1989
Jan 13, Dr Jack Norris died. (1989 GSC-FR 40)
AAWS took action against Nan R’s trademark violation, to have her change the title of her book from AA – Inside Alcoholics Anonymous to Getting Better Inside Alcoholics Anonymous. AAWS withheld permission to use portions of AA’s copyrighted material. There was strong objection among AA members regarding her anonymity break. (1989 GSC-FR 38)
Apr 23-29, Omni Park Central Hotel in NYC. Theme: Anonymity – Living Our Traditions. The 39th GSC recommended that:
- Work continue on a definitive book on AA history from 1955, as recommended by the 1986 GSC, along the lines of a proposal recently submitted to the trustee’s Literature Committee, which focuses on major events and developments since the co-founder turned AA over to the Fellowship, rather than focusing on the beginning of AA and the history of the 91 areas of the US and Canada. (Lit.)
- The Grapevine develop an ongoing AA history section drawing on archival material, including area & region histories. (Gv)
- The listing of clubs be deleted from the AA Directories. (Rept/Ch)
- The book Alcoholics Anonymous be available in large print because of an indicated need over the years. (Lit.)
Apr 26, Dr Leonard V. Strong died. (GSO)
Apr 30, the film My Name is Bill W premiered on ABC TV’s Hallmark Hall of Fame. Portrayals were James Garner as Dr Bob, James Woods as Bill, JoBeth Williams as Lois and Gary Sinese as Ebby. Woods was awarded an Emmy for Best Actor. (www)
1990
Life magazine named Bill W among the 100 most important figures of the 20th century. (BW-FH 4)
Apr 22-28, Omni Park Central Hotel in NYC. Theme: The Home Group – Our Responsibility and Link to AA’s Future. The 40th GSC recommended that:
- The AA History book project continue until completion and that the time frame covered be expanded to include 1955 to the present. (Lit.)
Jul, AA’s 55th anniversary and 9th Int’l Convention held at Seattle, WA. Theme: 55 Years – One Day At A Time. Est. attendance 48,000. Nell Wing was presented the 10 millionth copy of the Big Book. (PIO 206 says 10 millionth copy printed Mar 1991)
1991
Mar, distribution of the Big Book reached the 10 million mark. (PIO 206)
Apr 14-20, Rye Town Hilton in Rye Brook, NY. Theme: Sponsorship – Gratitude in Action. The 41st GSC recommended that:
- The AA History book project continue to completion, and that a manuscript be forwarded to the 1992 GSC Literature Committee for consideration and approval. (Lit.)
- The Grapevine discontinue publishing the “About Alcoholism” section. (Gv)
- The 1992 GSC annual meeting be held in the city of NY. (Fl Act)
1992
Mar, The GSO moved to the 10th & 11th floors of 475 Riverside Dr. and 120th St in NYC. (SM S10, 1992 GSC-FR 26)
Apr 26 – May 2, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in NYC. Theme: The AA Message In a Changing World. The 42nd GSC recommended that:
- That the new AA History Book manuscript be returned to the 1992 GSC Literature Committee for further review and then forwarded to the 1993 GSC Literature Committee. (Lit.)
- The proposal of the GSB to directly manage AAWS/GSO on an experimental basis for nine months not be implemented. (Agenda)
- The new computer monitored Happy Birthday Contribution Plan instituted in 1991 be discontinued immediately and that any data base of AA member’s names and addresses, together with sobriety birthday dates, that may have been created be destroyed. (Fin.)
- The six point definition of an AA group be removed from all literature and replaced by the long form of Tradition Three and a section of Warranty Six, Concept XII … (Lit.)