We invite you to enjoy Greer! Become part of our family. Excellent food
and a warm friendly atmosphere await you at Molly Butler Lodge. We're a family
oriented Lodge where you can feel comfortable bringing your children! Catch the
latest fishing tips from the locals, where to see elk and deer or where the
fall colors are turning first. If you're a hunter, we're smack dab in the
middle of Unit One. Do you hunt with a camera? Spectacular scenery awaits you.
Our pristine area is a four season wonderland that provides you unlimited
opportunity for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Make your reservation today!
Lookin' for a souvenier? What better way to commemorate your visit than
with Butlerwear? Be the first to obtain your Butlerwear Hat,
Shirt or Sweatshirt! Available at the bar in a variety of sizes
at reasonable prices. They're perfect for memorializing your visit to
Greer!
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The History of Molly Butler Lodge
Jack Wiltbank, Molly's nephew claims many a youth grew far "taller and wiser" from experiences gleaned during summer stays at the Butler's. John's wife, Molly, was also from a local pioneering family. Her father, Wm. C. Wiltbank, had settled in the area at about the same time as the Butler family. Molly was well known around the state politically and those who came to know her were well aware of her big heart and joined with friends and family to call her "Aunt Molly." Molly decided they were going to go broke running a "free" lodge. Early records show her having sold meals prior to 1910 for 25 cents. Guests at the Lodge pitched in to help with meals, gardening, canning, gathering cattle and branding. And, of course, just like today ~ they came to fish, hunt, hike, ride, paint and to photograph the beautiful countryside. Molly had a great sense of humor. One very special friend tells of spending her honeymoon at the Lodge in the 1920's and when they all cashed in the first evening she ran and jumped on her bed, only to find that Molly had tied cowbells to the springs. She said she was so embarrassed she skipped breakfast the following morning! The Butler family ran the Lodge until 1974, when the Lodge was sold. Fred Boynton and "Jake" Jacobs bought the Lodge in 1976 and Fred sold "Jake" his half and moved back to Pinetop in 1979. "Jake" and his wife Sue ran the Lodge until 1999 when they sold it to Irene and Tom Tilford. Irene and Tom are proud to offer you the tradition of warm hospitality and fine food that is the tradition of Molly Butler Lodge. |
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An angler's delight! The East & West forks of the
Little Colorado River run through the valley in front of the Lodge. The Greer
Lakes are just 5 minutes away!
John T. Butler was
among the first to recognize the potential of Greer as a tourist resort and a
hunting and fishing paradise in the White Mountains. Since his family had
homesteaded in the valley around 1898, he had first-hand knowledge of how this
abundance of fish and game had helped sustain the early settlers in this
region. With the emergence of the motor car and good roads, tourists, fishermen
and game hunters began visiting the area. The Lodge really got its start
because "Uncle Johnny" became so popular as fishing and hunting guide, story
teller, and cowboy idol for every some time, part time or full time adventurer
who happened by.