District 18 invites you to explore our online exhibits below. They emphasize some of the individuals and places that shaped AA in District 18 and Northern Kentucky. We hope this material will inspire interest and spread further understanding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
How it All Began –
Take a look at a scan of a 1984 article from the Northern Kentucky Central Office article that discusses the start of Northern Kentucky’s first AA meeting.
Dick H and the Droege House
Dick H – Drug S. Carries AA Message –Dick H talks about the beginnings of Droege house, Big A, and Asbury Group.
Droege House was founded in 1969 by a group of citizens concerned about the lack of addiction recovery services for Northern Kentucky’s less fortunate residents. Three of the group’s most committed members were from the same family (Virginia, Margaret, and Larry D.). In 1969 the group gained some supporters and raised some money but it wasn’t enough to start a residential treatment program. The group often met in the living room of Virginia and Margaret D. Legend has it that, during one meeting in late 1969, Virginia looked at Margaret and said “you know, we could start doing treatment services right here”. They moved in with relatives and donated their home to the cause. The new agency was named Droege House and the new program became Greater Cincinnati’s first non-medical residential treatment program for those with the disease of addiction.
The Walk
Pam A – Walked into her first meeting at Russell St. and started a new life.
Getting sober in the 1980s
Coleen K – Got sober in the 80s and unloads detailed memories of the meetings in Northern Kentucky and was a founder of the Pike 27 Group
Promises
Promises Club History
Rock Bottom in an old Workhouse
Things go down hill for Dave L while living by bar, a bookie, and a carry out. So much so that he ends up at the old Workhouse jail sleeping on a straw mattress. His probation officer recommended a sponsor and he attended meetings at 531 Russell St where he was welcomed by Tony. Goes on to being on the board at the Prospect House.
History of 531 Russell Street
A Northern Kentucky AA clubhouse
In July 1980, when Northern Kentucky Alcoholics Anonymous outgrew its original location at 237 Court Street in Covington Kentucky, a committee consisting of Fred R., Cy D., Larry D., and Ted V. searched for a new building for drunks to call home. Bishop William Hughes directed them to Father Mertes at Mother of God Church in Covington, who organized and supported the renovation efforts at 531 Russell Street. One business in the past at this location was a Pony Keg called Jess & Dot’s. Work on the building began January 16, 1981 and without fanfare the first meeting was held within these walls on February 14, 1981. Roughly 2,000 people have come through the door each month. This building has known controversy (children or no children, open or close the side door, podium and bar-tending requirements, just to name a few), but more often it has known love. Countless hands have acknowledged a first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Thousands of anniversary coins have exchanged hands in this room. Lifelong friendships have begun here. This building is now part of our sobriety, our hearts, and our past. 531 Russell Street was opened February 14, 1981 and was closed November 27, 1999.
Big Time Banker gets fired as the homegroup treasurer
Vic G is a closet drinker who gets sent to AA by the VA Alcohol Treatment program, where his life is changed as he helped to shape AA through the 80s and 90s. Participating in the first Kentucky Conference in the Northern Kentucky Area at the Drawbridge, registering so many people that Clancy I had to finish his lead with fire marshals watching the exits.