Hidden Paradise
By Donna O’Neill
Meet the “Brock Girls”, Debbie and Donna. Our story begins in 1967. Our parents, Ed and Betty Brock lived in Honesdale and found two lots at Duck Harbor, the upper lot for themselves and the lower lot for Grandma and Grandpa Brock.
I remember our dad building the cottage as I was stepping on nails and getting into trouble. Today the cottage remains with a beautiful retro theme, which even includes the original pink tiled bathroom.
When Debbie and I were kids, our family would spend the summer at the lake. During the week, our dad and grandfather would work at Brock Lumber Company in Honesdale. While our dad was at work memories were being made with our mom and grandmother.
The four of us enjoyed playing dominoes and pinochle at the table near the picture window with the beautiful view. Afternoons included swimming in the lake, taking walks to the farm and to the apple trees, looking for frogs in the stream, and feeding a friendly chipmunk, that was creatively named Chippy. Friday afternoons were extra special. Our dad would always bring us comic books, which included some of our favorites like Archie and Jughead.
Friendships were formed with our Duck Harbor neighbors and continue to grow. Our friends from our Honesdale neighborhood would also look forward to spending time at the lake with us. Activities with our friends included boating, swimming, water skiing, feeding the fish and of course enjoying our mom’s delicious fruit salad and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.
Then as we got married and had families of our own, our parents were thrilled to share the fun and magic on the lake with their grandchildren. They would always make time to come to our children’s sporting and school events and save Sunday afternoon to spoil them at the lake.
After boating, fishing, swimming, and paddle boating, of course we would always end the day with a BBQ at the cottage. Our mom would never let you go home hungry, and our kids would not have it any other way. Especially since dessert was always the highlight.
After our parents passed away, Debbie, my husband, Paul and I worked together to keep our parents’ dream alive. Paul and I are so glad we got a pontoon boat, especially when we all get together with our lake friends and neighbors.
Our friends continue to join us at the lake reminiscing and making new memories. During the week it is “Girls Day” on the boat. Look for four retired schoolteachers in a pontoon boat with a variety of snacks and doing a lot of talking while floating down the lake for hours.
Our children and their significant others have busy work schedules and social lives but make time to come and share the joys of Duck Harbor. Debbie’s three grandchildren have endless fun riding on Big Mable as their laughter and excitement bring all the adults so much enjoyment. Paul and I are thrilled our youngest son and fiancé have an appreciation for Duck Harbor as they meet friendly neighbors while Paddle Boarding on the lake. Someday they will possibly call this home, ensuring the dream will continue.
We love the beauty of the lake, the sense of community and friendship, and the simple pleasures of life. We are so blessed our parents found this Hidden Paradise.
