilizing for war, the program would have to be "gotten by the book." And significantly, an ever increasing chain of correspondence developed, as many ordering the Big Book from its New York distribution center appended requests for further detailed information." - Not God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous, (1979) pp. 101-102, printed with permission, Ernest Kurtz Ph.D.
Even the wildest dreams of Ward M. could not have foreseen his future and legacy as the "Founder of A.A.". As a matter of fact, in early 1941 Ward could not even quit drinking? But in March of that year a ray of hope made its way through the darkness of his life by the way of the nations leading weekly magazine of that day, the Saturday Evening Post. It contained the article mentioned above.
Its nationally acclaimed author, Jack Alexander, had just finished his dramatic series exposing the New Jersey rackets. His no-holds-barred, straight forward style was supported by hard facts. His reputation for expsing crime and fraud was well known to a large audience just waiting for his next sensational story. This next assignment, exposing a 'bunch of nameless drunks" who claimed to have a way of sobering-up other drunks was right up his alley. However, after a thorough investigation of A.A., Jack became convinced it was no hoax. He saw the methods used and witnessed their results. Alcoholics could stop drinking and these "ex-alcoholics" had the answer! It was doubly sensational because their solution was spiritual rather than medical.
Alexander was more than convinced. He wrote additional hard hitting articles about A.A. and in 1951 became a member of the A.A. Board of Trustees.
His article (-"Alcoholics Anonymous: Freed Slaved of Drink, Now They Free Others", Saturday Evening Post, March 1, 1941; pp. 9-11, 89-90, 92.-) about these "dipsomaniacs" was not the first national publicity A.A. had received, but it did bring in the most requests for help. "It is estimated that 6,000 A.A.'s owe the start of their sobriety to the Post article," and Ward M. would be one of them.
Jack Alexander and the Saturday Evening Post brought the credibility A.A. needed in its infancy. It also brought a rush of inquiries about A.A. that founder Bill W. had not prepared for. The new book Alcoholics Anonymous and one small pamphlet were all that Bill and his secretary had to send out to thousands of inquiries that came in response to this article. Each inquiry was also answered with a personal letter.
One of these inquiries came from Elizabeth D. in Springfield, Illinois. Her plea for help was on behalf of her brother, Ward M. Using information given in the article, Elizabeth wrote to what was then called "The Alcoholic Foundation". She received her reply from "R. Houck, Secretary" of the Alcoholic Foundation dated May 23, 1941 Church Street Annex, P.O. Box 658, New York City. Ruth, a non-alcoholic, rarely used her first name on these letters. The drunks seeking help were usually men and Bill W. did not want them to think they were corresponding with a woman. The Foundation had a Board of Trustees for legal/financial purposes and two additional clericals recently hired to help Ruth at the small "National Headquarters". However, for all practical purposes, Bill W. was "The Foundation" and R. Hock was "The Secretary".
"There is one characteristic that marks the decline of every civilization... they forgot where they came from." -Carl Sandburg, Illinois Poet Laureate
...The May 23rd letter contained a pamphlet titled "A.A.". This first piece of A.A. literature, now extremely rare, was printed in April 1940 on 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" paper and contained 33 pages. It was about a few groups of men and women who had found a solution to their problem. The letter also informed that this solution was explained in their book "Alcoholics Anonymous". Elizabeth immediately sent them $3.50 to order a copy of this new hope for alcoholics.
A follow-up letter of June 5, 1941 gave Elizabeth the name of Mr. (F.L.) F. at the Gibson Hotel, 5883 Enright in St. Louis as a contact person if she wanted more information. Mr. F. and "Father Ed", a non-alcoholic priest*, had only recently started holding regular A.A. meetings at the Gibson Hotel.
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*Father Edward Dowling: A Jesuit from St. Louis who first met Bill W. in 1940 the returned home to help form the first St. Louis A. A. meeting. He remained Bill's spiritual sponsor, guide and mentor for the next twenty years. When Father Dowling passed away in 1960 the first car in his procession carried two old friends...Bill W. and Ward M.
At this time Bill also sent a blue second printing (possibly the first red printing of his new book Alcoholics Anonymous. Armed with the directions contained in this book, Ward M. finally obtained permanent sobriety on Tuesday, December 16, 1941.
However, getting to a meeting was quite an adventure of Ward in those first two years of sobriety. There were no meetings in downstate Illinois. The only groups near him were in either St. Louis or Chicago. So, in addition to studying the book, Ward (with his wife, Marian) traveled twice weekly to St. Louis in order to attend the A.A. meetings there.
