We Began to Count Noses - Silkworth.net

“Some six months later, after a terrific binge, in a maudlin and helpless state, I
made my way to the doctor's home. He gave me medical treatment and had me
taken to the home of one of my relatives. I told him I had come to the point
where I was ready for the remedy, the only remedy. He sent two of the members
to see me. They were both kindly to me, told me what they had gone through
and how they had overcome their fight with liquor. They made it very plain that
I had to seek God, that I had to state my case to Him and ask for help. Prayer was
something I had long forgotten. I think my first sincere utterance must have
sounded pretty weak. I didn't experience any sudden change, and the desire for
liquor wasn't taken away overnight, but I began to enjoy meeting these people
and began to exchange the liquor habit for something that has helped me in
every way. Every morning I read a part of the Bible and ask God to carry me
through the day safely.”
“I've been sober two years, kept that way by submitting my natural will to the
Higher Power and that is all there is to it. That submission wasn't just a single
act, however. It became a daily duty; it had to be that. Daily I am renewed in
strength and I have never come to the point where I have wanted to say,
"Thanks, God, I think I can paddle my own canoe now," for which I am
thankful.“ 50
Robert Oviatt finally sobered up in December of 36 according to The Amos
Roster where Dr. Bob lists him with fourteen months of dry time.
“We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way
by which faith can be acquired”
The next name we will provide is a name previously undisclosed in A.A.
literature but not unknown to the serious A.A. historian. He is Harry Latta, a
Test Car Driver who is listed on The Amos Roster as having 19 months. The
absence of his name from DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers makes us quite curious as
to his origins. It is possible that Harry was only an “Oxford Grouper” but then all
of our numbers were only Oxford Groupers at that time. A careful search of
available records turns up Harry once again on what has come to be known as
the Akron 226 List 51 or the Cleveland 220 List.* 52
These two lists, which have been circulated among A.A. historians and on
the Internet, are identical. Their origin is not presently known to us. Both list
Harry’s home address as San Antonio, TX. It could be that Harry left Akron after
sobering up and would be forgotten by many of the Akron Pioneers over time.
Since Harry is remembered by Dr. Bob in the writing of The Amos Roster he
must be included in the Counting of Noses.
“Whenever a society or civilization perishes there is always
one condition present; they forgot where they came from”
* The Cleveland 220 List (First 220 AA Members) is included in its entirety as Appendix VI