Cleveland Central Bulletin, November, 1942*

 

UNSELFISHNESS - HONESTY - TRUTH - LOVE
VOL. I-No. 2; BOX 1638, STATION C, CLEVELAND, OHIO; November, 1942

Editorial
The Founder called it “a Miracle of Transformation.”
So it was. There were doctors, lawyers and mechanics, business executives and clerks: men of many stations of life and of many creeds.

Not so long ago they were chained almost inescapably to an obsession that defied determination and willpower, that progressively destroyed their usefulness to themselves, their families and to society. They and their wives, numbering nearly l000 persons, filled the great Rainbom Room of Hotel Carter. They were there to pay tribute to the Founder. Yet the Founder’s inspiring message was overshadowed by the audience itself. There were many hundred personal triumphs, and many hundred triumphs of missionary zeal.

The Founder himself saw this great audience as a miracle. He paid tribute to the work of the members of Greater Cleveland, who had shown how ordinary men, with Divine inspiration, could succeed in an effort that would be accounted too great for professionals.

The Founder led a meeting. He told us about his personal problem. He told us how, after he had received the inspiration that led to the development of the method, his problem still remained. It remained as long as resentment, intolerance and self pity remained. He put strong emphasis on the destroying effect of resentment.

He met his crisis as most of the rest of us have learned to meet our crises: by acceptance of the guiding hand of the Creator, and by working with others.

He spoke of humility and patience and love and honesty and unselfishness. But particularly, he spoke of the destructive effects of resentment, intolerance and self pity.

There were two other speakers. The guest of honor of last year’s dinner meeting spoke of the necessity of passing the work on to others, of correcting our thinking, of finding a new plan for living, and of making use of the opportunity to gain happiness.

The other speaker was a Clevelander, a member for five years. He spoke on the individual nature of the problem and the individual’s own responsibility for its solution.

Members from 20 other cities were present: Lorain, Akron, Uhrichsville, Ashtabula, Youngstown, Dayton, Columbus, Geneva, Mountainview, Kent, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Mount Vernon, Belleview, Mansfield, Berea and Toledo in Ohio; Erie, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Jackson, Mich.

ABSOLUTE HONESTY - One of the four absolutes of A. A. means that we MUST be honest with ourselves first, last and always if we are to succeed in this New Way Of Life.

Responsibility of Sponsors
The greatest responsibility any man or woman assumes as a member of A. A. is the treatment or sponsorship of the new prospect.

Upon how thoroughly and conscientiously this job is done by us depends the future happiness and security of the individual concerned.

It is, therefore,  important that we assume this responsibility in its entirety, not only for the benefit of the prospect, but for our own protection as well. Our own safety and security depends upon how unselfishly we give of ourselves to others.

It is our duty to be certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that the prospect once left on his own has such a complete understanding of the principles and practices of this movement that he

will know what to do under any and all conditions.
This is accomplished only by painstaking effort on our part to the extent that we must be sure that the prospect has received the proper instructions from a great number of contacts, thru the reading of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, and by our showing the way properly to make a contact with others. All this having been done, it is important that we impress upon the prospect the fact that he must then do this job himself for his own security.

All these things are vitally necessary and it is the sponsor’s responsibility to follow thru on this to the point where the prospect is able honestly to recognize the fact that regardless of what the condition or circumstance with which he is confronted a drink is never the solution to his problem.

GOD'S LOVE
Let the thought of Love be with you;
Pass it not one single day;
It will ever be your sunshine,
Health and joy in every way.
Use it when dark clouds may gather,
And all trouble soon will cease;
Just know God's great Love forever -
It will bring you lasting peace.

SUNDAY EVENING MEETINGS
At a round table discussion meeting it was suggested that a Sunday evening group be started and that it preferably meet regularly downtown or within easy reach of all districts of Cleveland. We suggest that the secretaries bring this up for discussion at regular meetings, and if sufficient interest is aroused, steps will be taken to create a new group.

