Celebrating the businesses, families, and traditions that make our small town special.
Silver Lake, Indiana, may be a small town, but its history is filled with hardworking people, family businesses, and generations of neighbors who have helped shape our community.
Some businesses have been part of the community for decades. Others have continued family traditions through changing industries, economic challenges, and new generations of customers.
Together, they represent something that makes small-town Indiana special: businesses built on relationships, dedication, and pride in the place they call home.
As Kerlin Motor Company approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, we want to recognize some of the businesses and people who have helped make Silver Lake the community it is today.
This page isn't about selling vehicles. It's about celebrating our hometown.
Recognizing businesses that have contributed to Silver Lake's identity across generations.
Four generations of family business heritage, beginning in 1927 when Russel Kerlin founded Kerlin Motor Company.
In 1962, Russel's son Ed Kerlin established Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing. Leadership later passed to Ed's son-in-law, Clifford Zehr.
Today, Melanie Zehr, daughter of Cindy and Clifford Zehr, serves as president, carrying the family's legacy into its fourth generation.
Visit Kerlin Bus Sales and Leasing
A Silver Lake boat manufacturer known for building distinctive watercraft. Splendor Boats represents the craftsmanship and manufacturing heritage found in our community.
Visit Splendor Boats
Celebrating the tradition of handcrafted wooden products and the skills that make locally made goods special.
Visit Whetstone Woodenware
Local restaurants are more than places to eat. They're places where neighbors meet, friendships grow, and the community comes together around a table.
Visit Lakes Grill
One of the familiar local business names that helps give Silver Lake its hometown character and sense of community.
Visit Jaime's Silver Inn
Community banking plays an important role in helping local residents, families, and businesses plan, grow, and invest in their futures.
Visit Lake City Bank
A familiar business name in Silver Lake and part of the local commercial community that serves area residents and travelers.
Visit McClure's
With roots dating back to 1942, Metzger Trucking represents generations of hard work in transportation and the important role local companies play beyond our town limits.
Visit Metzger Trucking
Manufacturing has long been an important part of Northern Indiana's economy. Par-Kan reflects the innovation, production, and skilled work associated with our area.
Visit Par-Kan
Another important name in Silver Lake's business community, representing the companies and people who help support the local economy.
Visit Shankster Brothers
Caring for the animals that are part of our families, this local veterinary clinic is part of the network of businesses serving the everyday needs of residents.
Visit the Clinic
Providing veterinary care is an important part of serving a community where animals are valued members of families and part of everyday life.
Visit Sommers Veterinary HospitalThese are just some of the businesses that help make Silver Lake special. Our town's story includes many more hardworking people and local businesses.
For nearly 100 years, the Kerlin family has called Silver Lake home. Their commitment to the community goes well beyond operating a business.
Rick and Diane Kerlin donated more than 3.5 acres of land in Silver Lake for the development of a new community center.
And now, that vision is becoming a reality.
Ground has officially been broken on the project, marking an exciting step toward creating a gathering place for the people of Silver Lake and future generations.
The donation represents more than land. It's an investment in the future of a community that has supported generations of families and local businesses.
Building a strong community isn't just about remembering where we've been. It's about investing in where we're going.
One of the things that makes Silver Lake special is the willingness of local businesses and residents to work together.
Whether it's supporting a community project, helping neighbors in need, investing in local improvements, or contributing time and resources, the strength of our town comes from people who care.
Businesses such as Shankster Brothers, Splendor Boats, and Metzger Trucking have been among those supporting local improvement efforts, including Silver Lake's boat-ramp restoration project.
These efforts demonstrate that the success of a small town depends on more than any one business or individual.
It takes neighbors, families, employees, business owners, and volunteers working together to make a lasting difference.
Our community's story continues to grow with every generation.
Whether you've lived here for generations, recently moved to the area, or are visiting for the first time, we encourage you to explore the businesses, people, and places that make Silver Lake special.
Shop local. Support local. Get involved.
Explore Silver Lake BusinessesNearly a century ago, Russel Kerlin began a business in Silver Lake, Indiana.
Generations later, we're proud to stand alongside the businesses, families, and organizations that have helped make our hometown what it is today.
Some have been here for generations. Others continue to build on the foundation established by those before them.
Together, we're proof that a small town can make a lasting impact.
We were here yesterday.
We're here today.
And we're building for tomorrow.
Kerlin Motor Company
Silver Lake, Indiana
Proudly Serving Since 1927
