2011 Newsletter - Stepping Stones

The

Stepping Stones News A Publication of the Stepping Stones Foundation

Welcome Center is Grand

Visitors to Stepping Stones now have an informative, enlightening and comfortable place to begin their exploration of the property: the new Stepping Stones Welcome Center. Opened in May, 2011, the Center occupies the Wilsons’ former garage, a structure originally built by Bill Wilson himself. The 800-squareThe garage, before. foot space now includes background information and insight into the Wilsons and their lifework, providing access to historic and archival material and offering a compelling look at Bill and Lois’ impact on the recovery movement. The Welcome Center was conceived as a way to reduce wear and tear on the main house and to provide easy access to disabled visitors while preserving the original garage structure. With its display panels, maps, photographs, and reproductions of important writings, the Center provides a focal point both for new visitors and for those already familiar with the main house.

Stepping Stones supporters generously donated nearly $225,000 for construction costs, enabling a creative team to bring the Welcome Center to life. Special thanks go to the New York State Council for the Arts for funding the design of the space, and to key participants who contributed to the project. These include Stephen Tilly Architects and David Gengo of Salem Preservation, Inc. The historic preservation experts in the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Peebles Island designed the exhibit. Almost all of the subcontractors were locally owned businesses which enabled Stepping Stones to The future Welcome Center, during construction.

FALL 2011

give back to the community while building this resource. The Stepping Stones Board of Trustees and Advisory Council provided invaluable assistance. The Welcome Center is now available to visitors who want to become familiar with the site before their tour of the house. Please contact the staff at 914-232-4822 for more information.

The 1951 garage at Stepping Stones, after its reconstruction in 2011. The renovation retained the original structure, including the doors built by Bill Wilson (notice that the garage doors are different sizes). (photo: Ann O’Keefe-Bave)

The Welcome Center contains a map in a protective case which marked A.A. meetings as they were growing across the country in the 1940s. The map is displayed on special occasions and for limited periods of time, in keeping with Stepping Stones’ commitment to help it last in perpetuity. (photo: Ann O’Keefe-Bave)

An exhibit showing Bill and Lois’ lives before Stepping Stones, and samples of archives material. The windows are the garage door as seen in the before picture, above. (photo: Ann O’Keefe-Bave)

62 Oak Road • Katonah, NY 10536 • 914.232.4822 • [email protected] • www.steppingstones.org

Message from the Executive Director Dear Friends,

The past year has been productive at Stepping Stones, with important efforts to preserve the house, grounds and life story of Bill and Lois Wilson, while making the site accessible to all. The Board of Trustees, volunteers, supporters and staff have worked to advance our mission, while ensuring that Stepping Stones contributes to the community where Bill and Lois lived for more than 30 years. The Welcome Center is now open and provides a new and informative starting point for visitors. This year we embarked on an ambitious plan to preserve the personal manuscripts of Bill and Lois and thereby ensure their long-term preservation. So many friends continue to give their time and talent to Stepping Stones. None of this could happen without you. Thank you and best wishes. Sincerely,

Annah Perch, Executive Director

The Al-Anon Family Groups Celebrates 60 Years of Helping Families

Al-Anon formally began in 1951, but the idea had been around for a long time. Lois Wilson said this about the origins of Al-Anon: “The idea of the families going along with the alcoholic really had a very early start…We tried to practice these principles, but most of the families felt as if they didn’t need too much spiritual development. They had gone through this ordeal and they knew practically all that life had to offer and they could handle their own affairs pretty well (laughs). But by degrees, we had experience that showed we could not handle our own affairs, and we saw our own mates growing spiritually and jumping way past us. We began to recognize that we had better live by these same wonderful principles…” (excerpted from: Al-Anon Around the World, audio recording). In mid-1951, Bill suggested that Lois organize the informal Family Groups movement and form a clearinghouse to offer access to literature, meeting lists and something like the organization of A.A. In Lois Remembers, she wrote: “Bill’s idea didn’t appeal to me at first, because I was still excited about having a home of our own ‘Stepping Stones’…But as I began to think about the need, the idea grew more and Lois’ desk on the second floor at Stepping more intriguing. At Stones. It is where she wrote the first letters the close of the 1951 toward founding the Al-Anon Family Groups. (photo: Thomas M. Ankner) AA General Service Conference, I asked the wives of the delegates to meet me at Stepping Stones for lunch with the local Family Groups members. It was then that I decided to open our own service office and asked a close friend…Anne B. to help me. “We worked upstairs at Stepping Stones. The AA General Service Offices (GSO) gave us a list of eighty-seven non-alcoholic individuals or Family Groups that had written asking for literature. In May 1951 Anne and I wrote to these individuals…48 replied that their groups would be glad to unite in a fellowship and to have their own service office.”

