July 5 in A.A. History

1946: An unusually large crowd of 50 to 60 people attended a weekly 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia [left: aerial view of Sydney, 1946]. The meeting, exclusively for alcoholics, was ironically held in a pub that had lost its license. Among the attendees, six or seven were visibly drunk but went largely unnoticed.
    Recently, a group of men had been regularly attending the meetings, sometimes sober, sometimes intoxicated, moving from person to person in search of cigarettes and spare change. They made no effort to follow the 12 Steps and often disrupted the gathering. For the first time, those genuinely seeking sobriety followed the advice of A.A.'s non-alcoholic founders in Australia, opting not to give these men money or help them in any way. Consequently, none of the moochers returned for the following two weeks.

1970: At the 5th International Convention [right] in Miami, Florida, Bill W., despite his struggle with soon-to-be fatal emphysema, desperately wanted to deliver two major talks and participate in several other meetings throughout the four-day event. However, he fell ill on the first night and was unable to attend until a surprise appearance at the closing session on Sunday morning, July 5, where he gave his very brief “Last Talk.”

1990: At A.A.’s 9th International Convention and 55th-anniversary celebration in Seattle, Washington, the 10,000,000th copy of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, was presented to Nellie “Nell” Wing [left, c. 1987±10 years]. Nell, a non-alcoholic, was Bill W.’s longtime non-alcoholic secretary and A.A.’s first archivist.
    Nell [right, c. 1945] llater described the event as a sort of homecoming for herself, stating,

    I had spent 1944-46 in Seattle (the 13th Naval District) as a member of SPARS, the Women’s Coast Guard Reserve, in the basement of the Olympic Hotel. There was a large bar and dining room which we called the “snake pit” and where many of us, along with the Coast Guard and Navy guys, did a bit of off-duty drinking. One night I got involved in an all-night night drinking spree and next morning, up before my Executive Officer, was “awarded” a captain’s mast^* and sentenced to a brief confinement in my quarters (the “brig” was full). I was allowed out once a day, accompanied by a shore patrol Now, 44 years later, here I was in Seattle again and the recipient of the 10 millionth copy of the Big Book. No words can adequately express my deep gratitude to this beloved Fellowship and my cherished friends therein.

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^*A form of nonjudicial punishment used in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, it addresses minor offenses committed by service members. The commanding officer investigates alleged misconduct, holds a hearing, and determines whether to impose disciplinary measures. Less formal than a court-martial, it does not result in a criminal conviction.

Today in A.A. History—July 5–7

1985: Approximately 50,000 people attended the 8th International Convention in Montreal, Quebec [left], celebrating A.A.’s 50th anniversary. This number far exceeded the anticipated 28,000 attendees, quickly filling downtown hotel rooms and pressing previously unused motels at airports and in surrounding communities into service. Attendees were housed in university dormitories, Laurentian resorts, and as far away as Sherbrooke (90 miles [121 km]) and Burlington, Vermont (75 miles [121 km]). Notably, a Seagram distillery, located a block from the Palais des Congrès where many events were held, flew its flag at half-staff throughout the Convention.

Today in A.A. History—July 5–8

1990:  An estimated 48,000 people attended A.A.’s 9th International Convention in Seattle, Washington, celebrating the fellowship’s 55th anniversary [right]. The event’s theme was “55 Years—One Day At A Time.” Participants came from seventy-five countries, including, for the first time, nations of the former Soviet Union.

July 4 in A.A. History

1939: The first A.A. meeting in Flatbush, Brooklyn [right], was held at the home of Harold and Emily S. This meeting complemented the only other A.A. gathering in New York City at the time, which had been started in a Manhattan apartment, possibly the Chatsworth, at 72nd Street and Riverside Drive. That location had had been lent to A.A. by Leonard and Helga Harrison after Bill and Lois W. lost their home at 182 Clinton Street in April. Harold sobered up in June 1938, and his story, “Smile at Me, With Me,” appeared in the first edition of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. Leonard [left] would go on to become a Class A (non-alcoholic) Trustee of the Alcoholic Foundation in 1941.

