ASHTON HOUSE MUSEUM | HISTORY
The
Ashton's, as seen to the left in a 1940's photo, were collectors, so
when you tour the museum you probably will see Hummel, Anri, and
Wade figurines, as well as Knowles, Hibel and Bing and Grondahl
plates and Haviland dishware. Sports fans will see items from the
Kentucky Derby and The Ohio State Buckeyes, at times dating back to
the 1940's. In addition you will see area historical photos,
political paraphernalia, and all kinds of toys and games. Join us
for a journey back in time. All displays are changed during the
winter months so that our visitors will see something new each year.
There have been many changes in our society since the store was
opened in 1932. The museum artifacts will bring back memories for
some and be a learning experience for others. As you walk through
the main floor of the Ashton home you may see a movie camera looked
like in 1937; what was on the cover of Scouting magazine decades
ago; what was happening at the Carroll County Fair in days gone by
and much more. Civil War artifacts, magazines and newspapers from
decades ago and many items that immediately will touch your memory
are on display
The museum property has a history of its own. Erma
(Butler) Grove lived in a house at 120 3rd St. in the 1920's. Her
brother, J.C. Butler, owned a furniture store in Carrollton. The
Ashton's bought the Grove home in the spring of 1960 but the house
was in need of serious repair so
instead
of being remodeled it was torn down. In 1961 the Ashton's moved into
their brand new modern home (as seen to the left) on the same
property where the Grove home stood. The photo of the house shown at
the top of this page was taken at Christmas in 1984.
The
mission of The ASHTON HOUSE MUSEUM is to preserve the memories of
the 20th Century (with a glance at the 19th and an eye towards the
21st), as seen, in part, through the eyes of Evelyn L. and John H.
Ashton. It will display, for the public benefit, the
collections of
the Ashton family and other historic and nostalgic artifacts that
helped define an era. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the
gardens and a nostalgic walk through the
museum to reflect on the America of
yesterday!
This is where it all began!
Ashton's 5¢ & 10¢ Store, also
known as Ashton's Ben Franklin Store,
opened in 1932. In 1938 the store was moved down the street to 60
West Main where it remains today.
The museum is located in
the Ashton home of over forty years, just a few blocks from the
Ashton 5*& 10* Store. The house, built in 1961, is seen below in a
1987 photo.
The ASHTON HOUSE MUSEUM
120 3rd St. NW,
Carrollton, Ohio 330-627-2682
MUSEUM HOURS -
Hours and Location page
John H. Ashton and Evelyn
L. Pool were married December 5, 1932 at Delaware, Ohio. Five days
later, on December 10, they opened a variety store in Carrollton,
Ohio, which remains open today. Through 68 years of marriage, John
and Evelyn raised three daughters, owned all or part of eleven
variety stores, traveled the world, and spent countless hours giving
back to the community in their adopted home of Carrollton.
The ASHTON HOUSE MUSEUM illuminates the
time in which they lived.
