Why an Ostrich Race?
Ima and the Great Texas Ostrich Race, which is in its second print edition, features a childhood character version of Ima Hogg (1882-1975), daughter of former Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg (1851-1906). McManis, who has studied the Hogg family, read through the small amount of biographies and articles in existence to learn more about Ima’s childhood. “I grew up in Sweeny, Texas, near Ima’s summer home in West Columbia. I would go out there a lot, visit with the ladies who worked there, and tour the home,” said McManis. “I came across one article that said her dad, Governor Hogg, liked exotic animals.” According to McManis, the Hogg family owned two ostriches, one named “Jack” and the other named “Jill.” However, McManis pointed out that the actual ostrich race was her own imagination. “People always ask me if there really was a race, and no, there was not a documented race. But Ima’s older brother did dare her to ride an ostrich,” said McManis. “She did get on the bird to ride it, b
