John Bidwell loved casaba melons and always noted in his diary when the first one was ready, usually in mid-August.

Mon. Aug. 25 [1884] First good Casaba this morning.

I grow them too and have harvested a couple of them this month. They are large and juicy and delicious.

Bidwell acquired the seed in 1869 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which frequently asked him to experiment with new varieties.

Mon. May 24. [1869]
Planted melons fm Ag. Dept. viz. Cassaba

How they did that year he doesn’t say, but he must have liked the results. They get frequent mention in his diary.

Mon. September 2. [1872]
First ripe Casaba of the season.

Sat. August l5. [1873]
Warmer – 2 fine Casaba melons for breakfast

He sends the melons to friends; he shares them at the table; he even tries to interest a hotel in San Francisco in serving them. In 1879 he noted:

Thurs., October 23. Sacramento
Events: Took casaba melons to Golden Eagle for Grant

That would be President Ulysses S. Grant, who was on a world tour and staying at the Golden Eagle Hotel. Nothing but the best for General Grant.

If you want to try growing your own casabas next year, the seed is available from Mary’s Heirloom Seeds.