Gay was established in 1901, when the Mohawk and Wolverine mining companies each built a stamp mill there to process copper ore from their mines. The area, once known for quarrying, lumbering, and fishing, developed into a booming mill town named for Joseph E. Gay, a mine official. By 1902, the mining companies had platted streets, strung telephone lines, and built over 100 houses and a school. They laid railroad tracks, built a dock, provided a fire pump, and constructed numerous mill buildings. In 1909, the town had several stores, a post office, recreation hall, playground, park, and doctor's office. Parishioners formed and constructed a Catholic church in 1914. By 1922, the 1,500 residents enjoyed modern comforts of water, sewer, and electrical service. Social life included bands, school clubs, baseball teams, and fraternal organizations. In 1927, the town raised a 10-grade schoolhouse for 250 students. Then, in 1932, falling copper prices caused both mills to shut down. Although lumbering resumed, Gay's prosperity quickly declined. Dwindling population led to the school closing in 1961, train service ending in 1964, and the post office leaving in 1988. Today, remaining houses, township buildings, schoolhouse, and 236-foot smokestack are visible symbols of Gay's important past.