Florida Photographic Concern Record Books, 1904-1933
Title
Florida Photographic Concern Record Books, 1904-1933
Subject
Florida Photographic Concern (Ft. Pierce, Fla.)
Description
This collection consists of four record books from the Florida Photographic Concern (FPC) of Fort Pierce, Florida. The volumes document the negative numbers assigned to glass plate negatives, taken both in the field and in the studio. Entries vary in format and detail, reflecting different organizational methods and data points over time.
Historical Note:
Henry “Harry” Emerson Hill (1865–1937), originally from Canada, moved to Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1884. A decade later, in 1894, he and his wife Katherine Nelson Hill (1865–1932) relocated to Florida, eventually settling in Spruce Bluff on the north fork of the St. Lucie River. By 1898, they had moved to Fort Pierce, where Harry established an apiary, grew pineapples, and served as editor of The American Bee Keeper. In 1904, he founded the Florida Photographic Concern (FPC).
The business grew rapidly, with photographers A.T. Weaver and R. Lockwood Moss documenting major events such as the construction of the Florida East Coast (F.E.C.) Railway extension from Miami to Key West in 1906. FPC expanded its reach, opening a London office in 1909 and a Fort Pierce showroom later that year. By 1910, a two-story addition was constructed on their North Pine Street gallery.
FPC employed several photographers over the years, including J.M. Bonner and an individual known as Miller. Harry’s brother, Frederick Grant Hill (1882–1973), contributed as a photographer, photo finisher, and mechanic. Harry’s son, Lowell Gordon Hill (1894–1955), also worked as a photographer, eventually taking over the business when Harry retired around 1931. Lowell's wife, Merle Thompson Hill (1895–1969), served as manager and photo finisher, continuing to operate the business after Lowell's death in 1955 until around 1966.
Historical Note:
Henry “Harry” Emerson Hill (1865–1937), originally from Canada, moved to Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1884. A decade later, in 1894, he and his wife Katherine Nelson Hill (1865–1932) relocated to Florida, eventually settling in Spruce Bluff on the north fork of the St. Lucie River. By 1898, they had moved to Fort Pierce, where Harry established an apiary, grew pineapples, and served as editor of The American Bee Keeper. In 1904, he founded the Florida Photographic Concern (FPC).
The business grew rapidly, with photographers A.T. Weaver and R. Lockwood Moss documenting major events such as the construction of the Florida East Coast (F.E.C.) Railway extension from Miami to Key West in 1906. FPC expanded its reach, opening a London office in 1909 and a Fort Pierce showroom later that year. By 1910, a two-story addition was constructed on their North Pine Street gallery.
FPC employed several photographers over the years, including J.M. Bonner and an individual known as Miller. Harry’s brother, Frederick Grant Hill (1882–1973), contributed as a photographer, photo finisher, and mechanic. Harry’s son, Lowell Gordon Hill (1894–1955), also worked as a photographer, eventually taking over the business when Harry retired around 1931. Lowell's wife, Merle Thompson Hill (1895–1969), served as manager and photo finisher, continuing to operate the business after Lowell's death in 1955 until around 1966.
Creator
Florida Photographic Concern (Ft. Pierce, Fla.)
Source
Scans gift of St. Lucie County.
Date
1904-1933
Contributor
St. Lucie County (Fla.)
Rights
No copyright
Format
4 volumes
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
2025.006