By the Spring of 1943, Ward saw the need for an A.A. meeting here in central Illinois and a weekly meeting took shape at his home on 1516 Bates Avenue. This Friday night meeting attracted several "potential customers" that Ward had talked to in Springfield plus a few additional "prospects" he had searched out in Decatur. But none were ready "to go all the way with A.A." as they used to say in those days. Ward found that he was repeating the pattern experienced by A.A.'s founder Bill W. in New York. With the notable exception of themselves, none of the small bands were able to stay sober. "They would clear up for a little while and then flop dismally."**
**Pass It On: A.A. World Services, Inc. 1984, p. 132.
None of this deterred Ward. By mid-1943 a young man by the name of Jerry C. started to attend Ward's meeting and soon appeared very interested in the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. Ward stated to a friend at the St. Louis meeting, "I think Jerry is ripe".
Ward finally hit pay dirt in June 1943. While enjoying his favorite treat (a chocolate sundae) at the old Leland Hotel, Ward's conversation with Jerry turned to staying sober and making a full commitment to the "A.A. way of life". Jerry C. became A.A. #2 in Springfield that afternoon and soon assisted in attracting others to the program.
On July 26, 1943 Ward received a short letter from the Alcoholic Foundation's new secretary, Margaret R. (Bobbie) Burger. Bobby sent him a copy other reply to a recent inquiry about A.A. that had reached the "NY National Headquarters" from Decatur, Illinois. Her reply to this inquiry stated "a small beginning in our work has been made in Springfield." It named Ward as the "contact person" for A.A. in central Illinois. This personal touch of sending out Ward's name and address for "more complete information" was continued until at least December of 1945.
By September 7, 1943 Mike K. had become A.A. #3. He played on a professional sports team in St. Louis but lived in Springfield so he attended meetings in both locations.
Around this time period (1942 or 1943) the annual "New Years Eve Party" started as a small gathering held at Ward's home to celebrate both his A.A. birthday and the New Year. However, it gained in popularity and size. By 1945 it had become a large family event and was held at the public pavilion in Washington Park. The "Party eventually moved to Lincoln Park and is presently held at the Heritage House (3851 S. 6th).*** It still serves as this areas annual opportunity to meet, reunite and celebrate sobriety with fellow members.
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***At the time of the printing of "Alcoholics Anonymous in Springfield Illinois 1941 - 2001"
The 1970's ... Growth and Division
The 1970's were landmark years in the history of Springfield AA In 1971 Oscar A (Sr.), an early Springfield pioneer was Master of Ceremonies for a celebration on the evening of December 7th marking Ward M.'s 30th Anniversary. It was held in Saints Peter and Paul School cafeteria (426 North 6th Street). Approximately 200 people arrived from as far away as St. Louis, Chicago, and New York City to attend this fitting tribute to "The Founder of Springfield AA"
But other events of major importance were also occurring in the 1970's. After some thirty years AA had still not completed its phenomenal period of growth. Up until this time there was only one "group" in Springfield which held several weekly "meetings", all at the same location. But in the 1970's individual meetings, separate from the original group, began their development period at several locations around town.
Wes J. organized the first of these "independent" meetings which was also the first "institutional" meeting in Springfield. This story actually begins in Jacksonville where Wes sobered-up on 10/27/63. He then followed in the earlier footsteps of Leo F.9 and started an AA meeting in June 1965 at the Jacksonville State Hospital where he held an administrative position.
It should be pointed out that in these pre-treatment center days, those central Illinois alcoholics who survived multiple trips to their various county jails, wound up in the Jacksonville State Hospital's alcoholic ward! When Wes transferred to the new Andrew McFarland Mental Health Center (901 Southwind/Toronto Road) he continued his institutional AA work and by January of 1970 had founded the first "independent" open speaker meetings on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 11 :00 a.m.
The second "independent" group was "Wizard's Wonders".
9 Leo F. and inmate Ricardo D. started an "institutional" meeting inside San Quentin Prison. Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age: AA World Services, Inc., 197, pp.89-90.
With twenty-three long months of sobriety firmly under his belt, Bill 1. became the corner stone of this group in June 1971. They met in the Grace Methodist Church basement (15th and Edwards Street, southwest corner). This first "independent" group to continuously meet, still gathers on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. in Grace Methodist Church, now relocated to 1612 East Capitol.
