February 17 in A.A. History

In 1939, the final typed draft of the Big Book was sent to the multilith (or photolith) printer. While this may have occurred on Monday, February 20, the earlier Friday date seems more likely.
    Supporting this timeline, Alcoholic Foundation trustee Frank Amos wrote to Dorothy Critchfield on Thursday, February 16, stating that the book “is about ready for press.” Then, on Tuesday, February 21, he informed fellow trustee Willard Richardson that “the photolith copies of the book are now completed,” including a copy for him.

In 1940, Jimmy B. [left, c. 1918] reached out to Charlie B., whom he had met once at a New York City A.A. meeting about two years earlier. Having recently moved from New York to Philadelphia just four days prior for a “very good new position,” Jimmy had two years of sobriety and was eager to connect.
    Charlie had read the newly published book Alcoholics Anonymous, and together, they decided to start a Philadelphia A.A. group. At the time, only three other A.A. groups existed in the world: Akron, Ohio; New York City; and Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1943, Fitz M. married Mrs. Ruth Jelly in Harrison, Mississippi. Just months later, in October, he would die of cancer.

In 1953, Margaret “Bobbie” B. [right] died by her own hand. She had succeeded Ruth Hock as National Secretary for the Alcoholic Foundation, becoming only the second—and last—person to hold this position.
    From early 1942 until mid-1949, Bobbie was the primary contact for all A.A. groups worldwide and personally responded to most letters sent to the Alcoholic Foundation. Unbeknownst to Bill W., she had become addicted to her work. In letters, she admitted she couldn’t stop. Obsessed with her duties, she continued working into the evenings at home, leaving little time for her own recovery. Though she had come to this work as an A.A. member with a drinking problem, she gradually lost touch with her own program—neglecting meetings and forgoing a sponsor.
    In 1949, Bobbie resigned from her position at the A.A. national office. Almost immediately, she relapsed. For the next four years, she struggled against her addiction. Ultimately, the disease overcame her, and she took her own life in February 1953.
    Her passing was a tragic loss for Bill W. and for the many people she had introduced to A.A. Bobbie was deeply mourned and remembered around the world.