A Brief History of the Industrial Group

The Industrial Group is one of the oldest groups in Houston, Harris, Texas. It was started by Bob S. and Frenchy L. in 1950. It was originally on Charlton Street across the street from a cafe that Frenchy owned. You can still see the slab behind the present day tortilla factory. An interesting fact is that the tables in the back of this building are from Frenchy’s cafe - they are an important part of our history - that is why we take care of them today - even today.

The early group wanted to start a men’s half way house which resulted in a few men splitting off and forming the 24 Hour Club in 1953. Bill H. and Okie H. were also members of this group. Roland S. was instrumental in inviting people from all over Houston and getting lots of folks coming to Industrial. This is really when the Industrial Group started growing. While still in the old location, Industrial acquired it’s first woman member, Birdie N. (Birdie N. and her sponsee, Pam H. were my sponsors)

It was decided to move to this location in 1977, because the electrical wiring and the slab were bad. The first night that they had a meeting in this place, there was a fire. That is why we still say, “Put all your cigarette butts in the coffee can - not the trash can - a fire may be the result.” We speak from experience. 

The original building consisted of a small room, main room, and the kitchen area. It was originally a hamburger place owned by Dee R.’s mother. 

As Industrial grew we needed more room. The back room - which was originally a construction building - was appropriated by Jerry B. (who worked at the construction company) along with a crane to lift it over this front building and set it in place. We have always taken care of this building. 

The early members insisted on recovery from the Big Book and 12 and 12 Book. Our meetings today still continue to be based on those books. For example, if called upon to lead a meeting when you don’t have a topic, we have been taught to open the Big Book and read from it and find a topic from there. We have a number of strong traditions such as the birthday celebrants coming on Saturday morning to clean and to bring the meat. These traditions were set out by the original membership of the Industrial Group. They allow each person involved in the Group the opportunity to participate in the maintenance and upkeep of our building on a once a year basis. Industrial has been the beginning of a wonderful life of sobriety for many men and women during these 65 Years. 

Written by Carol A. for our 2013 Anniversary, based on information from Bill and Marcia T, Mike B, Callie H, Arlene T, Dee R, Ron C, Howard H, and Steve F. 

Transcribed by Sally T. October 7, 2015 (We celebrated our 65th. Year in May 2015 at our present site here on 1st. Street in Galena Park, Harris, Texas.) At our October 2015, our Group Conscience voted to turn our Group into all non-smoking. Galena Park city ordinance says that all buildings open to public should be non-smoking.