The Bizarre Story of Mel Waters, Mel's Hole, and the Radio Show
Who Is Mel Waters?
Mel's Hole is a mysterious "bottomless pit" located near Ellensburg, Washington. The story first gained traction when a man calling himself Mel Waters appeared on the radio show "Coast to Coast with Art Bell" on February 21, 1997. Mel claimed that he owned rural property nine miles west of Ellensburg, which contained a mysterious hole with an unknown depth. He stated that despite locals using the hole as a dumping ground for years, it possessed paranormal properties.
The Claim
Mel claimed to have measured the depth of the hole using fishing line and a weight, but he still had not hit bottom by the time 80,000 feet of line had been used. He also claimed that his neighbour's dead dog had been seen alive after being thrown into the hole. According to Mel, the hole's magical properties prompted US federal agents to seize the land and fund his relocation to Australia.
Mel made guest appearances on Bell's show in 1997, 2000, and 2002. Rebroadcasts of those appearances have helped create what has been described as a "modern, rural myth." The exact location of the hole was unspecified, yet several people claimed to have seen it, including self-described "intertribal medicine man" Gerald Osborne, also known as Red Elk, who told reporters in 2012 he visited the hole many times since 1961 and claimed the US government maintained a top-secret interest in it.
A Hoax?
Despite the intriguing claims, investigations have found no evidence that Mel Waters or his story are real. Local news reporters found no public records indicating a Mel Waters lived in Kittitas County, had a wife who worked at Central Washington University, or owned rural property. The legend of Mel's Hole remains a fascinating example of modern folklore.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The story of Mel Waters and Mel's Hole has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has inspired numerous works of fiction, including books, movies, and TV shows. The legend has also become a symbol of the power of the internet to spread information and spark public fascination.
Mel's Hole has become a cultural phenomenon, representing the human desire to explore the unknown and the unexplained. It serves as a reminder that, even in the age of science and technology, there are still mysteries that continue to captivate and intrigue us.
Conclusion
The story of Mel Waters, Mel's Hole, and the radio show that brought it all to light is a testament to the power of human imagination and the allure of the unknown. While the truth behind the legend remains unclear, its impact on popular culture is undeniable. As we continue to explore the mysteries of our world, we are reminded that, sometimes, the most incredible stories are those that we least expect.
