Donna Tluczek – How I Got to the Lake
I was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA to wonderful parents and had a sister Geri who was three years older than I. My Mother Mary was a seamstress and Dad Alex worked in the anthracite coal mines. They preferred lake life rather than ocean or river.
In 1945 they rented a small piece of property with a one room structure the size of a shed and also a large tent. My mom, sister and I slept in the cottage and Dad and his fishing buddies slept in the tent. Our piece of heaven was at Duffy’s Landing, located next to White Beauty View at Lake Wallenpaupack. We had no running water, so my mom bathed us in the lake with ivory soap (which floated). We brushed our teeth outside using Colgate powdered toothpaste in a can and used a public toilet facility. We spent many days in our small rowboat, fishing for Walleye & trout. Most of the pictures taken back then were of Geri and I holding Dad’s fish trophies.
In 1967 Duffy’s Landing was sold to a marina company and my parents were forced to find a new retreat. While in their pursuit, they drove north of Honesdale on route 191 and came upon a small store which was owned by Joel Hill’s sister. She informed my parents that Joel was selling one acre lots of property at Duck Harbor Pond. The lakefront lots were sold so my parents purchased two, one acre lots and put a thirty-foot trailer on the lot closest to the lake. It was a dream come true.
By that time, Geri and I were both married each having a daughter and son. Our Family consisted of ten individuals, a black labrador and a dachshund.
Crammed into the trailer, we watched family videos on a large screen with my dad’s massive camcorder. We slept on the floor, couch and my parents had a bedroom with a full-size bed. My Dad must have slept in the fetal position since he was 6 foot 3 tall! The bathroom was so small we could use the toilet and sink at the same time! Joel Hill visited us frequently and enjoyed my mom’s homemade stromboli. Our children grew up together and enjoyed the lake, outdoors and all the games my dad would invent for them. He had a load of dirt delivered for them so they could play construction with their trucks etc…
After my parents passed away, we all retired early, our children were grown, and we built our permanent, year-round home here at Duck Harbor Pond. It was the best decision! Every day is a blessing.
Over the years I have enjoyed kayaking with my little white dogs, Bart and Rosie. Each day brings exciting adventures, peace and solitude. The flora and change daily. I love to capture it in pictures. Recently I saw a young bear enjoying the blueberries. We all gather on the lake to socialize, play and enjoy this wonderful life.
The next generation of our Family will retire here. I feel we are all her for the same reason; to live in peace, a quiet atmosphere and to enjoy the beauty of God’s wonderful creation, Duck Harbor Pond.
