A Timeless

Legacy

William H. Stacy

Born in Massachusetts in the mid-19th century, William H. Stacy came from a modest family with deep New England roots. Raised in a hardworking household, Stacy received a basic education and developed an early interest in commerce and fine craftsmanship. Before entering the footwear industry, he worked in various trades, gaining valuable experience that would later inform his business acumen. By 1870, he secured a position as a traveling salesman for Gray Brothers of Rochester, NY, selling women’s shoes. This role expanded his understanding of footwear design, production, and market demand. It was during his time as a traveling salesman that he met Henry L. Adams.

Henry L. Adams

Henry L. Adams was a driven young man from New York, known for his attention to detail and flair for fashion. His early years were spent gaining experience in fine footwear, most notably as a representative for James M. Burt, a manufacturer specializing in high-end men’s shoes. His work took him across the Northeast, where he developed a reputation for reliability and taste. During his travels, Adams crossed paths with William H. Stacy.

Brockton, Massachusetts

By 1875 when Stacy Adams was founded, Brockton, Massachusetts, was already a national hub for shoemaking. As early as 1760, shoe factories were cropping up across the state, but it was the Industrial Revolution that truly transformed the industry. Innovations like the sewing, pegging, and Goodyear Welt machine revolutionized production.

By 1875, Massachusetts was producing 60% of all boots and shoes in the U.S., with Brockton leading in men’s shoe manufacturing. At its peak in the early 20th century, Brockton earned the title of “Shoe Capital of the United States.” At the time it was home to 91 shoe factories that employed approximately 13,000 workers.

The industry was so important to the town that in the 1890’s they named the local baseball team the Shoemakers. Additionally, local companies like the United Shoe Machinery Company monopolized the equipment, making it essential for factories to operate nearby. With this infrastructure, talent pool, and reputation for quality, Brockton was the ideal place for entrepreneurs like Stacy and Adams to set up shop and innovate within a booming market.

In 1870, William H. Stacy was traveling for Gray Brothers, gaining experience in women’s footwear sales, while Henry L. Adams sold men’s shoes for James M. Burt of New York. Their paths crossed frequently, and their shared values in quality and design soon forged a friendship that led to a business partnership.

Initially, they established offices in New York, coordinating with manufacturers to distribute high-end men’s footwear. Soon after they decided to take control of the manufacturing process themselves and relocated to Brockton. There, they formed a partnership with seasoned shoe designer, S. Gardner Jones under the name Stacy, Adams & Jones.

A modest factory on Montello Street became the company’s first home, with Stacy and Adams managing sales, and Jones overseeing production. After three years Jones retired and the name was changed to Stacy, Adams & Co.

Brockton, Massachusetts

At the time it was home to 91 shoe factories that employed approximately 13,000 workers. The industry was so important to the town that in the 1890’s they named the local baseball team the Shoemakers. Additionally, local companies like the United Shoe Machinery Company monopolized the equipment, making it essential for factories to operate nearby.

With this infrastructure, talent pool, and reputation for quality, Brockton was the ideal place for entrepreneurs like Stacy and Adams to set up shop and innovate within a booming market.

There, they formed a partnership with seasoned shoe designer, S. Gardner Jones under the name Stacy, Adams & Jones. A modest factory on Montello Street became the company’s first home, with Stacy and Adams managing sales, and Jones overseeing production. After three years Jones retired and the name was changed to Stacy, Adams & Co.

1878

1882

1885

1896

Late 1800s

1877Stacy, Adams & Jones were producing 500 pairs of shoes per day showing early signs of industrial success and consistent production, only briefly pausing to take inventory in the fall.

1878S. Gardner Jones retires, replaced by bookkeeper Oliver B. Quinby. The firm is renamed Stacy, Adams & Co., employing 225 workers and producing 125,000 pairs annually.

1886Henry L. Adams retires in November; the firm continues under William H. Stacy.

1891H. Bernard, leather merchant, announces plans to tour Europe with the Stacy Adams team—evidence of international ambitions.

1897Henry L. Adams passes away, leaving behind a legacy of style and business integrity.

1919

1923

1928

1900s-20s

1908The company incorporates as the Stacy-Adams Company and relocates to a larger plant on Montello Street.

1910With growing demand, the firm expands to a custom-build six-story brick factory, its most ambitious location to date.

1916Stacy Adams begins a lasting business relationship with Nordstrom.

1917President Woodrow Wilson wears Stacy Adams to his second inauguration.

1919William H. Stacy passes away.

1923President Calvin Coolidge orders three pairs of custom-made Stacy Adams shoes from the White House.

1925Stacy Adams celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special gold kid leather oxford, exhibited at the brockton fair.

1932

1934

1942

1943

1930s-40s

The 1930s and 1940s saw Stacy Adams become a style staple in American jazz and swing culture. Popular among musicians and dancers, the brand's iconic two-tone spectator shoes became synonymous with the energy of the swing era. As wartime approached, Stacy Adams contributed to the U.S. Navy, producing high-quality footwear for servicemen. The brand maintained its civilian presence despite production constraints, reinforcing its commitment to quality and style through adversity.

1931First advertisement appears in Time magazine.

1932Acquires and renovates the former Bion F. Reynolds factory at 39 Dover Street; launches a new line of custom-style shoes.

1939Supplies shoes for U.S. Navy. Civilians experience limited availability, but the brand's reputation only strengthens.

1945With WWII over, civilian production resumes, and the Navy shoes are ordered at reduced prices. The company enters a new era with improved capacity and postwar optimism.

1955

1956

1960

1964

1968

1950s-60s

As the Civil Rights Movement reshaped American society, Stacy Adams began to engage more directly with African American consumers, recognizing their style leadership and buying power. The brand's advertising appeared in Ebony magazine, and its shoes became popular in African American communities for their sharp design and cultural resonance. Expansion, innovation, and national recognition defined these decades.

1950Celebrates 75 years in business.

1952Begins advertising in Ebony magazine.

1956Launches the Dayton last, one of its most iconic shoe silhouettes.

1962Advertising begins in Sports Illustrated, expanding brand visibility.

1964Expands its Brockton warehouse to meet growing demand.

1969Wins the Leather Industries of America's "American Shoe Designer Award."