A Conversation With Joe Harcum
Before I left the lake, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Harcum, and what a treat it was! Joe and his wife, Nancy, began their search for property in 1984. Their goal was to find 50 acres on a lake within three hours of their home in Ridgewood, NJ. With four children, it was important to them to have a home away from home for summer fun—a safe and wholesome place for their kids to enjoy and stay out of trouble. Lucky for us, their search led them to Duck Harbor, and the rest is history.
When Joe and Nancy purchased the property from Joel Hill, it came in stages:
1985 – They purchased the land where their house now stands.
1986 – Joel Hill, who was terminally ill, called Joe to begin the process of selling additional property.
1987 – Joe and Nancy purchased the acreage that now includes “the woods,” along with the sawmill as part of the company.
1988 – They acquired the farm and its surrounding 2,000 acres.
Later, they also purchased an 1800s farmhouse and an additional 200 acres, 15 of which are underwater. That farmhouse is now home to the Duck Harbor Antiques Etcetera store, featuring eight dealers and originally managed by Nancy.
Nancy sadly passed away on June 5, 2020, but she and Joe shared a wonderful 56 years together, building a legacy at Duck Harbor.
Joe and Nancy’s four children have since grown, but they all share fond memories of Duck Harbor:
Karen lives in Midlothian, VA, and has three children.
Beth lives in Florida, NY, and also has three children.
Jay resides here at the lake and has two children.
Reid lives near Beech Lake and has two children.
Their children spent their childhood enjoying all the fun Duck Harbor has to offer—riding bikes and dirt bikes, water skiing, catching frogs, and simply soaking in the beauty of the lake. It was good, wholesome, and safe fun.
Joe now gets to see his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. What a gift!
Joe continues to stay involved in the community and remains in contact with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Their mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and waterways while ensuring the health and safety of its residents and visitors. The DEP frequently monitors Duck Harbor, flying over the lake to check on properties and ensure that its natural resources are protected.
The DEP also oversees the Fish & Game Commission, which I wrote about in the last newsletter.
Joe and I also reminisced about the repairs made to the Duck Harbor Dam in the summer of 2021. During the repair process, the lake level had to be lowered by approximately seven feet to allow for the necessary work. We discussed how some local lakes have faced closures or years of delays waiting for funding for similar repairs. Thankfully, those challenges are behind us.
Joe also fondly recalled mornings of fresh coffee with Jack Acker, who once assisted in caring for the dam.
Thank you, Joe, for all you’ve done to keep Duck Harbor Pond in great shape. Thanks to you and neighbors like you, we have beautiful scenery, wonderful horses, and a community that feels like home.
Keep walking, Joe!
