Butterfield intended to start a career in the newspaper business, but instead began working at theaters in Columbus.

Butterfield's work with Blaney included the tours of "An American Gentleman" and a play adaptation of "Buster Brown.

"[1] Butterfield's first solo endeavor in show business was in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he promoted the construction of the Henry Boyle Theatre.

After his work in Fond du Lac, Butterfield was introduced to the West Michigan region by Pantages circuit executive Walter Keefe.

In 1905, Butterfield took over the management of the Hamblin Opera House in Battle Creek, Michigan, renaming it the Bijou, and booking vaudeville acts.

The Allendale was in decline by that time, affected by the end of direct interurban service and the changing preferences of vacationers.

[6] The Allendale dance hall, the centerpiece of the resort, was relocated twice, and now stands on the north side of the lake as a dairy barn.