1970: At the 5th International Convention in Miami, Florida, participants in the main Sunday evening meeting in the Convention Hall [right] concluded by reciting the Declaration of Unity in unison:

    This we owe to A.A.’s future: to place our common welfare first; to keep our fellowship united. For on A.A. unity depend our lives, and the lives of those to come.

    The hope had been to recreate an experience similar to that of adopting of the Responsibility Statement five years earlier at the 4th International Convention in Toronto, Ontario. While an emotional and moving moment, this pledge lacked the impact and lasting quality of the “I Am Responsible” Statement. This was likely due, at least in part, to Bill W. not being present to lead the ceremony; he was in a nearby hospital being treated for his emphysema. Like the earlier Statement, this Declaration was written by Al S. [left].

Today in A.A. History—July 4–6

1975: The 6th International Convention celebrating A.A.’s 40th anniversary took place at Currigan Exhibition Hall in Denver, Colorado [right].
    After the original organizing chairman suffered a heart attack, Jack D. stepped in to lead the planning. By January 1975, Bob H., general manager of GSO and Convention Chair, recognized the immense scale of the event. Realizing it was impractical for A.A. to manage one of the world’s largest conventions without professional assistance, he sought and received Board approval to hire an outside consultant. Ted Driscoll’s expertise proved invaluable, streamlining 
negotiations for venues, transportation, and services crucial for such a massive international undertaking.
    On-site, 800 volunteers staffed airports, hotels, and registration, processing up to 10,000 daily arrivals. Many worked extended shifts due to their dedication. Despite these efforts, the large crowds presented significant challenges: sessions were often overcrowded, shuttle services overwhelmed, and hotel lobbies packed, necessitating continuous adjustments throughout the event.
    The convention successfully balanced intense activity with deep emotional connection. Days were filled with workshops, panels, and alkathons, while evenings featured reunions, dances, and spontaneous fellowship. A.A.'s international character was highlighted through multilingual workshops, cultural presentations such as a Native American war dance, and an “A.A. Around the World” meeting that showcased the organization's global reach.
    A defining moment was the opening flag ceremony, where representatives from 29 countries carried their national flags into the auditorium to the applause of thousands. Each participant then voiced “Let It Begin With Me” in their native language, a powerful symbol of unity that became a lasting tradition.
The event also featured prominent medical and public figures. Memorable details included an oversized “Big Book” display and a much-discussed industrial coffee operation.^*
    The weekend culminated in moving spiritual and personal testimonies, including a reception for Lois W.. The Denver convention was recognized as both a logistical triumph and a profound communal experience, reinforcing A.A.'s core message of mutual support and personal responsibility internationally.

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^*An entrepreneur, aware of the prodigious amount of coffee consumed at A.A. Conventions, rigged the world's largest coffee maker on a balcony at the convention hall. With a capacity of half a million cups a day, coffee was brewed in huge tanks and piped to dozens of spigots. Customers paid a quarter a cup to enter the area and serve themselves. While the operation was a major talking point and worked efficiently, the coffee itself was generally deemed to be of poor quality, with better coffee available for free in numerous hospitality rooms. Nonetheless, 1.2 million cups of coffee were served by this operation.

July 3 in A.A. History

1955: At 4:00 pm in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 2nd International Convention, Bernard Smith [right], the non-alcoholic Chair of the Alcoholics Anonymous Board of Trustees, called to order the only “open” session of the General Service Conference ever held—the final session of the 5th GSC, saying, in part:

    I now declare the Fifth Annual Conference of the General Service Conference in session. We have completed in four days all of the tasks that have been allotted to us, save only one: that is the adoption of the resolution authorizing the General Service Conference to act for Alcoholics Anonymous and to become the successor to its co-founders. Only this Conference, in all humility, has the power, within the concepts of A.A., to adopt this resolution, and only after it has evidence of the acceptance by all of A.A., in this Convention assembled.

