Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

Indiana's journal entry for April 26, 1962, includes a sketch of the herm Hub, made of iron, gesso, and oil on wood, and measuring 41 1/4 x 12 1/2 inches. Indiana records that the work consists of one of his last end beams. A comment added by Indiana at a later date notes that the work was given as a gift to Jack Klein (Indiana's landlord at his Spring Street studio) in 1970.

Indiana also records that Eleanor Ward wanted him to bring some of his small paintings to the gallery (Stable), and that she was waiting until she had a station wagon to move the herm Yes there. He writes that he and his partner, fashion designer John Kloss, had dinner in, and took a walk after.