Clarence Snyder of Casselberry, Florida

April 1, 1963 ~ Blackstone, VA

Formed first AA group in Cleveland, OHIO 1939.

This was sponsored by Dr. Bob, and he tells how Dr. Bob Twelfth stepped him in Akron city Hospital.

This is a very early (1/1/1963) example of a Clarence Snyder talk.

He tells his story and then talks about the steps.

He opens with a very funny drunk joke that I was surprised that I hadn't heard. Clarence tells his own story, his drinking and how he came in contact with his sponsor Dr. Bob. He talks about his early sobriety some of which qualifies as AA history. How the Cleveland contingent of the Akron Oxford Group broke away because of its many Catholic members and the need for a group made up solely of alcoholics and their families. He talks about the steps expounding his straightforward and practical approach. This is purely inference but this can be supposed to be the interpretation Dr. Bob shared with him.

Clarence has a confident sureness and direct approach to things. Do it and move on to the next thing. Don't evade the heart of the matter. There are things best not watered down. These are not quotes but they summarize what I gather from Clarence's direct approach and unflinching style. I like his style.

Informative, enjoyable, and capable of holding a listener's keen interest. He has an honest and straightforward way of clearing up and expressing his opinion of misconceptions that have crept into the Alcoholics Anonymous.

A great talk by Clarence. Very historically significant.

Clarence Snyder - 1963 Blackstone Virginia.

Clarence talks about how Doctor Bob helped him get sober and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

The Speaker: Clarence Snyder, Early Alcoholics Anonymous Member

Audio Remastering by History of Recovery.com

Restoration by A Bill Friend

Introduced by A Bill Friend