Caretakers of the past, stewards of the future
The Historic School at Gay
(Photo: Some of the historic looms used by Gay Industries to make rag rugs, etc.) The first school in Gay was built in 1902 to meet the needs of the families working at the mills. It became overcrowded and a new, six room, two story building was built in 1927. It served students from grades one through 10. Students attending school past grade 10 went to Calumet. The school was a center of community life until the mills closed in 1932. By 1959 only 25 students attended the school, and it was closed in 1961. ![]() (Photo: Our 1907 Jewell motor car and a carriage are also on display.)
Hours & Admission- In 2022, the Historic School at Gay is expected to be open on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons starting on June 4th through early October. Normal hours are 1 - 4 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when a docent is available, and by appointment (616-485-0086). There is no admission fee for this museum, but a donation is appreciated. Location- The Gay School is located at the intersection of Lake Street and the Gay Road in the town of Gay, Michigan, about 12 miles south of Mohawk, Michigan via the Gay-Mohawk Road. GPS:N 47 13.645 W 88 09.764, Decimal Degrees:47.227417, -88.162733 Related Links- | News:KCHS museum sites and cottage rentals will be open for the 2022 season. Please see the site and rental webpages for specific dates and operation information. The Keweenaw County Historical Society’s Board of Directors will follow the COVID-19 Epidemic Orders issued by the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services. These public health orders are updated as needed, so KCHS may need to change access to buildings and events. Please check back for updates. Upcoming Events:
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