Vernal in Uintah County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Where the Dollar has More Cents
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2013
1. Where the Dollar has More Cents Marker
Former Pony Express rider and ferryboat operator William Ashton brought his family to Vernal in 1879. William's sons and grandsons, all of whom engaged in retail trade, consolidated their businesses in 1922, opening Ashton Brothers Mercantile Company directly across the street from you.
Ashton Brothers, the largest and finest department store in Vernal's history, eventually expanded to cover two-thirds of the city block. The store contained nine departments, carrying everything from groceries to greasers (overalls). They provided superior service and catered to almost every desire in Ashley Valley.
The Ashton's amazing success was based in their customer service. They frequently extended credit to their patrons during Ashley Valley's lean times or when families experienced their own hardships. These loyal customers repaid Ashton Brothers when they sold their livestock, wool, or other produce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 40° 27.337′ N, 109° 31.698′ W. Marker is in Vernal, Utah, in Uintah County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 40) and South Vernal Avenue (U.S. 191), on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Marker is along
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Parcel Post Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Do Religion and Money Mix? (within shouting distance of this marker); Cobble Rock Gas Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipped Another 12,000 Hen Fruit by Parcel Post (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vernal Post Office (about 500 feet away); Fort Ashley Center (about 500 feet away); Farm Exchange Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jensen (Mau-be) Ferry (approx. 11.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vernal.
Also see . . .
1. Ashton Brothers Company, grand opening in 1924.
Rae Ashton moved to Vernal in 1924 and changed the rear of the Leslie Ashton Hardware Store to the Ashton Brother's Company. It was located on the south side of Main Street in the Coltharp building. Rae mangaed the store and later his sons Ralph and Stewart took over the management. (Submitted on February 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Ashton Brothers Store (Vernal, Utah).
Photograph of the interior of Ashton Store, including merchandise, display cases. From left, Lola Warburton, Rae Ashton, and Ez Burton. (Submitted on February 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Marker detail: Oxen & wagon in front of Leslie Ashton's Hardware Company
Oxen pull a loaded wagon in front of Leslie Ashton's Hardware Company. Leslie opened the store in the building behind you in 1895. He operated the business until 1925 when it became one of the departments in Ashton Brothers Company.
1923
3. Marker detail: Ashton Brothers Mercantile, ca. 1923
The business, known for a time as the ABC, expanded rapidly.
1962
4. Marker detail: By 1962 Ashton's covered two-thirds of a city block
5. Marker detail: Ashton Family Military Service
Rae Ashton, Ashton Brothers' first manager, was a WWI veteran; his wife, Eva, became national president of the million member American Legion Auxiliary. Their sons, Ralph and Stewart, both served in WWII, Ralph in a field artillery unit, Stewart (far right) in the Naval Air Corps. After flying in numerous air battles and surviving two mid-air collisions, Stewart was awarded six Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 302 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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