Dr. Robert Smith House facts for kids
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Dr. Robert Smith House
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 855 Ardmore Ave., Akron, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1914 |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003411 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 31, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | October 6, 2012 |
The Dr. Robert Smith House, also known as Dr. Bob's Home, is a special historic house museum located at 855 Ardmore Avenue in Akron, Ohio. This house was built in 1914. It is important because it was the home of Dr. Bob Smith from 1915 to 1950. Dr. Bob was one of the people who helped start a helpful group called Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
It was in this house that Dr. Bob and Bill W. began the meetings that grew into AA. Through this group, Dr. Bob found a way to live a healthier life. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It was also named a National Historic Landmark in 2012. This means it is a very important place in American history.
About Dr. Bob's Home
The Dr. Robert Smith House is in a neighborhood in Akron, Ohio. It is a two-and-a-half-story house made of wood. The house has a style called Craftsman/Bungalow. It has a sloped roof with parts that stick out. There are also two small windows on the front of the roof. A porch goes across the front of the house. It has brick supports and a wide roof.
The inside of the house has been made to look like it did in the 1930s and 1940s. It still has some features that are part of Dr. Bob Smith's story. One bedroom upstairs is called the "Surrender Room." This room is a place where people who are getting help can find strength. They make important decisions for their well-being there.
History of the House
The house was built in 1914. Dr. Robert Smith and his wife, Anna Smith, bought it in 1915. Dr. Smith was a medical doctor. He had faced challenges with his health since his college days.
In 1935, a person named Bill W. stayed with the Smiths for several months. It is believed that the main ideas for Alcoholics Anonymous were developed around the kitchen table in this house. Dr. Bob Smith passed away in 1950. After that, the house was sold. It had a few different owners.
In 1984, a group called the Founders Foundation bought the house. This group is a nonprofit organization. They work to keep the history of AA alive.
Dr. Bob's Home Today
Today, Dr. Bob’s Home is a nonprofit organization. It keeps this historic house in good condition. This house is known as the birthplace of AA and other helpful programs. It offers a welcoming place for people seeking support. They are greeted with "WELCOME HOME." The organization also teaches the community about the house's role in the start of AA.
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