09/18/2026
Dr. Silkworth and the Knickerbocker Hospital — A Lesser-Known Chapter of Early A.A. History
Most members know Dr. William D. Silkworth through “The Doctor’s Opinion” and his influence on Bill W.’s understanding of alcoholism.
But his role in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous did not end at Towns Hospital.
In 1945, New York’s Knickerbocker Hospital began a pioneering program accepting alcoholic patients for treatment, with Dr. Silkworth heading the alcoholic ward. A.A. members were welcomed into the hospital to visit patients, sponsor them, and help carry the message during their stay.
This relationship between medicine and the young Fellowship became an important part of A.A.’s early development.
Patients at Knickerbocker were treated medically while also being introduced to A.A. members and the principles of recovery. Historical accounts describe a six-bed men’s ward nicknamed “Duffy’s Tavern,” where patients, sponsors, and visiting A.A. members could talk together about alcoholism, recovery, and hope.
Join Recovery Speakers for a special Recovery History Workshop as Jim W. of Cancun explores:
Dr. Silkworth and the Knickerbocker Hospital
We’ll look at Dr. Silkworth’s continued work with alcoholics, the hospital’s role in early A.A. history, and the larger story of how medicine and Alcoholics Anonymous began learning to work alongside one another.
📚 Recovery History Workshop
🎙️ Presented by Jim W. — Cancun
📅 Tuesday, September 22
🕕 6:00 PM Pacific
🕘 9:00 PM Eastern
💻 Live on Zoom
🔢 Zoom ID: 310 333 9445
🔓 No password required
🌐 RecoverySpeakers.org
If you enjoy A.A. history, Dr. Silkworth, early hospital work, or the people and places that helped shape the Fellowship, please share this with someone who might want to join us.
Same message. A richer understanding.