    Mr. Smith then introduced Bill W. [left: at the podium during the 2nd International Convention], who said in part:    

    We stand on the brink of a momentous decision. It is one of the most solemn hours in which this society will ever live, for we are about to confirm its permanent structure.…
    I pray with you that the resolution which we are about to propose is God’s will for us. I shall now offer it to you and ask for a voice vote. If you agree, if your conscience says, “This is right to the best of my knowledge and belief,” then your General Service Conference and its hierarchy of service at the center will confirm your will for all the long future of Alcoholics Anonymous.

    Bill then read the proposed resolution, the main clause of which was:

    That the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous should become, as of this date, July 3rd, 1955, the guardian of the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the perpetuator of the World Services of our Society, the voice of the group conscience of our entire Fellowship, and the sole successors to its co-founders, Dr. Bob and Bill.

    The Convention attendees roared their approval [right: 2nd International Convention body in Kiel Auditorium]. Smith requested and received a motion from a Conference Delegate for the Conference to formally adopt the resolution that had just been overwhelmingly approved by the Convention. The motion was seconded, and the Conference Delegates voted unanimously in favor, marking what Bill described as the “Coming of Age” of Alcoholics Anonymous.

1965: At 10:25 pm during the 4th International Convention in Toronto, Ontario [left], A.A.’s “Responsibility Declaration” was adopted. Ninety delegates and members from around the world emerged from behind a large banner at the back of the stage, which depicted the A.A. triangle within a circle, symbolizing the globe. They joined the Trustees who were already seated. The audience of approximately 10,000 stood, joined hands, and, led by Bill and Lois W., thunderously recited the Responsibility Declaration in unison:

    I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.

    This Declaration was written for the occasion by Class B Trustee Howard Alfred “Al” S. [right]. It has since been printed, quoted, and recited countless times. Attempts to modify the wording at General Service Conferences to make it more specific to alcoholics and less inclusive have been made at least twice, but all have failed—largely due to the absurdity of trying to retroactively alter the historical event that took place that day in Toronto.

Today in A.A. History—July 3–5

1970: Nearly 11,000 attendees from every U.S. state and Canadian province, as well as participants from 28 other countries, gathered in Miami, Florida, for the 5th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous to celebrate its 35th anniversary [left].

Today in A.A. History—July 3–6

1980: Approximately 22,500 people attended the 7th International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrating A.A.’s 45th anniversary [right]. This was fewer than the anticipated 25,000 attendees, resulting in a loss of $208,000 [~$841,000 in 2026]. 
    The convention, themed “The Joy of Living,” marked several firsts: the debut of the film Markings on the Journey, the inaugural Archives Workshop, the first “genuine” marathon meeting, and the first dedicated events for gay and lesbian members. Marty M. [left] was among the featured speakers.
    A memorable moment occurred during the main meeting on Sunday, 6 July. A candle from the Marathon Meeting was brought to the stage and extinguished by Pete, who had only been sober for two days. Pete, who had been drinking, approached a conventioneer to inquire about their badge. He was promptly 12th-stepped and brought to the Marathon Meeting. The Superdome crowd erupted in deafening applause, and Pete reportedly maintained his sobriety.
    Following this, an unscheduled speaker approached the microphone, announcing, “My name is Bob S., and I’m in Al-Anon.” The audience was puzzled. Bob [right] continued, “I am probably the only person here today who was present when Bill met Dr. Bob.” A collective gasp swept through the crowd. He then declared, “I am Dr. Bob’s only son!” The audience responded with an outpouring of tears and wild applause.

July 2 in A.A. History

1936: Paul S. [right], who had met Dr. Bob S. in January, became Alcoholic Anonymous member #5^* in Akron, Ohio. His story, “Truth Freed Me!” appeared in the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. The following February, he would introduce his brother, Dick, to A.A.

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^*Note: Other sources say he was #11; different lists provide differing numberings.

2000: During the 2000 International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which celebrated A.A.’s 65th anniversary, the 20 millionth copy of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, was presented to the Al-Anon Family Groups.

