The Gull Lake Country Club was established in 1911 by John A. Scott, a professor at Northwestern University, and James H. Dewing who offered financial assistance. They purchased 96 acres of farmland from John Kellogg for $6,000, which overlooked Gull Lake, Miller Lake, and Miller’s Marsh. On October 13, 1911, Scott and Dewing convened to discuss the future of the club and the establishment of a board of directors. Scott would serve as the club’s first president, Dewing its vice-president, and F.S. Parsons its secretary. The original board of directors also included Herbert S. Humphrey, F.F. Rowe, J.E. Brown, H.B. Hoyt, F.S. Kenfield, F.W. Ward, and W.F. Church. Many of these men would serve on the board of directors for decades, including Humphrey who retired after over 20 years of service.

In 1920 the Gull Lake Country Club joined the United States Golf Association, the Western Amateur, and the Michigan Men’s and Women’s Golf Leagues. The club would hold numerous golf tournaments, dances, and other public events for members. When the club opened, all members were charged $25 for annual dues. In a meeting on September 8, 1917, the board decided on an additional $10 fee for golfers. On April 7, 1923, the board again agreed to raise annual dues to $35 plus $25 for golfers. Many documents in this collection originate from members inquiring on their dues, settling their accounts, or canceling their membership.

The Gull Lake Country Club has held several tournaments on their course such as the Michigan State Championship, Michigan State Seniors Championship, Kalamazoo All-City Championship, Michigan State Men's Championship, and the Juniors Chamber of Commerce State Golf Championship. The Club is still open (as of 2011) and will celebrate its 100th year anniversary in 2012.