Meet Ima Hogg the First Lady of Texas
“Ima, let’s go to lunch!” I wish I could say that to this woman.
Ima Hogg, also known as “The First Lady of Texas,” [1] was an American society leader, philanthropist, mental health advocate, patron and collector of the arts, and one of the most respected women in Texas during the 20th century. [2] She made such an impact on the Houston Community through helpful organizations that she started and was a patron of the arts for us.
Her home, Bayou Bend, was designed by architect John F. Staub and was built between 1927 and 1928. The southern creole-style mansion showcases her collection of approximately 4,700 objects that reflect historical and stylistic periods from 1620-1870 installed in some 28-period room settings that showcase American decorative arts from 1620 through 1870.[3][4]. The house sits on 14 acres of gardens in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood.
Open year-round, Bayou Bend welcomes thousands of visitors annually for tours and special programs. Featuring the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center, which includes the Kitty King Powell Library and Study Center, as well as state-of-the-art education and rental spaces, Bayou Bend has established its place in the continually growing cultural arts scene of Houston.
This is a must-day trip if you’ve never been! The home and garden are beautiful and rich in history.
Happy Exploring!
LA
Credits:
Iscoe, Louise Kosches (1976). Ima Hogg, First Lady of Texas: Reminiscences and Recollections of Family and Friends. Austin, Texas: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. OCLC 2287061.
^ Jump up to:a b c d "Texas's Ima Hogg, Philanthropist". The New York Times. August 21, 1975. p. 38. Retrieved July 23, 2008.
Cotner, Robert C. "James Stephen Hogg". Handbook of Texas. Retrieved March 25, 2008.
^ Kelley (2004), p. 109. Regarding which parent chose the name, Kelley says it was "given by her father". However, an 1899 article published in several newspapers quoted Jim Hogg as saying, "she was named by her mother". E.g. see Stevens Point Daily Journal (September 9, 1899).