Bill Wilson at the Bedford Hills train station in 1950. This image was found during the 2007-2010 cataloging project, when negatives found in a drawer were developed for the first time.

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Al-Anon Family Groups was the first of many mutual support groups to adapt AA’s 12 Step Program. Al-Anon avoids the limelight, focusing only on providing confidential help to people in need. The confidentiality and anonymity of all members is strictly protected (www.al-anon.org). Yet, from its beginnings in the second floor library at Stepping Stones, today there are 24,000 Al-Anon/Alateen groups in more than 130 countries around the world.

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The Stepping Stones News

The 2011 Archives Preservation Partnership Lois Wilson preserved an archive of 110,000 documents, 8,000 pictures, and some of the most important artifacts and correspondence related to the personal history of the Wilsons and AA. This year our foundation initiated the 2011 Archives Preservation Partnership to microfilm and digitize this irreplaceable collection. We are undertaking this project with a view to making these materials more widely accessible to scholars, researchers, and other interested individuals. In keeping with Lois’ mission, this promotes educational efforts and an understanding of the disease of alcoholism and its devastating effects on the individual, the family, and the community. The Board of Directors Archives Committee along with Executive Director, Annah Perch, did extensive research before beginning this preservation and conservation endeavor. Microfilm, as a form of preservation media, is topped only by the very paper the historic material is originally transcribed on. Each item is filmed for conversion to microfilm to ensure the best possible longevity. As of November 1, 2011, approximately one half of the collection has been microfilmed and digitized. One third of the documents have been returned to our archives and another third is at the production facility.

The Committee continues to study avenues to responsibly make the digital archives available to the public through online exhibits, websites and other means. Protection of the anonymity of contributors of archives materials is paramount. The Trustees continue to address the questions of access to the archives, as well. The cost of the 2011 Archives Preservation Partnership project is estimated to be $175,000 and to date this campaign has

brought in approximately $85,000. We are less than halfway to our goal of funds needed to complete the microfilming and ensure proper management of the digitized archives.

This digital image is the second page of Bill and Lois’ personal copy of The Big Book. Lois wrote the poem and taped it over another version which can barely be made out underneath. A close examination of the archives reveals this additional stanza which she chose not to include: “His old lady with him dwelt And she was funny too She had so many drunks around She up and threw her shoe So full of sadness and remorse She was extremely blue To make things sunny once again She climbed on the bandwagon too.”

We need your help and continued support to complete this crucial task.

Be a partner and play a role in making this endeavor a success. Complete the donation form below and make a contribution today. A gift to the 2011 Archives Preservation Partnership in the name of a friend, loved one or family member is a meaningful holiday gift. Each recipient of a holiday donation will receive a card noting that this gift has been made in their honor.

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Yes, I will do my part to support the campaign and protect the archives at Stepping Stones in the amount of ■ $25 ■ $50 ■ $100 ■ $500 ■ Other amount_____________.

■ $___________ per month until your goal is realized.

■ I would like to give $____________ in ___________________________’s name in the spirit of the holidays. Please send gift acknowledgement to this address: ■

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My check, made out to Stepping Stones, is enclosed. ■ Please charge the above amount to my credit card: Visa / MasterCard (circle one) _______________________________________________ _______________________ Account Number

Expiration Date

Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: _________ Zip:________________ ■

I prefer my gift to be recognized anonymously.

Please mail this form and your contribution to Stepping Stones, 62 Oak Road, Katonah, New York 10536 or make it on-line at www.steppingstones.org.

www.steppingstones.org

Thank you for your support!

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Stepping Stones Nominated to Become a National Historic Landmark

On November 10, 2011, Stepping Stones presented an application to become a National Historic Landmark to the Landmarks Committee of the National Park System Advisory Board in Washington, DC. The committee, comprised of history, architectural history, archeology, historic preservation, and cultural resources professionals, reviewed the nomination voted unanimously to make a formal recommendation to the National Park System Advisory Board. The Board will review the recommendation in the spring of 2012 and hopefully pass on the recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior, which makes the final decision on the designation. National Historic Landmarks possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction, which include the White House and the Statue of Liberty. Designation as a National Historic Landmark does not give ownership to the Federal government. Rather, the distinction will offer Stepping Stones access to grant funding and valuable preservation technical assistance. Check in the spring of 2012 for more information on Stepping Stones National Historic Landmark nomination and status, visit www.steppingstones.org, “news and updates” section.

Here, one of nine panels inside the Welcome Center describes Bill and Lois’ life during his drinking years.

