The story of the life of Herbert Clark Stockham is closely interwoven with the phenomenal growth and development of Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc. in Birmingham into one of the world’s largest producers of pipe fittings and valves.
Born in Chicago on March 24, 1888, he was the oldest son of Kate Frances (Clark) and William H. Stockham. In 1903, the family moved to Birmingham where William Stockham founded Stockham Pipe & Fittings Company. Though only fifteen at the time, young Herbert joined his father and a crew of five in setting up shop in a rented car barn. He continued to work every minute he wasn’t in school at Chicago English High and the University of Illinois Preparatory School.
After his studies were completed, he returned to the plant to work wherever he was needed – learning everything he could about the foundry business. He advanced to assistant secretary, secretary and was vice president at the time of his father’s death. He then became president. As president from 1923 to 1953 and Chairman of the Board from 1946 until his death, Herbert Clark Stockham was “the chief architect in Stockham’s rise through growth and expansion.”
During the early years of Herbert Stock- ham’s presidency, the company experienced growth. He initiated plant mechanization and the establishment of a warehouse in Houston, Texas, the company’s third.
Though the Great Depression brought two years of serious losses, the company survived – not only because of careful management but also because of the progress that had been made in employee relations.
Following the “Stockham credo” – the Golden Rule in action the company had begun to raise working standards long before the depression. The company was among the first in Birmingham to install facilities for inspirational and recreational activities. It also began to provide free medical and dental care, safety programs with group insurance, group hospitalization, pensions; higher pay, and shorter hours swiftly following.
In 1935, the company launched the product of one of its most outstanding research programs – the Bronze Valve. By 1941, the company had developed Iron Body Valves, but the entrance of the nation into World War II delayed the full development and production of the valves. The company geared itself to the needs of the Army and the Navy for munitions and cast steel fittings for warships. In 1942, the company received the first of three Army-Navy “E” production awards.
After the war, the company began an all-out program of reconditioning, modernization, and expansion. Production of valves began in earnest. The success of the valve production and sales is reflected in the change of name in 1948 from Stockham Pipe & Fittings Company to Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc. By this time, the company had also established warehouses and sales offices in many of the major metropolitan areas in the nation.
The essence of Herbert Stockham’s qualities as a leader is reflected in the Preface he wrote for Links to Better Living, 1903-1953: The Story of Stockham, 50 Golden Years:
“Stockham is land, buildings, and equipment. But those are only a minor factor. Primarily Stockham is people. Not the faceless, anonymous mass sometimes described as capital and labor, but proud and accomplished artisans, eager, enterprising, fresh, warm, and friendly people with personalities to express and ambitions to fulfill. People with skills to merge in making the products and supplying the service on which Stockham reputation is built.
“Stockham is a successful enterprise. My father furnished the vision and high principles that bred that success. The progress through the years we owe to many people. Especially do we feel a deep sense of gratitude to the loyal friends and customers who are the backbone of any business.”
A champion of the Free Enterprise System, Herbert Stockham was active in various professional organizations which fostered its growth. He was an original organizer, the first vice president, and the second president of Associated Industries of Alabama, as well as a member of AIA’s Board for many years. He was a president and member of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Fittings Manufacturers. He also served as regional vice president of the National Association of Manufacturers and a member of the board for Alabama.
Carrying on the tradition of community service set by his parents, Herbert Stockham gave of his means, his time, and his energy to civic, religious, educational, and charitable activities. He was a member and a president of the Birmingham Sunday School Council, which bestowed upon him life membership in recognition of his service. A devout church worker, he was a steward and Trustee of the Highlands Methodist Church in Birmingham and a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Christian Advocate. He was elected and served as a director of the Board of the Community Chest.
He was a member of the Executive Committee of Birmingham Southern College (which awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1949). He was tapped for ODK in recognition of his leadership and service. He also served as a representative of the State of Alabama on the Board of Trustees of Tuskegee Institute. In 1949, he was selected as “Alabamian of the Week” in recognition of his promotion of good race relations.
After Herbert Clark Stockham died suddenly on January 24, 1958, one well acquainted with him wrote:
“… In almost fifty-six years of service – through his ability, energy, and integrity of character – he contributed greatly to Stockham’s growth and progress … Herbert Clark Stockham was a leader – in industry, in church, and in the state … The memory of him shall stand as an inspiration to all of us.”
At the helm of the family firm, today is Herbert Cannon Stockham – son of Herbert Clark and Virginia (Cannon) Stockham. The Stockham’s daughter – Virginia Lee (Mrs. George Ladd) – also resides in Birmingham.
The “Stockham credo” and Stockham products continue to exert an influence in Birmingham, the State, the nation, and the world.
