How Nancy Got To Duck Harbor
A few months ago, while I was recovering from a hip revision, Pat Harrison sent me a thoughtful “get well” text. In it, she asked if I would share my story of how I came to Duck Harbor Pond. So here I sit, in my living room, enjoying the view of the lake on a beautiful winter day.
My story begins in 1976, when Mario and I were dating. His sister, Charlotte, and her husband, Artie, invited us to spend the weekend at Artie’s parents’ lake house. We packed into our station wagons and headed from Central Jersey to Duck Harbor Pond, Pennsylvania.
Neighbors always knew when we arrived—they could smell the hot wings cooking on the grill! Our recipe was simple: marinate the wings in Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, and Sriracha—either a little of one or a mix of all three.
We spent weekends and holidays at what was affectionately known as “the little yellow house” next to the state access area. As our love for the lake grew, we decided to look for a place of our own.
In 1983, we bought our property from Thomas Cleveland, thanks to a suggestion from Joel Hill, who originally owned much of the land around the lake. Three years later, we built our beautiful home.
As our family grew, so did our lake memories. Summers were filled with swimming, boating, card games, and watching the kids play “tube tag.” Every August, Mario and Artie would take the kids on a weekend camping trip across the lake—before it became the development known as The Woods at Duck Harbor. Those camping trips became some of our kids' fondest memories.
Winter was just as fun. We skied at Mount Tone, went sledding, and ice-skated on the lake whenever the weather allowed. The kids were always so excited to be here!
In 2009, we made Duck Harbor Pond our permanent home. Slowly, our children followed.
Diane and John settled in Pleasant Mount, PA. Paul and Heather soon relocated to Damascus, PA. Most recently, Ricky and Connie began building a home in The Woods at Duck Harbor. My sister, Susan Gray, moved from Tennessee to the Woods in 2021 to be closer to family. She loves the rural charm the lake offers.
Over time, traditions blossomed. In 2013, my neighbor Andrea and I began hosting an annual Pig Roast over the July 4th weekend. We later added a Memorial Day BBQ at our access area. A couple of years later, Mario and Diane started a Labor Day weekend breakfast tradition, which we now enjoy at my house.
At 71 years old, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. This Jersey girl is committed to spending her life here at Duck Harbor Pond.
I dedicate my story to my late husband, Mario Coniglio (9/27/1953 – 12/6/2019). ❤️
