The Hogg Family and Houston

by Kirkland, Kate Sayen

• ISBN13: 9780292718654
• ISBN10: 0292718659
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-01-01
• Publisher: Univ of Texas Pr

Summary

Progressive former governor James Stephen Hogg moved his business headquarters to Houston in 1905. For seven decades, his children Will, Ima, and Mike Hogg used their political ties, social position, and family fortune to improve the lives of fellow Houstonians.As civic activists, they espoused contested causes like city planning and mental health care. As volunteers, they inspired others to support social service, educational, and cultural programs. As philanthropic entrepreneurs, they built institutions that have long outlived them: the Houston Symphony, the Museum of Fine Arts, Memorial Park, and the Hogg Foundation. The Hoggs had a vision of Houston as a great city-a place that supports access to parklands, music, and art; nurtures knowledge of the "American heritage which unites us"; and provides social service and mental health care assistance. This vision links them to generations of American idealists who advanced a moral response to change.Based on extensive archival sources, The Hogg Family and Houston explains the impact of Hogg family philanthropy for the first time. This study explores how individual ideals and actions influence community development and nurture humanitarian values. It examines how philanthropists and volunteers mold Houston's traditions and mobilize allies to meet civic goals. It argues that Houston's generous citizens have long believed that innovative cultural achievement must balance aggressive economic expansion.

Author Biography

Kate S. Kirkland holds a Ph.D. in history from Rice University, where her dissertation on the Hogg family was awarded the Longcope Prize in 2004. She lives in Houston. She has been an active participant in Houston's nonprofit sector for thirty years.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
Prologue	p. xix
A Family Philanthropy	p. 1
Houston, a Domain of Beautiful Homes	p. 40
Wholesome Lives for All Houstonians	p. 83
The Public's Education, a Many-Sided Community Responsibility	p. 122
The Symphony, a Constructive Force in Houston Civic Life	p. 158
A Museum by the People for the Use of the People	p. 199
The Bridges That Unite Us	p. 230
Epilogue	p. 265
Notes	p. 269
Works Consulted	p. 340
Index	p. 359
A Photo section follows page	p. 174
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