THE HUB CAMERA

Rochester Camera Company, Rochester, New York for

Dame, Stoddard & Kendall, Boston, Massachusetts 1897 - 1899

This 4x5 plate-box camera was manufactured by Rochester Camera Company as their Gem Poco, labeled as "The Hub Camera" for Dame, Stoddard & Kendall of Boston, Massachusetts.

The Gem Poco was produced for only about three years, and it's not known whether they manufactured them for Dame, Stoddard during that entire period. Dame, Stoddard marketed photographic supplies, cutlery, fishing equipment and other sporting goods. The "HUB" was their trademark used on a variety of products.

This example is in extremely nice condition, with its original carry handle, one plate holder marked "Rochester Camera Co." and an operating shutter. The Hub name and wagon wheel hub trademark are emblazoned in gold lettering on the rear door's inside:

Rochester Camera's Gem Poco is seen much more frequently than The Hub Camera, making them rather scarce. A folding version of the Hub with a wood-enclosed shutter was also available, being the Rochester Camera Company's Folding Gem Poco, offered only in 1898.

From Rochester Camera Company's Catalogue and Price List of Photographic Apparatus, 1898

Rochester Camera Company's Catalogue and Price List of Photographic Apparatus, 1898