The Pecos Cantaloupe

The melons depend on a river two states have fought over. Irrigation from the upper Pecos in Texas began in 1877 but grew appreciably only after 1888, and Red Bluff Reservoir, finished in 1936, made possible the water-improvement districts of the lower valley. Around 1948 Texas and New Mexico entered the Pecos River Compact, which tied New Mexico's deliveries to the river's natural flow. Texas sued in 1974, and in June 1987 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that New Mexico owed 340,000 acre-feet for 1950 to 1983, to be repaid at 34,000 acre-feet a year for ten years.

What the plaque says

The Pecos Cantaloupe Nationally famed melon, originated in this city. Residents from 1880s grew melons in gardens, noting sun and soil imparted a distinctive flavor. Madison L. Todd (March 22, 1875-Sept. 10, 1967) and wife Julia (Jan. 30, 1880-Feb. 5, 1969) came here from east Texas and New Mexico. In 1917 Todd and partner, D. T. McKee, grew eight acres of melons, selling part of crop to dining cars of Texas & Pacific Railway, where Pecos cantaloupes first became popular and in wide demand. McKee soon quit business, but Todd remained a leader for 41 years. Famed lecturer Helen Keller, Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson and many other distinguished persons have ordered and appreciated Pecos cantaloupes. Exclusive clubs in New York, Chicago, St. Louis and other cities are regular clients of Pecos growers. Genuine Pecos cantaloupes begin ripening in July and continue on the market until late October. The varieties are the same as those grown in other areas. Climate, soil and special cultivation methods account for the distinctiveness of Pecos melons. 2,000 acres are now planted annually. M. L. Todd was known in his later years as father of the industry. He and his wife and family were leaders in civic and religious enterprises. ( 1970).

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Roy Orbison Museum — 30 mi
  A volunteer-run room in the oil town where Roy Orbison spent his high school years, opened on request, with a guitar he played and his tinted prescription sunglasses.

More markers nearby

• Reeves County-Pecos, Texas — steps away
• Spanish Explorers — steps away
• Mrs. Lillie W. Cole — steps away
• Emigrants' Crossing — steps away