Arthur "Art" Hayward Greene, Sr. was born in Telluride, Colorado in 1895. When Art was 18 years old living in Aztec, New Mexico, he was fascinated by the potential of river float trips and began such trips down the San Juan River. Because of his knowledge he was hired by entrepreneurs with mining interests to take them down the San Juan River. Greene raised a family in Edgewater, Colorado and in 1943 he moved to Ganado, Arizona, and worked for the Hubble Trading Post. Later that year he moved his family to Marble Canyon to operate Marble Canyon Lodge. While there, Art began running Colorado River trips from Lees Ferry to Rainbow Bridge. With his son, Bill Jr., sons-in-law, Earl Johnson and Vern Baker, Greene pioneered the use of power boats on the river hauling passengers. In 1944, Art Greene, Sr., learned about the coming of Glen Canyon Dam. He continued his river running by building an 8 ft. wide, 24 ft. long, flat bottom boat. He put a 45 HP Pratt Whitney Radial engine on it, with an airplane prop to push the boat. This boat was named Tse-nan-ni-ago-atim by the Navajo Indians, meaning "Trail to the Rock that Goes Over." The Greene family continued working hard to seek out a living in the land they loved. As Bill and his brothers-in-law returned from military service their time and energy was directed toward pushing ahead and helping out with the river running and family businesses. In 1949, the Greene family purchased the Cliff Dwellers Lodge and continued the river trips to Rainbow Bridge. Art and Bill hauled personnel of the Bureau of Reclamation up the river numerous times and assisted them in determining the location of the dam site where Glen Canyon now stands. With a clear sense of vision, foresight and with much determination the Greene family kept their goal in plain sight and formed the Canyon Tours, Inc. In 1953 they purchased leases on six sections of Arizona State land from Curly Tsoe, a Navajo. In 1956, the first Wahweap Lodge was completed on this land. The hard work and sacrifices that the Greene family made prepared them for the battle ahead. In 1957 the Greenes were told by the Bureau of Reclamation that the Glen Canyon Dam was going to be built and they would have to move from their newly constructed business site. With the help of Senators Barry Goldwater and Carl Hayden they were able to stay with their new business enterprise. Later, they were told by the National Park Service they would have to move as this was a National Recreation Area. Again, with the backing of Senator Barry Goldwater, these pioneers were told they could stay on with the concession rights to the Wahweap area. It was 1959 when Glen Canyon Bridge was completed bringing a highway to Page, Lake Powell and Wahweap. It was in 1966 when the water backed up to form Wahweap Bay and to officially mark Wahweap as a premier tourist attraction. Each member of this extended family played a special part in the success of this fascinating and amazing operation. The Greene family created a vision and accomplishment creating a great legacy left to the state and people of Arizona.
From the description of Greene family collection, 1863-2001, 1950-1977 [manuscript]. (Scottsdale Public Library). WorldCat record id: 528581670