BULLETIN RETAINS NAME
In the first Bulletin it was suggested that everyone put his thinking cap on and submit a name for the subsequent Bulletins. Only one other name was suggested and the delegates to Central Committee expressed a preference for the original name, so the name stands. A new masthead is being drawn by one of our artist members, so for the Christmas issue you may see us with a different “dress” on.


GOSSIP
Gossip is one of the cardinal sins. It is not a single act like murder, that stops one’s life and falls back to punish the offender. It is the breath of the Devil, soiling every ear it touches. It is the most deadly of poisons. It blights many lives, it smites the innocent with the guilty.

An old Italian legend tells the following:
In the old days, a peasant confessed to a priest that he had slandered an innocent man. The priest said to him, “For your penance do this now: Take a bag of chicken down. Go to every yard in the town and drop one bit of down into each garden. Do not miss one yard. When you have finished, return to me.” The sinner believed his punishment was light. Kith his bag of dolrn he made the circuit of the village and carefully dropped one soft feather into each garden. Then he reported to the priest, saying: “I have done my penance.”

“No, my son,” replied the old abbe. “You will not have done your penance until you take this bag, go again on your rounds, collect every feather you have dropped, and bring it here to me."

The gossip protested that it would be impossible: he could not find the bits of down in a lifetime; many of them had blown far away.

“So it is with gossip,” replied the priest. “It is easily dropped. But never again, no matter how hard you try, can you rather back the words you hare so thoughtlessly scattared.”

"Create in me a clean heart, O Lord."

A. A. MALE CHORUS
The Male Chorus has finally been launched. and rehearsals are held every Sunday afternoon at 4 P.M. in the Old Arcade (Superior entrance). There is still an insistent demand for first tenors and low basses, and a plea is now made for an early response to further this worthy endeavor.

This chorus is considering a suitable name for itself - a name which will not in any way denote A. A. connection. It will be available for Cleveland’s community activities and only the members themselves will know its origin.

Francis Sadlier, a teacher of voice and a well-known figure in Cleveland’s musical circles, will direct and train the group. His personal acquaintance with several of the members prompted him to practically donate his services and facilities to the cause. (He is not a member of A.A.)

LAKEWOOD GROUP
The Lakewood Group, parent of the West Side groups, will celebrate its third anniversary at the semi-monthly party Saturday, November 21. This group was founded November 20, 1939. The second annual dinner and reunion of the founders of the Lakewood Group, first West Side group, will be held at Cousin's Restaurant, 15001 Detroit Ave., Lakewood on Saturday, November 28th.

The Group has reinstituted its “every other Saturday” evening get-togethers. Cards and games provide entertainment and the membership feels it engenders a greater social activity than is possible on meeting nights.

GORDON SQUARE GROWTH
On July 21, 1932, the Gordon Square Group started with two members. The Group now numbers forty-one. This shows that the location selected was wise and also that some splendid work has been done by the members. Fine cooperation was given by the West 25th-Erin Group and the Lorain Avenue Group. The fine response from the Women’s Group also was a great factor in its success.

- B . H .

A farewell party and dance was held in honor of Clarence Snyder on Saturday evening, October 3rd, C.I.0. Hall, 6221 Detroit Ave., with the Gordon Square Group as hosts. He was presented with a beautiful service wrist watch as a gift from all West Side groups who acclaimed him for his pioneer work in Cleveland and particularly the West Side. The large crowd wished him Godspeed and his parting speech was well received.

CRAWFORD MEN'S TRAINING
The Crawford Men's Training System has been highly acclaimed by many. Older A.A’s are asked to come to these meeting’s with or without new prospects where new prospects will be given individual attention just as though they were in a hospital. Visiting a prospect in his home has always been handicapped by interruptions; by the prospect not daring to unburden himself completely for fear of being overheard by his relatives, and by the A.A.'s reticence for the same reason. Hospitalization without question is the ideal answer to where the message will be most effective, but the Crawford Training Plan strikes us being the next best.

