Philanthropist. She was born into a wealthy and politically powerful Texas family. A native of the tiny town of Mineola she developed a love of music at a young age and went on to study music internationally. In 1913 she helped establish the Houston Symphony Orchestra. "Miss Ima" though born into privilege had to over come several difficulties early in life. Her mother and father both died while she was relatively young. In 1918 she spent two years in Philadelphia receiving medical treatment for some serious nervous disorders. However she overcame those issues to become one of Texas' most generous benefactors. During her lifetime she established the Houston Child Guidance Center, The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at the University of Texas, and established the Museum of Fine Arts when she donated a family mansion "Bayou Bend" and her large collection of artwork and antiques. In the 1950's she restored another Hogg family home, "Varner Plantation", and presented it to the state so that the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park could be established. These gifts plus many others garnered "Miss Ima" many national awards for her commitment to the restoration and preservation of historically significant sites. Her compassion for others went beyond mere financial gifts. As a member of the Houston School Board she advocated equal pay for all teachers regardless of gender or race and worked to establish programs for all of Houston's school children that would expand their interests in the arts. She was also a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She continued to remain active in her philanthropic pursuits unit her death. She died from complications caused by injuries received in a traffic accident that occurred while vacationing in London.
Philanthropist. She was born into a wealthy and politically powerful Texas family. A native of the tiny town of Mineola she developed a love of music at a young age and went on to study music internationally. In 1913 she helped establish the Houston Symphony Orchestra. "Miss Ima" though born into privilege had to over come several difficulties early in life. Her mother and father both died while she was relatively young. In 1918 she spent two years in Philadelphia receiving medical treatment for some serious nervous disorders. However she overcame those issues to become one of Texas' most generous benefactors. During her lifetime she established the Houston Child Guidance Center, The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at the University of Texas, and established the Museum of Fine Arts when she donated a family mansion "Bayou Bend" and her large collection of artwork and antiques. In the 1950's she restored another Hogg family home, "Varner Plantation", and presented it to the state so that the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park could be established. These gifts plus many others garnered "Miss Ima" many national awards for her commitment to the restoration and preservation of historically significant sites. Her compassion for others went beyond mere financial gifts. As a member of the Houston School Board she advocated equal pay for all teachers regardless of gender or race and worked to establish programs for all of Houston's school children that would expand their interests in the arts. She was also a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She continued to remain active in her philanthropic pursuits unit her death. She died from complications caused by injuries received in a traffic accident that occurred while vacationing in London.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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