Postcards from Mike to Alice

Though we remember Bayou Bend and Varner Plantation far more frequently, the Hogg family also had a family ranch in Mexico. On our recent trip to see the Mike Hogg archives in Houston, we found photographs of cattle drives on the Mexican property. One of our favorite finds came in the form of postcards between Mike Hogg and his future wife, Alice, where he describes the slower pace of life in Mexico. The Hoggs famously fought against the Temperance Movement and here we get a glimpse into the laissez-faire attitude of Mike while on vacation to the ranch. Cheers!

James Stephen Hogg and His Goats

James Stephen Hogg and His Goats

After his death in 1906, the Houston Post printed a letter from James Stephen Hogg to a young boy, Freddie Hughes. The letter is about goats, but it shows us much more about Hogg's character. His devotion to public service and particularly to the well-being of children and the mentally ill influenced his children, who would go on to devote their lives to his mission. This letter shares a piece of Hogg's big heart and sense of humor. 

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Miss Ima and the Taxi Cab

Miss Ima and the Taxi Cab

A few days before Ima Hogg’s death, she had a bit of bad luck. 

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From Carousels to Hard Drives

From Carousels to Hard Drives

If you peek into the Hogg Foundation’s archives, you might glimpse a box or four of old slide carousels, containing images like this one of Bernice and Harry Moore.

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Panther Hunt

Panther Hunt

We already know the Hoggs had a penchant for exotic animals and odd entertainment from their ostrich pets Jack and Jill, but a tale of James Hogg’s panther hunts was more surprising.

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Remembering the Real Will Hogg

Remembering the Real Will Hogg

In his article for the Houston Press, John Nova Lomax (not to be confused with his great-grandfather, John A. Lomax, author of Will Hogg: Texan) describes Will Hogg as a “forgotten, eccentric and downright badass philanthropist” - and he has the colorful anecdotes to prove it.

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