Bill Dotson, known as "Alcoholics Anonymous Number Three," played a pivotal role in the early history of AA, marking a significant milestone in the fellowship's development. His story is one of transformation, hope, and the enduring power of mutual support in overcoming addiction. Early Life and Struggles Bill Dotson was a prominent lawyer and city councilman in Akron, Ohio. Despite his professional success and active involvement in his community, Dotson's life was marred by severe alcoholism. … [Read more...]
Self-Pity: A Barrier to Lasting Sobriety
Self-pity is one of the most insidious obstacles to lasting sobriety. Both Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), frequently discussed the detrimental effects of self-pity on alcoholics. In the pages of the Big Book, "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers," and various articles in the Grapevine, they highlighted how self-pity can sabotage recovery efforts. Understanding how self-pity manifests, recognizing its symptoms, and learning how to banish it are crucial … [Read more...]
Willingness: The Keystone of Lasting Recovery
When we talk about recovery from alcoholism, the conversation often turns to various strategies, support systems, and therapies. However, at the heart of all these discussions lies a single, pivotal concept: willingness. Without it, the journey to sobriety can feel like an insurmountable mountain. With it, that mountain becomes a series of manageable steps. The First Step: Acknowledging the Problem The first step in any recovery process is the willingness to admit a problem. This might seem … [Read more...]
Founders’ Day 2024
District 2 Will Celebrate the 89th Founders' Day with a Picnic at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman on June 8th, 2024 District 2, like most other AA Districts in the country, has celebrated AA Founders' Day for many years. However, among the hot dogs and hamburgers, we often forget what Founders Day is. This year, join us at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman as we honor those who have left us. Saturday, June 8th, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Al-Anon Speaker at 11 AM Hamburgers and Hot Dogs at Noon … [Read more...]
Memorial Service for Dr. Bob
24th Street Clubhouse, New York City, N.Y. November 15, 1952 A meeting was held at the 24th Street Club House in memory of Dr. Bob. A recording of Dr. Bob's last talk was played and a portrait of Dr. Bob was unveiled. Bill W. then addressed the meeting. Dr. Bob's recorded voice has come down to us across the air since he died in 1950. Some may say that his actual voice is still forever, but you and I know that is not so and that his spirit will be with us so long as this well loved society … [Read more...]
Dr. Bob: His Only Monument Is a Plaque, but the Thousands He Helped Rescue From Alcoholism Will Never Forget Him
The American Weekly, March 11, 1951 (This is a magazine article about Dr. Bob Smith, AA’s cofounder.) By Booton Herndon The kindly faced man lying in the white hospital bed raised his hand to the light, studied it calmly and then remarked to the nurse standing by his bed: "I think this is it." Thus Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith recently passed from the world. So, finally, the story of "Dr. Bob, beloved by 120,000 members of Alcoholics Anonymous whom he had helped to find the way back … [Read more...]
Dr. Bob Biography
"Simplicity, devotion, steadfastness, and loyalty; these were the hallmarks of Dr. Bob's character which he has well implanted in so many of us." - Bill Wilson. ROBERT HOLBROOK SMITH, M.D. 1879-1950 Dr. Bob was born August 8, 1879, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., the only son of Judge and Mrs. W.P. Smith, who were prominent in civic and social activities of that city. Though often rebellious against the strict authority of his parents, "Rob," as his schoolmates called him, was willing to work hard to … [Read more...]
Letter to Dr. Bob about a “Big Book” Story by Harry Z
This is one of the earliest letters in the Dr. Bob and Anne Smith Archives pertaining to the writing of the Big Book. To: Dr. R. H. Smith Orville, Ohio Akron, Ohio 3-11-39, Saturday p.m. Dear Doctor: I am terribly sorry that it is has been necessary to delay the enclosed manuscript concerning some of the facts in Z-----'s life, (Note: Harry Z's story in the first edition of the Big Book is titled, "A Close Shave") but it just couldn't be helped. He and I were not able to … [Read more...]
Dr. Bob News Article 1942
Newspaper Article-1942 The Dr. Bob and Anne Smith Archives was transferred from the attic of Dr. Bob's daughter, Sue Smith Windows, in Akron, Ohio to a permanent repository at the Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies in Providence, Rhode Island. It joined several other collections already housed at Brown including the Kirk Collection (15,000 items pertaining to the temperance movement and early A.A.), the Clarence Snyder Collection (books, pamphlets, letters and ephemera … [Read more...]
Dr. Bob’s Last Drink
Bill W. had met a kindred spirit in Dr. Bob. Both men were born in Vermont, both were intelligent and both were alcoholics. They somehow knew that fateful evening in Henrietta Seiberling's Gatehouse home both of them were going to be okay. After a few weeks of working with each other and attempting to deliver the message of recovery to other alcoholics, Bill and Dr. Bob did not appear to be discouraged. Despite their not being able to bring another rummy into the fold - they were staying … [Read more...]