What is the history of the Speakman company?

The history of the Speakman Company is long, dating back to 1869 when Allen Speakman founded it in Wilmington, Delaware, making it one of the oldest plumbing companies in America and a pioneer in shower technology. Allen Speakman started as a plumbing supplier and invented the first modern adjustable shower head in 1920s, revolutionizing showers. In 1927, Speakman patented the Anystream adjustable shower head that allowed users to change spray patterns, which became iconic and is still sold today as Anystream Icon S-2252. Speakman supplied shower heads to luxury hotels, including famous hotels in New York and Atlantic City, and became known as The Cadillac of Showers. In 1940s and 1950s, Speakman expanded into commercial plumbing, supplying hospitals, schools, and military bases. The company remained family-owned for over a century, headquartered in Wilmington and later New Castle, Delaware. In recent decades, Speakman was acquired by private investors but kept its brand and Delaware headquarters, continuing to innovate with WaterSense certified high-pressure low-flow shower heads, Hotel series, and Reaction series. Speakman also makes faucets and commercial plumbing. Today, Speakman is known for patented plunger technology with 50 individual jets for high-pressure feel even at 2.0 GPM, and is sold at Ferguson, Home Depot, and Amazon, with reputation for hotel luxury and durability. So history is 1869 founding, adjustable shower invention, hotel supplier, and ongoing innovation.