The AA Pigeons

Ebby T. is the person who carried his alcoholic solution to Bill W.  Clarence S., Cleveland AA founder, is quoted: “Bill might have scored the touchdown, but it was Ebby who handed him the ball.”

Ebby grew up under ideal circumstances; his brother was mayor of Albany, NY, as was his uncle and grandfather in previous years.  There is even a park named after his family name in his home town of Albany NY—John Boyd Thacher State Park.

In 1932, his older brother, Mayor Jack Thacher, was a candidate NY State Governor when FDR became US President.

But Ebby found himself repeatedly caught up in drinking scrapes which is not good news for such a political family; thus came the suggestion that he leave Albany and take residence in their family summer home in the prestigious township of Manchester, VT.

Ebby’s family doubtless hoped that the relative tranquility of the Manchester resort community would bring about at least some moderation of his drinking sprees, and it did – sort of.  After a few months, Ebby joined a group who spent the entire winter clearing the trails of the Green Mountains.  He claimed to have drank two pints of gin on the first day, but there was no more to be had for the next six months of pseudo isolation.  He spent the winter of 1932 – 33 enjoying the rugged work and doing lots of hunting on the weekends.

Upon return to Manchester he continued to stay dry for a few more months; but soon thereafter his drinking bouts resumed.  Ebby moved into one of the furnished rooms of the large family residence on Taconic Avenue in Manchester during the spring of 1934.

Ebby’s sprees brought about two slight brushes with the Manchester authorities; he was fined only five dollars on each occasion, but with the warning that the third time it could go hard on him.

Perhaps it was remorse that led to Ebby to follow his brother’s urging to paint the huge family summer ‘cottage’ that summer.  But not surprisingly that task was too much for one person, so a professional helper was hired for added assistance and the job was finished that summer.

He must have felt a great satisfaction, for who wouldn’t be proud of such a large scale accomplishment!  There is no evidence of this, but perhaps Ebby was celebrating with a little hooch when he noticed a flock of ungrateful pigeons on the roof.

Out came his shotgun — and doubtless the neighbors, as well — as loud blasts shattered the tranquility of this calm and peaceful community (Robert Todd Lincoln, the President’s son, once lived across the street).

Ebby faced six months in Windsor Prison or Brattleboro Insane Asylum, but lucky for us, the judge let him off the hook, under the custody of millionaire Rowland H. (P. 26).

Ebby eventually landed in Calvary Mission in lower Manhattan. Being sober several months, he gleefully carried his sober message to Bill W. on a bleak November day of 1934 — and you know the rest of the story. But don’t forget the pigeons!

By Bob S.