The history of Lake Harmony as a vacation resort dates back to the early 1900's. While residents lived there prior to 1900, they were permanant residents who likely worked in the timber or saw mill industires.In the first quarter of the 20th century development was fairly rapid. Mostly, residents were from nearby Mauch Chunk or Allentown who liked the natural lake and what it had to offer. Up until 1920, most traffic was horse drawn. What is currently Route 115 lied just a simple dirt path, wide enough for only two carraiges to pass. Should there be a large rock or obstacle in the way, the path diverted around the object. During snowstorms, roads would shut down until it was shoveled out or melted.

Early cottages were built with no modern ammenities, such as electric or running water. Therefore daily duties included things such as getting drinking water, ice and firewood. Early on, it was not profitable for milkmen to deliver to Lake Harmony. Fortunately (or should I say wisely) there was a family nearby the lake with several cows. Local residents and vacationers would stop by early in the mornings to wait for cows to be milked, and meet and talk with neighbors. Afternoons were spent swimming, hiking, and picking berries. Winter time, however, was not as socially active as it is today. With little to no winter sports, people burrowed into their homes throughout most of the winter.

During the 1930's and the Great Depression development was slow. It was the construction of the Northeast Extension in the mid 1950's which led to the boom in not only Lake Harmony but the Pocono's as well. The area became accesible to a wider region, Philadelphia area residents could come up for a week in the summer, possibly a weekend. Real estate was in demand, a construction boom began. As a result, general stores, resturants, and nightlife entertainment came to the area as well. In addition, skiing became popular as well, causing Lake Harmony to become a wintertime destination as well. Lake Harmony?! Who'd have thought...