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 in Akron, Ohio. It was built in 1914. This house 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 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
It was in this house that Dr. Bob and Bill W. began the first meetings that grew into AA. This program helps people make positive changes in their lives. The house became a protected historic place in 1985. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012. Today, the Founders Foundation owns the house. They run it as a museum. The museum teaches visitors about the history of AA.
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What is the Dr. Robert Smith House?
The Dr. Robert Smith House is a famous landmark. It is located in a quiet neighborhood in Akron, Ohio. This house is a museum today. It helps people learn about an important part of history.
Who was Dr. Bob Smith?
Dr. Bob Smith was a medical doctor. He lived in this house for many years. He is known for helping to start a very important program. This program is called Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Dr. Bob worked with another person named Bill W. to create AA. They wanted to help people live healthier and happier lives.
A Special Meeting Place
The Dr. Robert Smith House is where the first AA meetings began. These meetings were a big step. They led to the creation of a worldwide program. This program has helped millions of people. It shows how one house can be a place of great change.
The House's Style and History
The Dr. Robert Smith House is a unique building. It shows the style of homes built around 1914. It has a special look that makes it stand out.
What Does the House Look Like?
The house has two and a half stories. It is made of wood. Its design is called Craftsman/Bungalow style. It has a roof with wide edges. You can see the wooden beams under the roof. The front of the house has two small gabled windows. A porch runs across the front. It has brick supports and a wide roof. Inside, the house looks like it did in the 1930s and 1940s.
How Did the House Become a Museum?
The house was built in 1914. Dr. Robert and Anna Smith bought it in 1915. They lived there for many years. After Dr. Bob Smith passed away in 1950, the house was sold. Several different people owned it over time. In 1984, the Founders Foundation bought the house. This group works to save the history of AA. They turned the house into the museum you can visit today.
