Liberty in Liberty County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Ruth Canfield Park

Photographed by James Hulse, April 13, 2022

1. The Ruth Canfield Park Marker

Inscription. In 1938 Ruth Canfield, after hearing from her sister Frances Stramblad how warm winters were in Liberty, relocated the Canfield family from North Dakota to these four lots on Grand Avenue. With daughters Florence, Frances and Patricia, Ruth Canfield worked as a self-taught photographer in her own business, Crystal Studios. She had a small self-sufficient farm here and her daughter Patricia graduated from Liberty High School in 1942. With greenhouse and barn, Ruth Canfield loved to live off the land, planting WWII victory gardens. Patricia's sisters, Florence Atkinson and Frances Jolly, passed away, leaving only Patricia. Inheriting, Patricia deeded this site in 1998 to the City of Liberty for a park in honor of their mother, Ruth Canfield, who inspired a love for the outdoors in her children and grandchildren. Patricia Canfield opened photography studios in Rosenberg, Chicago and her own Pat's Photo Studio in Houston, where she met her future husband, Nick Mickelis. In 1952 they purchased Houston's Cleburne Cafeteria, still operated by Patricia and son, George. The Mickelis family, including daughter Angela, is noted for their park sponsorships. The Canfield-Mickelis family's generosity has inspired others to give additional gifts to make this park a reality: the Rotary Club of Liberty, who spearheaded the project in 2015, BSA Troop 56, the Trivium Club and the City of Liberty. Thank you Ruth Canfield and Patricia Canfield Mickelis.

"Close yours eyes and hear the kids playing, the birds singing, it is a beautiful feeling."

Erected by City of Liberty.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 30° 3.805′ N, 94° 47.199′ W. Marker is in Liberty, Texas, in Liberty County. It is at

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the intersection of Grand Avenue and Sue Street, on the left when traveling east on Grand Avenue. The marker is located at the southwest corner of the Canfield Park and Dog Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Liberty TX 77575, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cleveland-Partlow House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Edward Thomas Branch (approx. half a mile away); Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 48, A.F. & A.M. (approx. half a mile away); Mexican Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away); Liberty Methodist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Liberty County Bank (approx. 0.6 miles away); Plaza de Carcel y Casas de Correccion (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of the Liberty County First Court House

The Ruth Canfield Park Marker in the park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 13, 2022

2. The Ruth Canfield Park Marker in the park

(approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liberty.

The view of the Ruth Canfield Park Marker by the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 13, 2022

3. The view of the Ruth Canfield Park Marker by the street

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 305 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.