Sitting on the far eastern shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the small community of Gay was born far outside the influence of the copper empire. Initially a fishing and lumber town, the village eked out an existence from the surrounding forest and the bounty of the sea. But as the lumber and fish became scarce, the town’s days were numbered.

However, in a twist of fate the town was given a reprieve by the Mohawk and Wolverine Mines, who chose the derelict fishing village as the site for their new massive stamp mills. With a new influx of money and workers, the village returned to its former glory. Before long, the town boasted its own school, stores, post office, and community center. But as the Depression arrived to the Copper Country the mills were forced to close, and once again the community was left to lumber and fishing for its livelihood. The railroad continued to serve the town for another few decades, but finally it too pulled up its track and left leaving the town isolated and on its own.

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