Bill W and Iowa Pioneer Judge Ray Harrison

Speaking in 1948

Bill introduces his remarks by telling the story of how he and Bert the Tailor learned that alcoholics, as a group of people tended to be childish, emotionally sensitive and grandiose.

Then, Bill tells his story beginning with his life in East Dorset, VT.

He talks about his first drink and its striking effect on him.

His early life with Lois while living on Clinton st.

Learning about sobriety from Ebby and then getting sober with help from Doctor Silkworth.

Bill concludes the talk by explaining how he met Doctor Bob and then how he helped AA Number Three, Bill B get sober.

A Very Enjoyable AA Talk.

Bill is casual, upbeat and humorous as he talks about the events that founded the Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship.

Iowa AA Pioneer Judge Ray Harrison

Following Bill's upbeat and humorous manner Ray Harrison tells a few funny stories.

He talks about his drinking and how a former defendant 12th Stepped him and gave him a Big Book.

The first Iowa AA Group and how they handled their first slip.

He talks about sobriety and ends by talking about his court class.

How he helps the low bottom drunks of Des Moines get sober and rebuild their lives.

As a unit the two talks are very enjoyable for how they talk about the serious matter of sobriety in a lighthearted way.

We can laugh about these things because we have recovered and alcohol no longer has us in its grip as it once did.