Over the years, Lakewood Mobile Home Court has become a special place for families and friends to gather during the summer months. Many residents have seen their children grow up here and now are seeing their grandchildren enjoy the beautiful tranquility of Barton Lake Communities.
Bob Herber, a local contractor, and his wife, June, a country nurse, opened Lakewood Mobile Home Court, Inc. in 1961. Shortly after opening Lakewood, the Herbers petitioned the state to have the name Indiana Hog Lake changed to Barton Lake, named after Barton Collins, the original lake owner. Later, Michigan residents petitioned Michigan Hog Lake be changed to Michiana Lake. In 1967, the 96-home mobile court was expanded to 126.
Four years later, the Herbers excavated two new channels one on Barton Lake and one on Michiana Lake. Also opening that year was a small grocery store in the park, selling everything from bread and milk to penny candy (a children's favorite.) In 1990, Lakewood Mobile Home Court welcomed permanent homeowners to the court, when a cornfield was turned into several more back site lots overlooking Michiana Lake.
In 1993, Kevin Herber, Bob and June's son, became the owner of Lakewood Mobile Home Court. Currently, Lakewood consists of over 193 wooded, back, and lakefront lots.
Homeowners vacationing at Lakewood Mobile Home Court say, "Lakewood is like having a private lake home with a lot less work. My grandchildren love the beach and swimming off the pontoon."
In the spring of 2004, Kevin opened Collins' Bay RV/Park Model Community located on the west side of Barton Lake. Barton Collins, original lake owner, called his favorite part of the lake, "Collins' Bay."
The historical brick schoolhouse (below) is located on Indiana State Road 120. It was built in 1877 in memory of Barton Collins. It's a short distance from Collins' Bay. Collins' Bay features 38 waterfront lots and 22 wooded back sites.
In 2012, Joseph Herber, Kevin's son graduated from Huntington University and returned back home to manage the family business. His wife, Krystal joined him in the home that was built by Bob Herber in 1965. In 2023, Joseph officially became the owner of Lakewood Mobile Home Court, the 3rd generation! Joseph, Krystal and their two children, Miles and Lainey, are so grateful to carry on the legacy that Bob and Kevin leave here at Lakewood.
Come see why so many feel privileged to make the Barton Lake Communities their summer home.
Owners Joseph, Krystal and their two children, Miles and Lainey.
The Collins School, in operation from 1877 to 1943. Restored in 1967.
