Raymond Ashton was the vice president and general manager of the 1934 Modernization Exposition held in two floors of a large downtown building (previously the Knutsford hotel and leased from the Auerbach company for the show). The show was capitalized at $30,000, sponsored by the Modernization Committee of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, and organized as a nonprofit (Home building group).

The purpose of the exhibition was to demonstrate the application of modern materials in structural work: insulation, wall coverings, floor coverings, decorative features, and merchandise display. Specific displays showed the latest developments in appliances such as electric and gas ranges, refrigerators, lighting systems, and plumbing systems. The exhibition was especially proud that an “electric eye” recorded everyone entering the building, and that 30 percent of the second-floor area was temperature controlled with “cooled, washed air” (Throngs flock).

The 17,000 square foot exhibition ran for seven weeks in Spring 1934. In addition to vendor displays, three model homes were built: one with complete electrical equipment; one with complete gas equipment; and one catering to farm families with features such as a washroom for farm hands and a combination kitchen and boarding dining room (Home exhibit).

As far as Ashton & Evans’ role in the Modernization Exhibition, we know that the model homes and office were “under the direction of Ashton & Evans” and that Raymond Ashton “provided direction to all the construction work” (Modernization exhibit; Modernizing show). It isn’t clear, however, who did the design on the model homes.

The exhibit drew 121,000 people during the seven-week show and “was instrumental in priming the pump of business activity” (Utah public utilities).