Below is an item from the May 5, 1894 issue of The Poway Progress newspaper:

Many readers may know that grain growing was an important part of San Diego County’s economy in 1894. Not as many may know where Merle is, or, I should say, “was.”

Merle is one of what I call the Lost Towns of San Diego County. You can find out more about Merle and other such communities this Saturday, June 18, when I present my talk on the Lost Towns at the 4S Ranch branch of the San Diego County Library. The lecture begins at 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Admission is free. Looking forward to seeing some of you history-seekers there!