The A.A. Office That Will Go Down in History

The A.A. Office That Will Go Down in History

Bill begins to commute to a small office at 17 William Street, Newark, New Jersey (below), joining Hank P. to raise money for a new business venture — Honor Dealers, an attempt to create a cooperative program for gasoline dealers in northern New Jersey. The office secretary is a young woman named Ruth Hock.

17 William Street, Newark, New Jersey

Ruth Hock A.A,'s First Secretary

Plans for The Future

In late 1937, Bill pays another visit to Dr. Bob in Akron. Comparing notes, they are astonished to find that at least 40 of the many alcoholics with whom they’ve worked have stayed sober for two years. This discovery leads to exciting possibilities: Bill and Bob discuss developing a chain of hospitals dedicated to the treatment of alcoholics; employing salaried workers who would spread the word; and literature — especially a book, meant to carry the message far and wide.

The Year

1937

1937 continued...