Meloland, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meloland
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 Meloland
Location in California
Meloland
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Imperial County |
| Elevation | -52 ft (-16 m) |
Meloland is a small, rural community in Imperial County, California. It is not a city with its own government. Instead, it's a quiet area located near the Holton Interurban Railroad. You can find Meloland east of El Centro and about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Holtville. Before it was called Meloland, this spot was known as Gleason or Gleason Switch.
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Discovering Meloland
Meloland is a small place with an interesting past. It's known for its farming and its connection to a famous writer. Even though it's not a big city, it has played a part in California's history.
How Meloland Began
Farming in the Meloland area started on October 1, 1907. A person named R. P. Shepherd created a large farm called "Rancho Meloland." It was about 280 acres (113 hectares) big. The people who developed the area hoped to create a busy community. They wanted Meloland to have a train station, a general store, telegraph service, and places to pack farm goods.
In 1908, a post office, a store, and a packing warehouse were built. Sadly, the store and warehouse burned down soon after they were built. Two workers barely escaped the fire. A month later, Shepherd sold his land to J. R. Loftus.
A Famous Writer's Home
Earlier in 1908, R. P. Shepherd sold 40 acres (16 hectares) of land to a writer named Harold Bell Wright. Wright built a house and a special place for artists on his property. He called it "Tecolote Rancho."
It was here that he wrote some of his famous books. These included The Calling of Dan Matthews, The Winning of Barbara Worth, and The Eyes of the World. Some people who lived in the area long ago said that Wright himself gave Meloland its name. They say he sifted the soil and said, "this is mellow land," meaning the soil was soft and good for farming.
Meloland's Population Over Time
In 1909, the first baby was born in Meloland. She was the daughter of J. R. Loftus and his wife. The post office in Meloland closed in 1911.
The number of people living in Meloland has changed over the years:
- In 1910, there were 10 people.
- In 1920 and 1930, there were 20 people.
- In 1940, the population was 15.
- By 1965, it had grown to 50 people.
Research in the Desert
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has a special place in Meloland. It's called the Desert Research and Extension Center. This center has been working there since 1912. Scientists and researchers at this center study farming and natural resources in desert environments.
