Monster Hunting: The Melon Heads of Allegan County
I need warm fuzzies.
WHAT ARE WE DISCOVERING THIS MONTH?
Give me the warm fuzzies please.
This Michigan urban legend I was excited to dig into.
Before I get to the monster hunting, I want to remind you that I write books about fictional versions of monsters like angels, demons, aliens, vampires, and sometimes I combine them because it makes for an interesting and unique take on the creatures we know and love. You should go check my books out and get yourself something nice. 😘 (Not to mention it’d give me the warm fuzzies if you read them.)
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A STRANGE LEGEND
There is a strange legend that originates around West Michigan. It tells of mysterious creatures with bulbous heads. Their origins are a mystery. Are they feral children who were forced to live in the woods after the asylum they lived in was forced to close? Did they kill and eat the doctor who mistreated them? Do they live in underground tunnels, only to come out and scar unsuspecting people?
The Melon Heads of Allegan County is a fantastic urban legend. While there are aspects base in reality. Felt Mansion does exist. It became the St. Augustine Seminary for boys in 1949. Hydrocephalic is a real condition. But other parts of the legend are confirmed false. There was no asylum according to historical records. Nor any of a vicious doctor who mistreated his young patients. There was a prison in the area, though. According to a board member of Allegan County Historical Society, they speculate that given the time frames, the legend fits into fears people had at the time of the unknown.
A MORE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
There may be a more mundane explanation to where the term Melon Head came from. Felt Mansion was also a Catholic school at one point. It is said that the town folk referred to the people at the school as Melon Heads because they were well off, coming from money. Today, we would say someone has a big head, meaning they often think they are better than others. Self-aggrandizing. It would appear Melon Head was use in the same manner for a time.
Whether it is small humanoids with big heads or preppy kids at a fancy school. The Melon Heads of Allegan County is a fascinating urban legend. It blends reality with fiction into a mesmerizing mix. The tales have endured for generations, prompting mischievous and daring teenagers to go in search of a good scare and movies to be made. In a way, the legend is infamous to those who live in West Michigan.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Why do you think some urban legends persist even when we can prove there is little basis in fact? Maybe we are just suckers to for a good story and this one ticks the right boxes.
My next email will drop into your inbox on the 27th. Keep your eyes open because I will be sharing the legend of the Nain Rouge.
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Thank you for reading.
Until next time, stay spooked!
The Melon Heads is a good one that I've heard a few times. It made its way over to the southeast side for a time when an asylum was being knocked down near us, but no children were at that ward. It's so interesting how these legends travel.
I like the melon head legend, it’s so weird. I had never heard the preppy kid theory. That’s honestly hilarious😂