Edwin Throckmorton Thacher

A small “break” from the Eleventh Step…

“Born on April 29, 1896, into a prominent and well-to-do family in Albany, New York, with roots going back before the American Revolution. His grandfather started a railroad wheel manufacturing business in 1852 and became the main supplier of wheels for the New York Central Railroad, as well as Mayor of Albany. Two other members of his family were also mayors of Albany, including his older brother, “Jack.” One of New York State’s most beautiful parks, located on the Helderberg escarpment southwest of Albany, was donated by the widow of his uncle, John Boyd Thacher and is named after him.”

“Had the idea that he needed the right woman and an ideal job in order to stay sober. The implication is that if he didn’t have the perfect woman and the perfect job, he couldn’t stay sober. And he didn’t stay sober.”

“All of his life, overshadowed by the recognition and success of his father and grandfather and in his own generation, by the accomplishments and respect given to his older brothers. This may have developed in him a sense of “never good enough” so familiar to alcoholics. It is also likely that his privileged childhood accentuated the sense of self-importance and self-focus that the AA program requires us to deflate at depth.”

“Never gave in to the lower power and always came back. He ran the race; he kept the faith and died sober.”

Who Is It?

Ebby, Bill’s sponsor.

“There are many others who achieve periods of sobriety yet relapse from time to time. They are not to be condemned, but welcomed back into the Fellowship. Their experience is a lesson to others that alcohol as an enemy is indeed cunning, baffling and powerful. If anyone might feel smug or superior, he or she should be grateful that they have not gotten that bad – yet.”

(Did you also know that Valium wasn’t invented until 1963? I’ll explain that later…)