This group has even had regular visitors from Pittsburgh and surrounding small towns.

LEE ROAD GROUP
A goodly number of the Wednesday night Lee Road Group spent a very pleasant Sunday afternoon and evening last month at the Hinckley Lake home of our Group Secretary and enjoyed a delicious chicked dinner.

- B . E .

WOMEN’S GROUP
We of the Women’s Group feel that we are not entitled to a great deal of space in our “Central Bulletin,” being so much in the minority. However, we proclaim far and wide the success we have attained, against many odds. We were told over and over, that when it came to organizing and trying to educate a “Bunch of Alcoholic Women” that it would be hopeless. To our great satisfaction and pride, our able organizer and first Secretary did not let that discourage her. She believed in her idea of a Group for women only. Our success and constant growth proved her point better than anything we can say.

Of course, with all of us, the Women’s Group comes first, but we are always glad to cooperate in any way we can with the Men’s Groups, as many of them have been very kind and helpful to us.

Here’s to the immediate success of your paper - whether it is “Central Bulletin” or “Good News From The Home Front.”

WADE PARK GROW CHANGES LOCATION
The Wade Park Croup has just changed its meeting place from East 82nd and Wade Park to the Parish House of Emmanuel Church, 8614 Euclid Ave. An enthusiastic group of about 100 persons welcomed the change on the first meeting night.

No mention was made to the editors as to whether the group changed its name, and our efforts to certify the information were unsuccessful. However, if there is a change, it will be announced in the next bulletin.

THE MAN IN THE MIRROR
When you get what you want, in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you king for a day -
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what THAT guy has to say.
For it isn’t a man’s father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon him must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please - never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end,
And you’ve passed your most dangerous difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like “Jack Horner” and “chisel” a deal
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass thinks you’re only a heel
If you can’t look HIM straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back from your friends,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

GROUP MEETINGS
Monday
Borton, 13931 Euclid Ave., 8:45
Lee Road, 1637 Lee Road, 8:30
Lakewood, Townsend Hall, 15903 Detroit Ave., 8:30
Lake Shore, Lake Shore Hotel, Dinner at 7:30, Meeting at 8:30
Lorain Ave., Banater Hall Annex, W. 120th at Lorain, 8:30
Miles Ave., 12907 Union Ave., 8:30
Shaker Heights, Shaker Jr. High, S. Woodland and Woodbury, 8:30
South East Group, 10203 Miles Ave., 8:30
Tuesday
Wade Park, Emmanuel Church (Rear), 8614 Euclid, 8:30
West Side Men’s, Pilgrim Church, W. 14th and Starkweather, 8:30
Douglas, Mansfield O, North Lake Park, Sec. Address, 1.17 W. First St., Mansfield, 0, 8:30
Wednesday
Crawford Men’s, 8920 Euclid Ave., 8:30
Brooklyn, K. of P. Hall, Broadview and Pearl Rd., 8 :30
Lee Road, l637 Lee Road, 8:30
Collinwood, 14709 St. Clair Ave., 8:30
Women’s, 12214 Detroit Ave., 8:30
Lorain, Ohio, Antlers Hotel, 8:30
Thursday
Lee Road, 1637 Lee Road, 8:30
West 25th St., Schmotzer’s Hall, W. 25th and Erin Ave., 8:30
Glenville, E. 105th and Marlowe, 8:30
Friday
Lee Road, l637 Lee Road, 8:30
Avon Lake, 1112 W. Erie, Lorain, 8:30
Berea, Bagley and Seminary, 8:30
Gordon Square, CIO Hall, 6221 Detroit Ave., 8:30
Brooklyn-Parma, 4421 Pearl Rd., 8:30
S u n d a y
Crawford Training, 8920 Euclid Ave., 2:00
Morning Meetings
Wednesday Mornings
Collinwood, 14709 St. Clair Ave., 10:00 A.M.
Thursday Mornings
Schmotzer's Hall, West 25th St., W. 25th and Erin Ave., 10:00 A.M.
1st Tuesday every month
Central Committee, 8920 Euclid Ave., 8:30

TELEPHONE LISTING
At the last regular meeting of the Central Committee it was decided to list Alcoholics Anonymous in the telephone directory. A twenty-four hour service will be maintained. Since the deadline for listing was near, it was decided to act immediately rather than approach each individual group for support, which the delegates present felt could be assured.

