The story of the Zucca Melon is unique to Osoyoos. 4 seeds valued at $1.00 each were sent here (from Italy) in 1938 and production got underway reaching a peak year in 1947 with more than 1400 tons grown. This industry was short-lived because not only was the drain on the soil from these giant melons disastrous, but once the war ended the demand for the candied peel produced from the Zucca Melons diminished. The melons grew to more than 5 feet long and could weigh more than 300 pounds. This photo was taken in 1944 and was airbrushed into this rendering which is on the side of one of the buildings in Osoyoos. I can remember seeing truckloads of them in New Westminster, B.C. on their way to the cannery there.