AA in Dallas – A Brief History

“When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help. I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”

On June 14, 1941, a Dallas alcoholic named Ruth T. sent a letter to Ruth Hock, Bill W.’s secretary in New York, asking for information about any AA activity in nearby cities and towns. In her letter, she wrote, “I don’t know where I might get to.” And so it began—someone reached out for help, and the hand of AA responded. It always starts this way. Bill’s secretary responded the same day she got the letter, but did not hear back from Ruth T. 

A few months later, on December 1, 1941, another letter arrived in New York. This time it was from Kent W., an AA member who had just moved to Dallas from Florida. He was sober, eager to start a group, and—most importantly—a public relations man. Within days, Ruth Hock replied, offering encouragement and a referral to a desperate case. Kent wasted no time. By December 8th, just three days after receiving Ruth’s letter, he was brimming with excitement. He reported on his AA activities, his plans to hold a meeting, and, as a good PR man does, his efforts to spread the word about AA in the local media.

Kent’s first AA meeting in Dallas was held at the White Plaza Hotel on January 7, 1942. Despite the weather being terrible, 12 people attended, and Kent was optimistic. His story even made it into the Dallas Morning News, which sparked 72 inquiries from alcoholics seeking help. Over just 30 days, while the country reeled from its entry into World War II, Kent W. placed a news article, mailed literature to 61 people, met with doctors, printed AA stationery, held at least one meeting, and titled himself “Chief Sponsor” of Dallas AA. He was never heard from again. 

AA ultimately took root in Dallas in 1943, through Esther E., whose story, “A Flower of the South,” can be found in the Third Edition of the Big Book. Esther had sobered up in Houston and moved to Dallas in ‘43. Finding no active group, she started one herself, later to be known as “The Dallas Group.” The first meeting was held on April 2nd, 1943. Ruth T., the woman who had initially reached out for help, was in attendance.

In the beginning, the Dallas Group held speaker meetings on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 PM in Esther’s home. Esther expressed her gratitude for AA in her story, writing,  “I wish I could tell you all that AA has done for me, all that I think and feel about AA, but it’s something that I have experienced and have never been able to put into words. I know that I must work at it as long as I live; I know that it is only by working at it that I can stay sober and have a happy life.” Esther’s copy of the Big Book, which is inscribed by AA co-founder Bill W. is on display in the Dallas Intergroup Office. 

By 1945, Dallas AA had a permanent home at 912 ½ Main Street in downtown. AA’s presence in Dallas continued to spread, largely by word of mouth. By the end of 1945, fewer than 20 people in the city were sober, but they were steadily growing in number. 

After World War II, the returning soldiers brought about a surge in AA’s membership, and in 1946, a second group, the Suburban Group (still in existence today), was formed by Searcy W..  By 1947, it became clear that a Central Office was needed to support the growing fellowship, even though there were only two groups. 

On September 18, 1947, the Dallas Central Office held its first Board meeting and officially opened for business. It was located on Akard Street in the Davis Building. The office, while small and somewhat cluttered, was filled with dedicated AA members eager to serve.

Dick P. was the first Office Manager. He had suffered from Jamaica Ginger Poisoning—a condition caused by consuming a Prohibition-era alcohol substitute known as “Jake,” which was mostly ethanol and often led to paralysis. Despite his physical challenges, Dick was fully committed to the work. He answered phones, coordinated 12-step calls, shared coffee and conversation with those seeking help, and sold a smattering of AA literature. His dedication and willingness made him an ideal fit for the role.

In 1960, after the passing of Esther E., Dallas AA continued to grow. An open meeting was regularly held at Lone Star Gas Company, featuring three speakers who shared their stories of recovery.

By 1968, Dallas Intergroup reorganized, and the Central Office evolved under the guidance of the AA groups, now numbering eight or nine. A member generously loaned $2,000 to stock AA literature, a vital step in supporting the growing fellowship.

By 1971, the office, now located at the Hudson & Hudson Building, published a meeting directory that included groups in jails, hospitals, and more. The fellowship grew to 30 groups by 1973, continuing the legacies of Unity, Service, and Recovery. 

Today, the Dallas Central Office, also known as Dallas Intergroup Association or DIA, supports over 160 AA groups, which host over 1500 meetings combined. Our office operates a 24/7 hotline, coordinates 12th step and service work, maintains the Meeting Guide app and website, provides access to literature, circulates AA events, and, most importantly, helps alcoholics find recovery. Lonesome alcoholics, like Ruth T. from the early days, now have local points of contact, and access to a thriving AA fellowship.  

We do together what none of us can accomplish alone. Thanks to committed effort and gratitude in action, AA is alive and well in the Dallas Area, ready and able to lend support, and a welcoming hand, to the suffering alcoholic. As Esther E. beautifully concluded in her Big Book story, “There is no situation too difficult, no unhappiness too great, to be overcome in this great fellowship—Alcoholics Anonymous.”