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History Sections: Nothing happens without a purpose The first club house Moving, growing, moving Sobriety in a winery Settling in and disaster Hard times get better Here we go again No more rent Ready or not, here we come Troubled waters Wham, bam A new beginning Kitchen Menu Informational Brochure Application The 2008 Alano Classic The Alano Club of San Jose 1122 Fair Ave. San Jose, CA. 95122 Tel: 408.297.1878 Fax: 408.297.4100 Directions |
SOBRIETY IN A WINERY Once the decision to move to a larger club was made, the task of finding the right place began in earnest. Room to dance, a lounge to talk sobriety and relax, a room for meetings, and, of course, cards. A tall order to fill on a small budget, but where there's a will, there's a way. Most alcoholics have a considerable amount of practice finding a way to get drunk on little or no money, so this acquired skill could finally be put to good use. After searching and seeking, a suitable building was located on Almaden Avenue in Willow Glen, across from Mariani Gardens. The Old Filipino Hall. Prior to that, it was a winery, and now it was to be a "Sanctuary for Sobriety." No doubt their Higher Power had been planning this use for this building for some time, and the time was now at hand. A two-story building with the lower floor sunk about four feet below street level. It had all the desired features, including reasonable monthly rent. A small kitchen in the basement with a few tables and chairs. A raised area on the upper floor served as a base for a nice, long oak bar. Steps at the end of the bar led to the card room, often crowded with anxious on-lookers waiting for the next open seat in the game. A door behind the bar led to a small one-room apartment, frequently occupied by a down-and-out member helping out at the club. Refrigerator, coffeepot, tables and chairs (some of the old fashioned wooden folding variety), and a few miscellaneous knick-knacks set the mood. The Twelve Steps naturally moved with the other things from the Padre Theater club. Folding card tables saw many a game of canasta, bridge and pinochle after the meetings. Judd would sometimes play the piano in the corner while members gathered around and sang in and out of key. Shuffleboard occupied the time for many, testing their skills after signing up for their turn on the chalkboard hanging on the wall. Cliff E. was the first secretary of the Saturday Night Family Meetings held at the club. The dance afterward attracted many from the only other Saturday Night Meeting held at the First Trinity Church on North Second Street. Johnny B. was sure to be one of the first on the floor and one of the last to call it quits. Potluck dinners in the basement rounded out the social activities. Clara B. started Beginners Meetings on Tuesday night, and the men got together for a Closed Men's Meeting each Wednesday. Duncan M. was the first Manager of this club. A little hard of hearing, but dedicated to the task with the energy of four men, Duncan would rush to open the club after work and stay long after a reasonable quitting time. The only monies he received for his effort was car fare to and from the club, and members argued about paying that, saying "Why can't he pay his own way out of his own pocket?". Gratitude then, as always, strikes different people in different ways. Duncan continued to receive gas money, but most importantly, he continued to grow in his journey to sobriety, going to any lengths to get it. The only reward we seek in the Fellowship is a daily life without drinking. The dedication of some for others, however, is occasionally recognized and honored for future posterity. We honor the memory and dedication of Duncan M. each time we attend meetings in Duncan Hall at the Fair Avenue Fellowship in the Alano Club. Continue... |