Although the 1970s brought an economic depression and caused a massive flight of local residents and businesses from downtown South Bethlehem, something positive was launched due to inexpensive rents. On March 19, 1976, a dream was born within the space of a long departed donut shop at 7 E. Fourth St. After months of cleaning and scraping off the years of layered grime, Dave Fry opened a new kind of venue for Bethlehem.

Forty years ago, “Godfrey Daniels” was born, named for the mild expletive favored by W.C. Fields. That first night, performers Dave Fry, the Shimersville Sheiks and Mary Faith Rhoads played to a small, enthusiastic audience.

The unique listening room would survive the depression that helped sparked its beginning. It would endure through Bethlehem Steel’s closing in 1995 as well as the loss of most of the manufacturing jobs in the area. Godfrey Daniels would succeed to become a nationally recognized landmark and special place in the hearts of the folk music community.

Without the determination of Fry and others, it is doubtful that Godfrey Daniels would have endured. It took the right combination of personalities, intelligence and generosity to create the revered music hall.

With Fry as the manager and key friends Cindy Dinsmore, Bruce Watson (who owned the Lehigh Tavern next door), Mike Space, Ramona LaBarre and many others, the shows were scheduled, flyers mailed, the snack bar stocked and all other chores done to keep Godfrey Daniels going.

American folk music has been described as songs that communicate the hopes, sorrows and convictions of ordinary people. In the 1960s, there was a resurgence of folk music by such singer/songwriters as Bob Dylan.

Godfrey Daniels became a popular venue with the heavy hitters of the folk world. Performers were assured of a place to stay, good food and a knowledgeable, respectful audience. Notable folk musicians who played at Godfrey Daniels were Dave Van Ronk, Townes Van Sandt, Chris Smither, Brownie McGhee, Paula Lockhart, Tony Bird and the Red Clay Ramblers.

Godfrey’s also warmly invited artists of bluegrass, gospel, blues, Irish, Cajun and Native American music to broaden the choices for their audience. Godfrey’s is the longest running venue in the Lehigh Valley for poetry readings, children’s shows, story telling and open mikes. The most important outcome of the open mikes is the grooming of exceptional local singer/songwriters such as John Gorka.

The intimate room and appreciative audience have inspired performers, such as Moses Rascoe (1987), New South Wales Machine (2014), Gerry Timlin (2014), Blackwater’s Live at 10 from Godfrey Daniels (2007) and Bev Conklin and the Blues Crew (2003), to record their albums before live audiences at Godfrey Daniels. Mike Dugan and Jenn McCracken, as Cheek 2 Cheek released their CD “Cheek 2 Cheek Live at Godfrey Daniels” April 23.

Godfrey Daniels continues to be a labor of love as most of the money spent on admission goes to the performers. Their successful membership program, begun in 1984, has paid for the necessities of maintaining the space. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Godfrey Daniels is looking for photographs of performances at the venue to be included in a book and video. If you have something to share, please contact: info@godfreydaniels.org.