Potato farming is the central industry in Melancthon with secondary farming
of beef, dairy, sheep and horse as well. But before the farmers came to
Melancthon, the area was just being settled and much myth and lore were created. It all started in 1854 when George McPhillips, who was a strong
Roman Catholic, surveyed the areas now known as West Luther and Melancthon.
While he worked he decided that they were the worst areas he had ever
surveyed, and so they were to be named Luther (after Martin Luther), and
Melancthon (after Philip Melancthon), two leaders of the Protestant
Reformation. This, of course, is only speculation.

The Hamlet of Hornings Mills is the largest community in Melancthon.
Settled by a small number of families around 1830 as a milling centre, it
has remained quite untouched. Most of the buildings in the hamlet are in
fantastic condition and date back between 1850-1880.