The minor arts and crafts house tucked away on a quiet street in Akron, Ohio, became the life-long home of Dr. Bob Smith and his wife, Anne Ripley Smith. Built-in 1915, the house was where Dr. Smith brought his bride in 1916; and where they lived for the next 34 years until their deaths: Anne in 1949 and Dr. Bob in 1950. It was here, in this humble home, that Dr. Smith was to take his incredible journey through the twelve steps and into history as the Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this house and surrounding neighborhood, the miracle of recovery began for many hundreds of men and women. These individuals spread this welcome message of healing around the world. Many visitors have spoken of a feeling of oneness with the spirit of AA as soon as they climbed the front steps and crossed the threshold. It is our hope and belief that you will too. Many once- hopeless alcoholics, Dr. Bob among them, made their first shaky steps toward recovery in this place. Walking through these rooms, we may reflect on those days in the 1930s and 1940s when the Smiths and their visitors spoke of spiritual matters and reflected in gratitude on how dramatically their lives had changed because of them.
Who was Dr. Bob?
Robert Holbrook Smith was born on August 8th, 1879, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. After graduation from Dartmouth College in 1902, he completed his medical training at Rush Medical School in Chicago. While attending college, he became a steady drinker, which progressed until his recovery. In 1915, some 17 years after he had first met her, he married his high school sweetheart Anne Ripley and brought her to Akron. Even though he became a successful surgeon, he struggled with alcoholism. Bed Bug Exterminator Akron
Who was Anne Smith?
Bill Wilson referred to Anne Ripley Smith as “the mother of our first group in Akron. She was a woman who possessed a deep faith in God and unwavering love for those who suffer. On January 25, 1915, Anne and Dr. Bob were married in her mother’s home after a 17-year courtship. There seems to have been one underlying theme to the life of Anne Smith, and that was love. Love for God and her fellows. She worked tirelessly with many alcoholics, their wives, and their families. Her life was an example of faith at work.
Address: 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH
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