That the listing is important and necessary goes without saying, as many groups in other cities will attest, where listing has been in effect for some time.

A six-point dispatching service is being worked out by a committee and will be presented to the delegates to Central Committee to be taken to their groups for explanation and approval. The tentative plan provides for three east side and three west side outlets.

ACCREDITED A.A. HOSPITALS
Approved by Hospital Committee of Central Committee
*Charity Hospital, Central at East 22nd, Main 9400 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($10.), Room Rate (Reg. Rate), Cash Dep. ($5. per day)

*Deaconess Hospital, 4233 Pearl Road, Florida 0070 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($10.), Room Rate (Reg. Rate), Cash Dep. ($5. per day)

*East Cleveland Clinic, 13240 Euclid Ave., Glenville 3244 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($10. & $5.), Room Rate ($6.), Cash Dep. ($45.)

Farquharson’s Home, 6037 Pearl Road, Shadyside 8374 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($5. & $5.), Room Rate ($7.), Cash Dep. ($45.)

Harmony Home, 9711 Lamont Ave., Randolph 2703 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($10.), Room Rate ($6.), Cash Dep. ($40.)
Nottingham Hospital, 18920 Nottingham Road, Ivanhoe 0133 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($10. & $5.), Room Rate ($6.), Cash Dep. ($45.)

Al Webster’s Inc., 3730 Euclid Ave., Express 0180 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine (included), Room Rate ($5. per day over 5 days), Cash Dep. ($45. for 5 days)

Women’s A.A. Hospital, 12214 Detroit Ave., Academy 4688 - Doctor's Fee & Medicine ($5.), Room Rate ($7.), Cash Dep. ($40.)

Wright Nursing Home, 15315 Detroit Ave., Academy 4879 - Call for information.

*Hospitalization recognition.

NEWS FROM CAMPS
Letters and news of A.A.'s aree greatly appreciated. Every effort will be made to pass on information as space will allow. No address will be given without consent, and excerpts from letters will be published whenever possible. - EDITOR.

Word was sent to all secretaries that Glen R. Wadick was ill in the infirmary, and a letter brought this reply,
"Thanks for your letter and am back in the pink again. Had a touch of the flu I guess. You may use my name and address in the Bulletin if you wish. Give my best regards to the old bunch. Hope to get away from here soon, as I really want to get in this war and see some action.  Am awaiting orders to go to Ft. Benning for officers training - hope it comes soon.

Best regards to all my AA friends,
Sgt. Glen R. Wadick,
Co. D, 29th Eng. Tr. Bn.,
Fort Leonard Wood, MO."
 
Clarence Snyder writes us that
“The going is tough but I don’t hear anyone hollering UNCLE. My only regret is that I am not 15 or 20 years younger but I feel that I can offset that by application of other advantages I may have.

I received a copy of the first edition of the newspaper and enjoyed it much. Here’s hoping the best for its success. I will appreciate receiving it each month.

If any of my friends wish to write me, address me as follows -
Pvt. Clarence H. Snyder, Co. B. 8th Bn. A.F.R.T.C., Fort Knox, Ky.”
"...but I miss the association of the groups. I haven’t run across any other AA’s although I’m inquiring around. I’m still keeping my chin up and I pray God I won’t have any trouble,  I don’t think I will. My best to you and the whole Glenville Group.

Pvt. F. M. Orpse,
Flight A-565 T.S.S. (SP)
Atlantic City, N. J.”

 


*Thanks Bill L. !