What became of Bill W. and Dr. Bob?

Dodsworth · Senior Member

What became of Bill W. and Dr. Bob?

Avril G · Senior Member

Here's a nice little trio of AA history site links, the last of which is a virtual tour of Bill Wilson's home, Stepping Stones' I love the history of AA, how easy can it be for US?? these guys, and their early prospects (some of whom died drunk) did all the hard work for us. It never ceases to amaze me. OH, and one bit of AA trivia for any bikers out there - BILL WILSON RODE A HARLEY - Bill and Lois with Harley

http://alcoholicsanonymous.9f.com/aa_history_timeline.htm

http://www.barefootsworld.net/aahistory.html

http://www.steppingstones.org/

If you type History of AA into google or any other search engine, you will be inundated with stuff.

-- Edited by Avril G on Thursday 21st of January 2010 05:02:00 PM

Mike B. · MIP Old Timer

I'm sure glad Bill and Dr. Bob wrote about my life prior to me even being born. What I would be like and how I could recover. biggrin

I'm certainly grateful for these 2 men and the men & women who followed.

Sobrietyspell · MIP Old Timer

I spent a few early morning hours reading through those links & rediscovering more & more of how we came to have the heritage of AA & this wonderful program. What a wonderous mix of people & a fantastic series of events & conversations that took place leading up to even this very day. One false move & none of it might have happened!

I really love it. Somehow all of our history fascinates me & makes my recovery ever the more real, present & pertinent. I am truly grateful for all that's been passed onto me each & everyday. I'm grateful also for the gift of being able & trusted to pass it on too. Just Boss! Love in recovery, unity & service, Danielle x

angelov8 · MIP Old Timer

I read Pass It On, which is one of Bill W.'s (or the first of his) books on the history of AA and his involvement. It was fantastic and interesting to read. Reading it deepened my respect and gratitude for the realization of this program. I highly recommend it. It also helped me realize the effort and thoughtfulness that went into his writing of the BB of AA.

Bill W. stayed sober for the rest of his life. He was a human like all of us, and I got that in a concrete way by reading the book. The founders became less like icons to glorify and more like incredible humans to respect. I loved reading that the day AA was founded was not the day Bill W. became sober, it was the day two alcoholics found and helped each other; when Bill W., through what could easily be called a miracle, realized that he needed another alcoholic to stay sober. That was when he connected with Dr. Bob.

Thank you for the links, Avril. Looking forward to checking them out.

A.

PS- the day I came into recovery was when I found all of you here on this site. For that I am eternally grateful. And of course, the existence of this 12 step site is one result of the history of AA.

-- Edited by angelov8 on Saturday 23rd of January 2010 03:11:38 AM

Avril G · Senior Member

I love Pass It On too, angel, and also Dr Bob and the Good Oldtimers. I once picked a ghreat book up in an old bookshop whilst on holiday a few years ago, and I can't remember the title of it, or the name of the author, but it was written by one of the very early AA members, and there's so much good stuff in there, he must have worked a damn good programme.

I remember talking to an oldtimer about this book and was told that, although this guy did have a good few years sobriety, during which he helped many others to stay sober, but he died drunk after many years off the booze. I know I still have the book somewhere in the house, probably in storage somewhere, I'll have to try and find it, it was good to read.

-- Edited by Avril G on Saturday 23rd of January 2010 10:37:49 AM

Rob84 · MIP Old Timer

Hi Dodds,

I know more about Dr. Bob having read the book "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldimers", and getting sober in the Akron Clev area.

Dr Bob did die sober after approx 13 years of recovery, he obviously got sober later in life. It was rumored that he did have a slip.

His last public speach was 1950 at the first AA National Convention in Cleveland, where he agreed to confirm the 12 traditions (he was getting very sick around that time).

There is a "Founders day" convention every year (usually the 1st week in June) in Akron, you can take in a lot of history while you are there (not far from Ind).
Dr Bob's home has been restored and you can visit it, you can also attend his old homegroup "King School", the Mayflower Hotel is still standing also.

PM me with your address if you want a copy of the book and I will send one N/C.

Take Care,

Rob