The third meeting "independent" of the original group was called simply "Joe's". Founder Joe M. Started this meeting in 1973 at the old Claudia Nursing Home (409 North Grand Ave. East) on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. It later (December 1977) moved to the Springfield Southern Baptist Church (225 North Grand Ave. East). More recently it has moved to the Third Presbyterian Church (1030 North Seventh at Bergen). The Tuesday 7:00 p.m. meeting is called "Day At A Time" and the Thursday 8:00 p.m. meeting is called "Recovery, Unity, Service".
In October 1975 Jim T. Started the fourth "independent" group ,"Cherry and Bates". They met on Monday at 8:00 p.m. as a "12 x12" meeting. They still meet in the basement of the First Congregational Church at Cherry Road and Bates Avenue. In 1984 they added a Thursday 8:00 p.m. "Big Book" meeting and in July of 1996 a Friday 8:00 p.m. "Keep it Simple" meeting.
Ed S. is well known in southern Illinois for helping to start many meetings in the metro-East St. Louis area. He also played an important role in Springfield. In 1976 Ed founded the first "treatment center" meeting which was the fifth "independent" meeting in Springfield. GSO estimates of this '"treatment center era" reveal that over 60% of new members entered AA through a treatment center. The 7:00 p.m. Ryerson Center Tuesday meeting was held at 723 South Fifth and was first to recognize this changing AA scene. Ed told this writer "If you want to stay sober, start meeting."
In 1978 Al P. began the 11 th Step Meeting at 417 Cordelia. It is now known as the Unity Group. At least two dozen other "independents' have been organized through the years since these early autonomous meetings. They are now so numerous that they are no longer referred to as "independent". Unfortunately, the individual history for each is beyond the scope of this paper. But, every one has played its significant role in trying to accomplish the primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous .... "to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."
The 1980's and 1990's... Growth and Restructure
The 1980's were distinguished by the founding of two large clubs which require special note because they now play major roles in Springfield AA It was the defining change of the 1980's. Approximately half of the present AA membership attends meetings at either the original Alano Group, the Easy Does It Club, or the Discovery Club. But, it must be left to the next generation of historians to evaluate their significance. Only a brief factual re-cap is possible here.
The concept of a "club" is quite simple. A group of founders incorporate themselves as a legal entity, apart from AA, then rent space in their facility to individual AA meetings. When these two clubs record their individual histories, valuable lessons will be added to the experience of Springfield A.A.
The "Easy Does It Club", formed in 1981, recently moved to its sixth and present location at 514 N orth Walnut. It now hosts 21 weekly meetings at that facility. Over recent years it has moved to the following locations:
1. 1131 West Governor Street - 6/1/81 - 8/1/85
2. 81212 South Fourth Street - 8/1/84 - 10/1/88
3. 1028 North Street - 10/1/88 - 2/1/90
4. 101 East Ash Street - 2/1/91 - 3/31/96
5. 2712 S. Holmes Avenue - 2/1/91 - 3/31/96
6. 514 North Walnut Street - 3/31/96 - present
The Easy Does It Club hosts the Annual AA Gratitude Meeting on the 3rd Wednesday every November.
The "Discovery Club" was founded in 1988 at its current address of 927 South Eighth Street, Springfield. In the last fourteen years it has grown to over 20 weekly meetings at that location. Registered groups with G.S.O. include the Ey,e Opener Group, Nooner Group, 449 Group, Rush Hour Group and You're Never Too Late Group.
Another major event of the 1980's was the formation of "Intergroup". The number of meetings had expanded far beyond the expectations of our pioneers. The break-neck pace of this expansion had created much conflict. Intergroup was formed September 26, 1983 with 18 elected representatives. They could get together to salve old wounds and formulate new solutions to best serve the changing needs of AA in Springfield. When combining their resources they can "carry the message" in efficient and effective ways that Ward and Jerry could not even imagine. Intergroup has kept Springfield groups informed about area events throughout the years by publishing a newsletter known as Springfield Area AA News, Springfield Area Intergroup Newsletter. Springpatch and finally Springboard, Springfield's AA Newsletter. Our future is just as unknown as it was for Ward and the pioneers, but full of many more possibilities. Intergroup has hosted an annual breakfast at the Lincoln Pavillion, the last being May 19, 1996.
AA grew beyond the city limits of Springfield into the suburbs. On April 4, 1988 the Serenity Group began meeting in Chatham Baptist Church, Chatham, 11. Farther south the Steps For Living Group was founded in May 1990 at Auburn Christian Church in Auburn, IL.
