Interesting Historical Trivia for the AA Members... - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

rhnorment · 05-09-2009, 04:08 PM

I am fascinated by the science of alcoholism and the history of AA, so please forgive me in advance. But I thought I would share some interesting history of AA that many AA members may not know about.

In 1939, President Roosevelt held a meeting with Bill W and John D. Rockefeller (JDR), the oil baron. JDR's father was a horrible alcoholic and JDR gave millions to hospitals (prior to AA) that promised to cure alcoholism. JDR abhorred alcohol, and it turned out to be a big driver in his donations.

Anyway, the 3 men met in 1939. President Roosevelt was so impressed with Bill W's movement that he (FDR) wanted to make AA a government program, fully subsidized for all members.

JDR (Rockefeller), vehemently disagreed with Pres FDR. Rockefeller said, "if AA becomes a government program, then anyone will join." Rockefeller said "the only way to make AA work is if the members pay for their own recovery, for paying one's way is the only real way to sobriety."

Bill W agreed with Rockefeller over FDR: AA should be self-sustaining and not be a government program.

Thus, we pay at every meeting. And rightly so. It keeps us sober.

This story is 100% true and is highlighted in the book "Titan" by Ron Chernow about the story of Rockefeller. Rockefeller was on our side!

/rhn

Mark75 · 05-09-2009, 04:52 PM

No apology necessary... As far as I'm concerned, you can share those snippets of history any time you want to!!

I had read about how JD did not want the program subsidized... But not from a JD biographical perspective.

Thanx

Mark

Puddy · 05-10-2009, 12:50 PM

I've heard about the meeting between Nelson Rockefeller and the AA Pioneers, but not the meeting with the Prez...

05-09-2009, 04:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
rhnorment Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 90	Interesting Historical Trivia for the AA Members... I am fascinated by the science of alcoholism and the history of AA, so please forgive me in advance. But I thought I would share some interesting history of AA that many AA members may not know about. In 1939, President Roosevelt held a meeting with Bill W and John D. Rockefeller (JDR), the oil baron. JDR's father was a horrible alcoholic and JDR gave millions to hospitals (prior to AA) that promised to cure alcoholism. JDR abhorred alcohol, and it turned out to be a big driver in his donations. Anyway, the 3 men met in 1939. President Roosevelt was so impressed with Bill W's movement that he (FDR) wanted to make AA a government program, fully subsidized for all members. JDR (Rockefeller), vehemently disagreed with Pres FDR. Rockefeller said, "if AA becomes a government program, then anyone will join." Rockefeller said "the only way to make AA work is if the members pay for their own recovery, for paying one's way is the only real way to sobriety." Bill W agreed with Rockefeller over FDR: AA should be self-sustaining and not be a government program. Thus, we pay at every meeting. And rightly so. It keeps us sober. This story is 100% true and is highlighted in the book "Titan" by Ron Chernow about the story of Rockefeller. Rockefeller was on our side! /rhn

05-09-2009, 04:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mark75 Friend of Bill W. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Looking for snow Posts: 5,600	No apology necessary... As far as I'm concerned, you can share those snippets of history any time you want to!! I had read about how JD did not want the program subsidized... But not from a JD biographical perspective. Thanx Mark __________________ "Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle."....Philo of Alexandria "Your fear of the future is your greatest mistake." .... Stephen Kellogg

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05-10-2009, 12:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Puddy Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 184	I've heard about the meeting between Nelson Rockefeller and the AA Pioneers, but not the meeting with the Prez...

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