Annie C. first joined AA in 1947 at the age of 67. One interesting item that shows up in Annie’s story is the reference to a farm in Connecticut where she went for a few days after she had relapsed. This same farm, mentioned in other early stories in the Second Edition of the Big Book, was owned by Sister Francis, who took in addicts and alcoholics, helping those in need of hope.

In 1939, AA co-founder Bill W. came to Sister Francis’ farm with Marty Mann, one of AA’s first female members. They fell in love with High Watch Farm, and sister Francis fell in love with AA. She offered to gift her property to them so they could turn High Watch Farm into a retreat for those seeking recovery. More than 80 years later, High Watch Farm still operates as the world’s first 12-Step treatment center. The debate over the role of Alcoholics Anonymous versus the role of professional treatment can be traced back to the first days of High Watch Farm. It was at that time, AA’s future was set to remain independent from the business of “treatment” for alcoholics. In fact, the 6th tradition continues to address AA’s independence by virtue of not affiliating with nor endorsing of treatment facilities and other outside enterprises.