Today in A.A. History—July 2–4

1965: An estimated 10,400 people from 32 countries attended the 4th International Convention, celebrating A.A.’s 30th anniversary in Toronto, Ontario [left: big meeting in Maple Leaf Gardens]. Local hotels and motels were fully booked, leading to the first-ever provision of free busing for attendees.
    Among the speakers was non-alcoholic Trustee Bernard Smith [right, 1966], who remarked:

    You have something great and awesome going for you. Treat it tenderly, respect what it has done for you and what it can do for others… As long as one man dwells in the darkness you once knew, you cannot rest; you must try to find him and help him become one of you… By the grace of God, may A.A. last for all time!

    At the Convention, a packet of pamphlets titled The Best of Bill was introduced. Each packet included five A.A. Grapevine essays in booklet form (5½"×3½") by Bill W. on “Faith,” “Fear,” “Honesty,” “Humility,” and “Love.” Additionally, a pocket-sized gift edition of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions was introduced [left]. The film Bill’s Own Story [right] premiered to overflowing audiences throughout the weekend.
    A historic moment occurred when Bill suggested that the crowd join hands to recite the Lord’s Prayer, closing the big meeting at Maple Leaf Gardens (the first International Convention to do so).
    Non-alcoholic Trustee Harrison Trice [left] requested a beer at the Royal York bar, only to be sternly told by the bartender, “No slips in here, brother.”

Today in A.A. History—July 2–5

2015: The 14th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous was held in Atlanta, Georgia, to celebrate A.A.’s 80th anniversary [right: big meeting in Georgia Dome]. During the event, the 35 millionth copy of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, was presented to Sister Judith Ann Karam [left, 2023]. She is a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, the same religious order to which Sister Ignatia belonged.

2020: The 15th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, scheduled to celebrate A.A.’s 85th anniversary in Detroit, Michigan, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic [right: Ford Field, would-be site of big meetings at the 2020 International Convention].

July 1 in A.A. History

1863: After dark, Gardner Fayette Griffith (Bill W.’s maternal grandfather) [left] arrived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with the 14th Vermont Regiment. They had been force-marched 130 miles [~210 km] in just over seven days from Washington, D.C., to join the Union’s Army of the Potomac. It had rained every day that week. General Robert E. Lee’s rebel army had invaded Pennsylvania in late June and would soon arrive at Gettysburg. The regiment took up a position near Cemetery Hill.

1938: Honor Dealers, founded by Hank P. [left] and based in Newark, New Jersey, relocated from 11 Hill St. [near right] to a smaller, two-room suite (#601) on the 6th floor of 17 Williams St. [far right]. Both locations also served as the service office for the fledging fellowship that would later become Alcoholics Anonymous.

1995: The Los Angeles Times published Tony Perry’s article, “AA Quietly Marks 60 Years of Deep Impact on Society” [left]. In this piece, over 2,600 words long, Perry discusses the tens of thousands who were celebrating Alcoholics Anonymous’s 60th anniversary in San Diego, as well as the history of the Fellowship and its program of recovery.

2000: Nancy Flynn, author of “The Independent Blonde,” a story found exclusively in the second edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, spoke at the Saturday night session of A.A.’s 11th International Convention. Held at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this convention celebrated A.A.’s 65th anniversary. Though petite and standing on a platform to reach the microphone, Nancy’s spirited presence evoked thunderous applause and cheers of “More!” from the crowd.

2002: The first meeting of the month-long Online Service Conference began with approximately 49 members in attendance, representing about 32 online groups. The conference invitation included the following statement:

    The concept of a self-contained general service conference for the online AA world has been, and will continue to be, controversial. Your group’s participation in this exploratory July meeting by sending a rep does not imply your group’s membership in an eventual conference, or even agreement to its principles. It’s just an opportunity for your group to be present at what may someday prove to be another historic moment in AA history.

2003: The third meeting of the month-long Online Service Conference began with 43 groups represented. Total attendance, including alternates and steering committee members, reached 57.

