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A marker abruptly calls your attention as you enter Stepping Stones, rightly designated a State and National Historic Place. Standing just at the edge of the lovely gardens, the words are direct: "Here is the home of Bill and Lois Wilson. 'Bill W.' was co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous - 1935.  'Lois W.' co-founder of Al-Anon Family Groups - 1951."

Just ahead is Stepping Stones, home to Bill and Lois Wilson from 1941 until their deaths in 1971 and 1988, respectively.

The garden reflects the spirit of the Wilsons in its gentle combination of plantings, like rhubarb from Vermont, Victorian hollyhocks, antique roses, and more, surrounded by bushes and trees that grace the hillside. Up the hill is the cinderblock studio cabin called Wit's End, built by Bill with the help of a mason friend. Inside, knotty pine walls frame his desk, a day bed and a few dozen mementos. This was the creative workspace of AA's primary writer.

Stepping Stones demonstrates the story of hope for the recovery from alcoholism, in both the individual and the family.  The Wilsons' home - comfortable, peaceful, integrated with nature - emerges from past pain and difficulty to demonstrate that there is hope for a life beyond alcoholism. Today, Stepping Stones remains open to visitors who might also benefit from experiencing the story of hope, seen through the eyes of two of the recovery movement's most legendary figures.

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