February 17 in A.A. History

1939: The final typed draft of the Big Book [near right: one of very few remaining copies] was sent to the multilith—likely not the newer photolith process—printer [far right: Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation Multilith Model 1227, commonly called a “duplicator,” introduced in 1933]. While this event may have occurred on Monday, 20 February, it seems more likely that it took place the previous Friday. This date is supported by a letter from Alcoholic Foundation trustee Frank Amos to Dorothy Critchfield on Thursday, 16 February, in which he said that the book “is about ready for press.” Then, on Tuesday, 21 February, he informed fellow trustee Willard Richardson that “the photolith copies of the book are now completed,” and enclosed a copy for him.

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

1943: John Henry Fitzhugh “Fitz” M. [near right] married Mrs. Ruth Helen Monroe Jelly [far right] in Harrison, Mississippi. Tragically, he would die from cancer in October.

1953: Margaret “Bobbie” B. [right] committed suicide. She had succeeded Ruth Hock as the National Secretary for the Alcoholic Foundation, becoming only the second—and last—person to hold this position.
    From early 1942 until mid-1949, Bobbie had served as the primary contact for all A.A. groups worldwide, personally responding to most letters sent to the Alcoholic Foundation. Unbeknownst to Bill W., she had become addicted to her work. In her letters, she confessed that she couldn’t stop. Driven by her responsibilities, she continued to work late into the evenings at home, leaving little time for her own recovery. Although she had initially joined A.A. as a member struggling with a drinking problem, she gradually lost touch with her own program—neglecting meetings and forgoing a sponsor.
    In 1949, Bobbie had resigned from her position at the A.A. national office. Almost immediately, she relapsed and struggled with her addiction for the next four years. Ultimately, the disease had overwhelmed 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.