The Hogan Family
Long before Orange County was a foodie destination, back when “local food” was a necessity, not a luxury, the Hogan family was farming the gently rolling hills north and west of Chapel Hill. Residing in the area for nine generations, the family has exemplified leadership and been instrumental in advancing our community. Brothers Glenn, Jack, Henry and Hubert Hogan established Lake Hogan Farm in 1930. Glenn’s ability to work with animals and masonry; Jack’s interest in energy and building; Henry’s vision, organization, community connections and business acumen; and Hubert’s knowledge of crops, equipment, and innovative technology gave them the necessary skills to create a successful farming business. They dammed Bolin Creek to create the largest lake in Orange County, which became a popular swimming and picnicking area. Though the term “agritourism” didn’t exist back then, “Hogan’s Lake” may be the first local example of the concept. The family introduced others to the rural life, offering tours of their historic homestead and farm, teaching about farming and
milking, giving hay rides and even allowing visits with the University of North Carolina’s wooly mascot, Rameses. The family has cared for the blue-horned “battering ram” since the mascot was established in 1924. A second generation, brothers Bob and Bill, operated the dairy with their sons until 1995. Bob’s son Rob opened Hogan’s Magnolia View Farm at the family homestead with his wife, Ann. The duo grew wheat and other crops, and became local innovators in raising grass-fed beef in a free-range, natural setting.
The Hogans were pivotal in building the local agribusiness sector. The four brothers acquired the first rural electrification grant in the nation. It ran electricity three miles from Chapel Hill to the farm in Calvander, and later an additional 10 miles to Orange Grove, ultimately bringing power to 1,609 Orange County farms and transforming the rural way of life. Additionally, Henry co-founded the Central
Carolina Farmers Exchange in Carrboro and Hillsborough — which still operates today as Southern States. Between Henry and his grandson Chris, the Hogan family has contributed 74 consecutive years of service on the Orange County Soil and Water District Conservation Board as well as the role of president for the State Association, providing invaluable leadership for agricultural practices at the highest level in the state. Chris uses this knowledge to continue to farm today. Among the founders of the Orange United Methodist Church, the family has faithfully served God, community and country.
For their leadership in shepherding rural Orange County into the modern era, their agricultural legacy, and their contributions to the community, we proudly induct three generations of the Hogan family into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
milking, giving hay rides and even allowing visits with the University of North Carolina’s wooly mascot, Rameses. The family has cared for the blue-horned “battering ram” since the mascot was established in 1924. A second generation, brothers Bob and Bill, operated the dairy with their sons until 1995. Bob’s son Rob opened Hogan’s Magnolia View Farm at the family homestead with his wife, Ann. The duo grew wheat and other crops, and became local innovators in raising grass-fed beef in a free-range, natural setting.
The Hogans were pivotal in building the local agribusiness sector. The four brothers acquired the first rural electrification grant in the nation. It ran electricity three miles from Chapel Hill to the farm in Calvander, and later an additional 10 miles to Orange Grove, ultimately bringing power to 1,609 Orange County farms and transforming the rural way of life. Additionally, Henry co-founded the Central
Carolina Farmers Exchange in Carrboro and Hillsborough — which still operates today as Southern States. Between Henry and his grandson Chris, the Hogan family has contributed 74 consecutive years of service on the Orange County Soil and Water District Conservation Board as well as the role of president for the State Association, providing invaluable leadership for agricultural practices at the highest level in the state. Chris uses this knowledge to continue to farm today. Among the founders of the Orange United Methodist Church, the family has faithfully served God, community and country.
For their leadership in shepherding rural Orange County into the modern era, their agricultural legacy, and their contributions to the community, we proudly induct three generations of the Hogan family into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.