February 11, 1938 — Honoring Clarence Snyder’s Sobriety

February 11, 1938 — Honoring Clarence Snyder’s Sobriety

February 11 marks the sobriety date of Clarence H. Snyder — one of the most influential yet often under appreciated pioneers in Alcoholics Anonymous history. Sobered in 1938 after being taken through the Steps by Dr. Bob in Akron, Clarence would go on to help ignite what many historians call the “Cleveland explosion” of A.A. growth in the early 1940s. At a time when the Fellowship was still fragile and small, Clarence championed a practical, structured, Big Book–based approach to sponsorship — one alcoholic taking another through the text, page by page. The results were extraordinary. Cleveland’s rapid and sustained growth astonished even Bill Wilson, who later credited the city’s pioneers with proving the power of personal sponsorship and disciplined Step work.

Clarence believed deeply in a simple formula: trust God, clean house, and help others. He emphasized spiritual action over mere meeting attendance and encouraged newcomers to begin working with others almost immediately. His influence helped shape what would become the dominant model of sponsorship within Alcoholics Anonymous. Though sometimes strong-willed and outspoken, Clarence’s passion was always centered on carrying the message as clearly and effectively as possible. His story — once told anonymously as “Mr. X” in a 1939 sermon-turned-pamphlet — stands as a powerful reminder of how one recovered alcoholic can impact thousands.

On this anniversary of his sobriety, we invite you to explore the recordings, historical presentations, photographs, and archival materials shared here. Take time to listen to his voice, to see the faces behind the early movement, and to appreciate the tangible history that helped shape the Fellowship so many rely on today. Clarence Snyder’s life is a testament to the ripple effect of one decision — February 11, 1938 — and the generations of recovery that followed.

Remembering Clarence:

Clarence S. Recordings:

Recovery Speakers History Meetings:

How It Worked: The Story of Clarence H. Snyder by Mitchell K.

Signed by Clarence Snyder (Home Brewmeister): Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 1st Printing

Signed by “Mr. X” (Clarence Snyder) – Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 12th Printing

“Mr. X and Alcoholics Anonymous”