Godfrey's got its beginning in 1929 when a young man named Norman Swan
asked Frank & LaVina Godfrey if he could pitch his tent on the lakeshore.

Over the next few years, people came to the Godfrey's farm to camp, enjoy the fantastic views, and try out the renowned fishing in Rice Lake!

We built our first cottage in 1934, and have come a long way since the age
 of wood burning stoves, no hydro, kerosene cook stoves, coal oil lamps, and ice boxes.

In those days we would have to harvest ice from the lake during the winter months in preparation for freezing fish, and supplying the ice boxes for the coming summer months.

Frank and his son Jack would spend their little bit of spare time
building boats, docks, and cottages.  

The boats were wooden, and flat-bottomed.  There were no motors, so everyone had to row.

The fishermen fished mainly for muskellunge, bass, and pickerel.   
They were not too interested in pan fish back then.

Fishing with Dad. (Bill Ward with son Tom)

The fishermen caught fish by the handful. (Bill Ward pictured above)

A view from the lake of the office 1960's

The farm was the main income in those days, and often the kids from the cottages
 would come up to the farm to watch the milking, which was all done by hand, 
and help feed the calves, chickens, pigs, and horses.  

The horses were Belgians, and they did all of the work that we use tractors for now.  

Sometimes the kids helped with the haymaking, threshing, etc. but mostly they made their own fun.  They would fish all day, and go swimming at night, often after dark.
A lot like we do now!

Helping with the hay (Out to the hay field in the new truck)

Pictures with the Godfrey's (Etta Ward with Vina & Frank)

Jack & Linda Godfrey continued to build cottages and trailer sites, and see 
Godfrey's grow into what it is today.

The tradition continues with their children Frank & Grace.