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In North American folklore, small, bulbous-headed humanoids have been reported to attack innocent people. These bizarre creatures are known as Melon Heads.
Uniformly described as malicious, these peculiar humanoids are known across multiple states.
Melon Heads in Michigan
In Michigan the legend of the Melon Heads is closely tied to Felt Mansion, an historic three-story, gable-roofed brick mansion in Laketown Township. Built in 1928, and used as a school, chapel and police station at various points in its history, the grand house had fallen into disrepair by the end of the century. It was after its abandonment in the 1990s that strange bulbous-headed creatures were said to have moved in. 1

As well as being spotted in the dilapidated mansion, eye witnesses have also reported encountering Melon Heads in wooded areas in bordering counties. 2
In the past local residents have approached media outlets with stories about the Melon Heads. Al Meshkin, who grew up in Laketown, described how he “heard the tales as a teenager”, and that the creatures were known as “wobbleheads” amongst his friends. 3
And indeed, there are many local rumours to be heard. One claims that – far from being paranormal beings in their own right – Melon Heads were once child patients at the Junction Insane Asylum, supposedly located close to Felt Mansion. Said to be sufferers of hydrocephalus or “water head” syndrome, the children endured physical and emotional abuse at the asylum, before being released into surrounding woodland when the establishment closed. Unsocialised and alone, the children are whispered to have turned feral, living in abandoned buildings and caverns within the forest, attacking members of the public who become frightened by their startling appearances. 4
Whilst the local historical society has stated the Junction Insane Asylum never existed, a correctional facility once stood where the asylum was said to be. Many people believe that it was from there that the Melon Heads originated.5
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Others in the area have dismissed the Melon Head legend as a confusion relating to the term used to describe “brainy” students at the Saint Augustine Seminary, which operated out of Felt Mansion from 1949 until the 1960s. 6
Yet, with reports of strange-looking creatures in the area, there are many who are unconvinced by this explanation.
Melon Heads in Ohio
In Ohio, where the bizarre beings are also alleged to have been sighted, an alternative origin story is proposed.

Local lore implicates a doctor who became fascinated with radiation and its potential to creature a new species of human. Known as Dr. Crowe, this sinister figure is whispered to have tricked orphaned children into participating in his experiments. According to the tale, Crowe’s experiments led to the creation of monstrous mutated beings, with large, hairless heads and deformed bodies. Some of the orphans, it is claimed, were already sufferers of “water head” syndrome, meaning that their condition was worsened when the twisted doctor injected even more fluid into their brains. 7
The legend concludes that Crowe eventually met a grisly end when his experiments turned on him before burning down the orphanage and fleeing into the surrounding forests. Today, it is rumoured that the offspring of these original creatures can be spotted along Wisner Road in Kirtland, close to where the orphanage is said to have once stood. 8
According to a local newspaper, “Ever since the orphanage burned down, residents of Kirtland have reported strange sightings of short, naked creatures with large heads roaming the woods.” 9
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