AKRON, Ohio — Alcoholics Anonymous’ Founders’ Day weekend beginning Friday is in-person this year, after the pandemic forced the event to be virtual the past two years.
People from around the world are expected to travel again to the city for the 87th annual event, running Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12.
Organizers estimated the annual three-day conference has drawn about 10,000 people each year to Akron, considered the home of AA. Over the years, visitors have come to Akron from every state in the U.S., and as far away as Australia and Mongolia, council officials said.
Founders’ Weekend attendees come to Akron to honor Dr. Robert “Bob” Smith and Bill W.
The men met in 1935, meeting at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, laying the foundation for the AA movement, which has helped millions of people, organizers said.
Dr. Bob, a successful Akron surgeon, took his last drink a few weeks after that meeting on June 10, which is considered AA's founding date.
The host of the annual Founders’ Day weekend conference is the Akron Area Intergroup Council of AA, which plans three days of activities at the University of Akron and surrounding area. Founders’ Day weekend features panel discussions, performances, dances and speakers.
While in town, many attendees visit historic AA Akron sites throughout the weekend, including:
Dr. Bob’s Home: Dr. Bob’s Home, at 855 Ardmore Ave. in Akron was the site of countless gatherings where people began their journey to sobriety sitting at the kitchen table or seated in the living room talking with others. Dr. Bob lived here for 34 years with his wife, Anne Ripley Smith, until her death in 1949, followed by his in 1950.
A National Historic Landmark since 1984, Dr. Bob's home is often a stop during Founders' Day weekend. Open seven days a week from noon to 3 p.m. the site offers tours and a gift shop. Curators acquired an adjacent property on Everett Avenue, which was renovated to serve as a welcome center, library and archive space. Call 330-864-1935 for more information.
Stan Hywet Gate Lodge: Henrietta Seiberling, daughter in-law of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.- founder F.A. Seiberling, set up the fateful meeting in 1935 between her friends Dr. Bob and Bill W. at the Gate Lodge at her family’s estate. Intended to be relatively short, the meeting lasted several hours as the men established some of the tenants of AA.
Free shuttle service will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 between the University of Akron and Stan Hywet Hall and the Gate Lodge. Music will be provided by 91.3 The Summit's Rock & Recovery program. Stan Hywet Hall is located at 714 N. Portage Path in Akron. Call 330- 836-5533 for more information.
Mayflower Manor: The Mayflower Manor listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the South Main Street Historic District. The redeveloped, senior-living apartment complex was redeveloped in the past few years to restore the historical character of the building inside and out.
That included preserving the lobby phone booth from which Bill W. is said to have made the now-famous call to Dr. Bob. The call led to the infamous meeting at the Stan Hywet Gate Lodge in 1935 that helped found Alcoholics Anonymous. Hundreds of people each year during Founder’s Day Weekend visit the Mayflower. The Mayflower Manor is located at 263 S. Main St. in downtown Akron. Call 330-762-7518 for more information.
St. Thomas Hospital: The Sister Ignatia Heritage Center at Summa Health's St. Thomas campus in Akron honors the legacy of "the Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous," Sister Mary Ignatia. Sister Ignatia worked with Dr. Bob admitting alcoholics to the hospital, and opened the first hospital-based unit in the country dedicated to the treatment of alcoholism. The unit still exists, with treatment offered through Summa Health's Ignatia Hall Addiction Medicine Intensive Outpatient Program.
The center offers virtual tours, historical materials and audio displays of Sister Ignatia. Call 330-375-3000 for more information.
Mount Peace Cemetery - Traditionally wrapping up Founder’s Weekend prior to the closing speaker, a Motorcade Procession with hundreds of cars and motorcycles travels to Dr. Bob’s and Anne S’s. graves at Mount Peace Cemetery for a graveside tribute. The procession will take place at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 12. The cemetery is located at 183 Aqueduct St. in Akron.