Caroline Myrick Goodhue

Caroline Myrick Goodhue, 1837-1888
Opened First Ice Cream Parlor in Phoenix
 
Buried in City/Loosley Cemetery, exact location unknown

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Mrs. Caroline Goodhue’s ice cream parlor helped to bring a touch of sweetness and civility to a frontier community establishing its identity in 1883.
 
She was born Caroline Myrick in Ontario, Canada. She and her husband, Peter Waldron Goodhue, were living in Visalia, Tulare County, California, when their daughter Ella Mary was born in 1857. Peter was operating a livery stable in 1860. Ten years later, the Goodhues were raising livestock and growing oranges on their ranch.
 
On December 5, 1876, Ella (or Eleanor) wed Allen John Stroud in Melrose, Alameda County, California. Allen was the son of Ira Stroud of Fresno, California. In April of 1878, Eleanor, Allen, and their infant son joined the Ira Stroud family in their move to Phoenix.
 
Carrie Goodhue was also in Phoenix by 1882. Since Peter was no longer with her, it is likely that he had died by this time, and Caroline had decided to join her married daughter.
 
Evidently, she had a good deal of money to invest. In 1883, she purchased several lots in Block 31, near the downtown area. Ads for Mrs. Goodhue’s ice cream parlor began appearing in local newspapers in April, 1883, offering day and evening hours for families and private parties. Located at Montezuma Street and Washington, the ice cream parlor was conveniently placed near the Arctic Ice Works and the Phoenix Ice Factory, two businesses that were vital to preserving perishables in the desert climate.
 
Of course, Mrs. Goodhue’s establishment was more than just a business—it was a social hub, offering Phoenicians and their guests a genteel place to gather. During late June 1882, 1883 and 1884, Mrs. Goodhue’s booth was among several others at the fiesta grounds in Phoenix, where residents celebrated the Feast of St. John despite the summer heat.
 
In the fall of 1884, Mrs. Goodhue traveled to Canada to visit relatives. On New Year’s Day, 1885, a newspaper article celebrated her return, recalling with fondness the “happy associations in the hearts of our belles and beaux” and how her parlor was known for its tastefully arranged rooms, ice cream, cake, and social gatherings.
 
Since no more ads appeared after 1884, perhaps Mrs. Goodhue’s health was in decline. She died on January 7, 1888, and was buried in City/Loosley Cemetery. 
 
Mrs. Goodhue’s presence in the business sphere reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of pioneer women, who contributed to the cultural and social life of Phoenix as well as its economic growth.
 
© 2025 by Val Wilson. Last revised 17 June 2026.

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