Ethel Macy — A Pioneer in Recovery | One of the First Women Sober in Ohio – 11/1/1962

In this rare and meaningful recording, Ethel Macy shares her experience as one of the earliest women in Alcoholics Anonymous in Ohio.

At a time when AA was still in its infancy — and when far fewer women were publicly identifying as alcoholics — voices like Ethel’s helped shape the foundation of recovery for future generations.

Her story reflects both the challenges and the courage of early recovery:

• Finding sobriety in the early days of AA
• What it meant to be a woman in a growing fellowship
• The importance of connection and shared experience
• The power of carrying the message to others

🕰️ Why This Matters

Alcoholics Anonymous began in Akron, Ohio in 1935 — and the Midwest became one of the earliest centers of growth for the fellowship. Women played a crucial role in that growth, even when their stories were less frequently documented.

Ethel Macy represents:

👉 Courage in early recovery

👉 A voice for women in AA

👉 The expansion of the message beyond its earliest members

🕊️ A Legacy of Carrying the Message

Her story is not just personal… It is part of the larger history of how recovery spread — one person at a time.

Through recordings like this, those voices continue to be heard.

🔊 About Recovery Speakers

Recovery Speakers is dedicated to preserving and sharing the voices that shaped recovery — from early pioneers to modern message carriers. These recordings ensure that stories like Ethel’s are never lost. Learn more about us: https://recoveryspeakers.com https://linktree.com/recoveryspeakers