Today in A.A. History—July 1–3

1863: During the American Civil War, Gardner Fayette Griffith, Bill W.’s maternal grandfather, served in Company B of the 14th Vermont Regiment. This unit was merged with the 12th, 13th, 15th, and 16th Regiments to form the 2nd Vermont Brigade, which was assigned to the 1st Army Corps [right: map with gold arrow near the bottom showing their position].
    John C. Williams later said of these men:

    The regiment bore a conspicuous part in the battle of Gettysburg, and was highly complimented, both by Gen. Stannard, Brigade Commander, and by Gen. Abner Doubleday, the commandant of the division. Though exposed to the severest fire of the enemy, not a man shirked his duty, but all stood their ground, ‘as though rooted to the earth.’ The 2d Vt., brigade being placed in the front line, in the center position, —the most important in the whole line, for nearly twenty-four hours, it gallantly repelled a vigorous attack, by an overwhelming force of seventeen thousand rebels, and after sustaining a terrific fire from seventy-five to one hundred pieces of artillery, the result of which contributed essentially towards achieving one of the most glorious and decisive victories of the war. The casualties of the fourteenth regiment were twenty-five killed and seventy-five wounded.

1955: An estimated 5,000 members had attended the 2nd International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrating A.A.’s 20th anniversary. However, there were only 3,800 paid registrations, leading to an operating deficit of $25,000 [~$310,700 in 2026]. This deficit represented 10% of the New York office and Trustees’ entire annual budget. General Manager Hank G.^*, Dennis Manders, and the Trustees concluded that this should be A.A.’s final convention, as the Fellowship could not absorb such substantial losses. Despite this, the Delegates rejected their recommendation at the 1956 General Service Conference.

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^*My source has “Hank C.”, which I’m all but certain is a typo.

1960: An official estimate reported that 10,000 people attended the 3rd International Convention in Long Beach, California, celebrating A.A.’s 25th anniversary. However, the actual number of paid registrants was closer to 8,700. Despite this, the Convention generated an operating surplus of $600 [~$6,500 in 2025].
    Both Long Beach and San Francisco had expressed interest in hosting the event, and the final decision was made by a coin toss between the Delegates from Southern and Northern California. The Trustees required local groups to raise sufficient funds to ensure there would be no financial loss and later agreed to match whatever amount was raised, a practice that continued until 1975. While the full story of the event is both fascinating and lengthy, one memorable detail is that they ran out of coffee!

Today in A.A. History—July 1–4

1993: Six or seven thousand A.A. members and friends from Canada, the U.S., South America, Europe, and Asia gathered in Toronto, Ontario, to celebrate 50 years of Alcoholics Anonymous in Canada. Participants came from various countries, including Mexico, the West Indies, Brazil, England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, and Sri Lanka. The comprehensive program featured 31 speaker meetings, 26 panels, 40 marathon meetings spanning 50 hours, and two talkathons.

2010: Despite the ongoing threat of severe weather from the remnants of Hurricane Alex^*, approximately 53,000 people attended the 13th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in San Antonio, Texas [left: Big Meeting at the Alamodome]. The convention, themed “A Vision For You,” saw the presentation of the 30 millionth copy of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, to Rebecca Patchin, former chair of the American Medical Association’s Board of Trustees.

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^*Hurricane Alex brought tropical storm-force winds to southern Texas, with a peak of 51 mph [82 km/h] in Port Isabel. Its spiral bands also produced record rainfall, a storm surge of at least 3.5 feet [1.1 meters] that caused beach erosion, and nine EF0 tornadoes. The storm dissipated on July 6 [left: Hurricane Alex making landfall on Mexico at peak intensity on July 1; right: track map showing the storm's location at 6-hour intervals. The color of the data points indicates the storm’s maximum sustained wind speeds, as classified by the Saffir–Simpson scale].

June 30 in A.A. History

1940: Works Publishing, Inc. released its first financial report [right: “Receipts & Disbursements,” p. 4], consisting of eight pages. Note, however, the records used to compile this report were not entirely reliable.

