July in A.A. History—day unknown

1935: [Summer] Encouraged by T. Henry Williams [left], Ernie G. [right], the “devil-may-care chap” from “A Vision for You” (pages 158–159 of Alcoholics Anonymous), sought help from Dr. Bob S. and got sober. At 30, some considered him “too young,” yet he became the fourth member of A.A. However, he was unable to maintain his sobriety and relapsed for seven months. He chronicled his experience in “The Seven Month Slip” in the first edition of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous.
    In September 1941, Ernie married Dr. Bob S.’s adopted daughter, Sue. However, his ongoing struggle with alcohol led to a disastrous marriage. Tragically, on 11 June 1969, their daughter Bonna would take her own life after killing her 6-year-old daughter, Sandy, who was Ernie and Sue’s granddaughter. Ernie would die exactly two years later [left: Ernie and Sue in happier times].

1935: [August?] In Akron, Ohio, Lois W. joined her husband, Bill, for a two-week stay at the home of Dr. Bob and Anne S., located at 855 Ardmore Avenue [left]. Bill had been in Akron since at least April and had been residing with Bob and Anne since late May [right: Bob, Anne, Lois and Bill, mid-late 1930s].

1937:  James “Jim” S. [right] was working at the Middlebury Book Shop in Akron, Ohio, when he received a call to visit a hospitalized friend, likely at Akron City Hospital. This friend, probably Earl T. [left] (author of “He Sold Himself Short” in the second edition of Alcoholics Anonymous), had previously worked with Jim and had been hospitalized for alcoholism. Despite still recovering himself, he insisted Jim visit him, already demonstrating a desire to help others.
    A few days later, another man came to Jim’s bookstore to discuss a recovery plan and invite him to a meeting. Jim, however, maintained that he was doing well and staying sober. Unfortunately, he soon succumbed to another drinking binge, which continued until his previously hospitalized friend picked him up and brought him to the hospital.
    During this period, Jim may have lost his job at the bookstore. One account suggests Dr. Bob S. found him on Skid Row, selling hair oil and panhandling. Jim, however, stated he did not meet Dr. Bob until he was already in the hospital.
    Jim was described as “tall and skinny, and a real lone wolf.” He had previously worked in Akron as a reporter and editor for Goodyear Tire’s company newsletter, Wingfoot Clan. He became the first Australian—having been born in Tasmania [right]—to achieve sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. His story, “Traveler, Scholar, Editor,” appeared in the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous; it was retitled “News Hawk” in the second and third editions.

1941: Florida’s first A.A. group, formally organized in Miami [left: Miami Beach, 1942] in April, reported a membership of 10. Frank P., Joe T., and Roger C. had started the group seven months earlier, recruiting Carl C. and Charlie C. A series of newspaper articles about A.A. brought in the other members.