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Lois said, “As AA evolved I applied its principles to myself. But it took me many years and continued soul searching to fully realize how much harm my self-righteousness had done both Bill and [myself]. Personal recovery is not a onetime thing; it has to be worked on constantly. …It is so easy to rationalize where ones ego is concerned…Sometimes seemingly unselfish acts have a deep self-serving motivation which is hard to detect. On the other hand feeling remorseful and guilty for doing the best one can is not only useless, but harmful. So I try to hit a happy medium— not to either fool myself about my motives or blame myself for the past. Length of time in Al-Anon teaches much, but it never bestows a diploma.” (Al-Anon Around the World, part 2 of 2.) Congratulations to all who have carried on the legacy of the Al-Anon Family Groups for a wonderful 60 years of success.

Stepping Stones is on Facebook.

For regular updates, to post photos of your visit, or just to show your support, become a fan of Stepping Stones. Go to www.facebook.com, sign in to your account and search for “Stepping Stones, the historic home of Bill and Lois Wilson.”

Looking for a special way to be of service? Want to spend quality time with a friend while giving back? Consider being a Volunteer Tour Guide or Host for Stepping Stones today.

What our Friends are Saying

“I have been a member of Al-Anon for many 24 hours. From the time I began...I was fascinated by both Lois and Bill W. and their story and how ordinary people did something so extraordinary to change so many people’s lives for generations to come. To visit and tour Stepping Stones has always been something I have wanted to do and [I] am grateful my HP has given me the opportunity to do so [this year]. Thank you for keeping our heritage alive. – Carol C.”

“Easter Saturday 2011: Bill + Lois + AA –Thank you for all you have done for me – 27 years in another 12 Step Program – hardest one of all – OA – I still need to eat to stay alive – am ok today – just did another 4th step – over and over and over –Anonymous Overeater from Saugerties, NY. Complete Abstinence Works.”

Visiting Stepping Stones

Throughout 2011-2012 Stepping Stones will be open Monday through Saturday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. with a guided tour each day at 1 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling 914-232-4822, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by reserving a time on the website at www.steppingstones.org. Stepping Stones is open at other times by appointment. Stepping Stones staff will make it easy to organize a group trip. Groups are welcome but coach buses are strictly prohibited as a means of getting to Stepping Stones. For assistance in planning your large group’s trip, please call the office during regular business hours and well in advance of your visit. Your adherence to this rule will help us remain a great neighbor to people living close to the site.

(photo: Bay Uno)

Al-Anon (continued from page 2)

Stepping Stones Comes To You

The Stepping Stones experience is more than just a visit to the site. To expand the number of people who can be touched by Stepping Stones, representatives will travel to special events to share the life story of Bill and Lois. This presentation covers their lives from childhood to Bill’s drinking and finding sobriety, and finally to their legacy. A PowerPoint presentation titled “Bill and Lois Wilson and the A.A. Way of Life” brings together never-before-seen photographs, archival material, and audio recordings. The presentation is coupled with a table-top exhibit and handouts. In 2011, Stepping Stones told this story in meetings and conferences across the country. These included: • Poconos at a Women’s Recovery Conference • The 27th Jubilee Convention, in Gulf Shores, Alabama • Al-Anon State Conference in Richmond, Virginia • The 19th Trillium Convention in Toronto, Canada • Helena, Montana 15th Annual AA Archives workshop • Nyack, New York for an Al-Anon group anniversary • The Fellowship Center in Danbury, Connecticut • The Tri-County Roundup in Detroit, Michigan • 1st Annual Jersey Shore Roundup We also presented performances of “Bill and Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words” — a staged dramatic reading using letters and stories from the archives — in Danbury and Fairfield, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and Detroit. If you would like Stepping Stones to bring a presentation to you, please call 914-232-4822.

Online gift shop: www.steppingstones.org www.steppingstones.org

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Donors to Stepping Stones between May 2010 and October 15, 2011

This page has been left blank intentionally. For a list of current Stepping Stones donors, please email [email protected] or call 914-232-4822 with your request.

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www.steppingstones.org

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The Stepping Stones News Editor: Laurie Lewis

Design: Foley Graphics Staff: Annah Perch, Executive Director Patricia Shea, Administrative Assistant Crystal Middleton, Welcome Center Manager Board of Trustees: James Moogan, President Don Harrell, Vice President Jean Heinrich, Secretary Michael Kelly, Treasurer Johnny Allem John Koster Walter Stuart Maureen Sullivan Jane Tolar

To make a donation to support Stepping Stones’ efforts, please call 914-232-4822, email [email protected], or visit steppingstones.org.

Advisory Council: Gary Stromberg Linda Vincent Ernest Kurtz Patrick McDonough Philipp Mohr

62 Oak Road • Katonah, NY 10536 (914) 232-4822 www.steppingstones.org