Today in A.A. History—June 30–July 3

2005: Nearly 44,000 people attended the 12th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Toronto, Ontario, celebrating A.A.’s 70th anniversary [left: scene from Rogers Centre Stadium]. The event’s theme was “I Am Responsible.” During the convention, the 25 millionth copy of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, was presented to Jill Brown, warden of San Quentin Prison.

A.A. History—month & day unknown

1930: Dr. Leonard V. Strong, Jr., and his wife, Dorothy W. Strong (Bill W.’s brother-in-law and sister), purchased the Brackett Place, a farm located at lot No. 143 on Wilkins Hill in Green River, Vermont [right: probable location]. The Strongs bought this property while residing in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Bill and Lois would occasionally visit the farm during the summers when the Strongs were away.

1932: Long & Smith published Let’s Operate [far left: cover] by Roy H. McKay, M.D. [near left], and Norman Beasley.^* In the preface, the authors stated, “with great reluctance,” that [emphasis in original]:

    What people don't know, or won't believe, is that in eighty per cent of the cases they would get better without the ministrations of a physician, if they would merely go to bed and follow a proper diet.

    Dr. McKay, once a prominent and wealthy surgeon, lived at 581 N. Portage Path [right] in Akron, Ohio, and had an office in the same building as Dr. Bob S. His life would take a tragic turn as he became a “terrific rake and drunk,” leading to his downfall. In a deeply unfortunate event, his wife would commit suicide on Christmas night in 1934. Within two weeks of Bill W.’s meeting with Dr. Bob Smith in early May, both men would began “12th-stepping” Dr. McKay.

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^*Beasley was an American journalist and author, best known for writing biographies. He also served as a colonel in the United States Army.

1933: [Fall] Bill W. was admitted to Charles B. Towns Hospital [left, c. 1940] for the first time. He later said that after his discharge, he believed he had remained sober for approximately two to four months, while Lois thought it had been “a month or so.”

1935: [Early] T. Henry Williams [near right; far right: machine based on one of his patents] of Akron, Ohio, Chief Engineer at National Rubber Machinery Co., lost his job. On March 15, the company reported [left: excerpt from a newspaper’s financial page] a loss of $123,038 [~$3,000,000 in 2026] in 1934 (more than double the previous year’s loss), and turmoil within the company prompted a proxy fight that would soon bring Bill W. to Akron, the company's headquarters.

June 29 in A.A. History

1995: Fifty-six thousand people celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous at the 10th International Convention in San Diego, California [left: sketches from Box 4-5-9, Aug/Sep 1995; right: Saturday night Big Meeting].

2000: Forty-seven thousand people gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the 11th International Convention, celebrating Alcoholics Anonymous’s 65th Anniversary [left: Saturday night Big Meeting].

Today in A.A. History—June 29–July 4

1913: Seventeen-year-old Bill W. accompanied his maternal grandfather, Gardner Fayette Griffith [below left:, superimposed], to the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, where Fayette had fought in the Civil War.
    The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Federal War Department, meticulously organized this spectacular event. It drew 53,407 veterans, including approximately 8,750 former Confederates, making it the largest Civil War veterans’ reunion ever held. All honorably discharged veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic and the United Confederate Veterans were invited, with attendees from 46 of the 48 states. Bill and Fayette likely stayed at the Great Camp [below], a tent city officially known as The Peace Reunion Camp of the Blue and Gray, which the War Department established on leased farmland near the battlefield.

    Fayette pointed out the location where his military unit, Company B of the 14th Vermont Infantry, along with other Vermont regiments, had outflanked Pickett’s Charge and significantly contributed to the Union victory [right: gold arrow at bottom showing Company B’s position]. The hot days featured numerous speeches and exhibits, concluding with an address by President Woodrow Wilson on July 4th.

A.A. History—month & day unknown

1930: After Bill W. was dismissed from Greenshields and Co. in Montreal, Quebec, by his friend Dick Johnson, he and Lois took a train to the Burnhams’ “Camp” in Vermont. Soon after, Lois went ahead to her parent’s at 182 Clinton St. in Brooklyn. Bill joined her shortly afterward and they lived there till being evicted in April 1939.