On May 24, 1996 The State Journal Register ran an article featuring fifty years of AA in Springfield. The article was by Charlyn Fargo and appeared in the Sunday AM. section.
AA in Springfield celebrated over 50 years of carrying the message (counting from Ward M.'s sobriety date) with a night of fellowship and the renewing of old acquaintances. The event was held at the Best Western Hotel, on September 22, 1996. The theme was "But For the Grace of God". Following dinner, speakers shared their experience, strength and hope. Ed S.( 48 years sober) and Hank G. spoke.
On February 23, 1999 the Alano Group hosted the Steps/¬Sponsorship Workshop. Then on August 10, 1999, the Alano Group moved for the tenth time to 516 Bryn-Mawer, it's present location. It now holds 14 meetings a week at this address. Annual events hosted by the Alano Group are the New Year's Eve Dinner and Auction and September Picnic. On February 23, 2002, a Sponsorship, Steps and Traditions Workshop and Pot Luck was held.
The final note of this report must end with an overview of the general service structure of the Springfield area (District # 19). The service structure, after many years of inactivity, was reestablished by DCM Butch D. in the 1980's. Those DCM's who followed Butch into the 1990's from Tim K., Marti H, and to the present Gary S. have continued to provide the organizational structure to help groups better carry the message of AA The Springfield AA Website, www.aaspringfield.org was established January 17, 2002.
District 19 has hosted the following events:
1. February 26, 1995 - District 19 Alcathon hosted by the Alano Group
2. February 24, 2001 - Big Book Study hosted by the Alano Group, Don B., Frankfurt, IL and Randy L., Springfield, IL
3. September 29, 2001 - Sponsorship Workshop hosted by Character Defects Group, Easy Does It Club, DCM: Gary S.
Springfield has hosted the following service structure conferences:
1. Illinois State Assembly Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Fifth and Capitol February 21-22, 1953
2. Illinois Downstate Assembly Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Fifth and Capitol March 21-22, 1959
3. Illinois Downstate Assembly September 24, 1961
4. Illinois Meeting of Past and Present Delegates St. Nicolas Hotel, Fourth and Jefferson November 25, 1962
5. Illinois State Assembly Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Fifth and Capitol May 30-31,1964
6. Illinois State Assembly St. Nicolas Hotel, Fourth and Jefferson November 1, 1970
7. Illinois Southern Area Conference Best Western Motel, 400 North Ninth St. April 3-5, 1992
8. 21st Illinois State Conference Freedom From Bondage Holiday Inn-East, 3100 South Dirksen Parkway August 5-7, 1994
9. 1997 Southern Illinois Area 21 Conference Spirituality, Our Foundation March 21-23, 1997
And now it is to the next generation that we turn our attention. In 1943 Ward and Jerry struggled to get just one meeting up and going. There are now over 100 meetings with an estimated membership of well over 500 in Springfield, Illinois. Most of this present generation of AA's were not yet born when our pioneers found a solution to the haunting question alcoholics had been asking for the past four thousand years of recorded history ... "How can I stop drinking?"
The unknown future now belongs to a whole new generation of AA 's, born for the new millennium. We offer this incomplete history of AA in Springfield as some small assistance to them. We are indebted to those who went before us and wrote the histories of 1970, 1991, and 1996.We relied upon and borrowed from them a great deal.
418 W. Allen St. Ward's sister, Elizabeth D., wrote a letter to the Alcoholic Foundation after publicity of the Saturday Evening Post article in May of 1941.
1516 Bates Ave. Residence of Ward M. Pioneer A.A. Springfield. First meeting place held on Friday night 1943.
The Leland Hotel on 6th and Capitol. Was the first public meeting place where members met two times a week. 1945.
Grace Methodist Church on 15th and Edwards. Became the first spin-off meeting from the original group and was started in June of 1971. Was named "Wizard's Wonders".
The Broadwell Building on 5th and Washington. Became second public meeting place in August 1946. Meetings were held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings and during the day on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Second spin-off was "Joe's". Now held at 7th & Bergen at the Third Presbyterian Church. Started in 1972.
The Alano Group when located at 2252 S. 15th St. It is the oldest group in Springfield and the oldest between St. Louis and Chicago. Started out of Ward's house in 1943 and still has a Friday night open meeting. The Discovery Club, home to five registered groups and hosting over twenty meetings a week, is located at 927 South 8th Street

Click below to view a picturesque history of District 19!!!