Site of an old Bracero camp and railroad depot, Fertilla was a promise in the desert that never panned out for Mexican immigrants that were brought to the US to work the fields while the troops were at war. Submitted by: J. Coman

My brother & I grew up (1949 - 1959) about half a mile South of the town site. We called it our "jungle", but all the farmers in the area referred to it as Fertila. There was a large, single story town hall-type concrete building still standing back then, probably 25' by 50' or larger with the front facing South.

The building reminded me of a theater with 20' (or higher) ceiling.

There was a wooden stage at the North end of the building and exit doors in front of the stage on the East and West sides. At the front of the building, the South face, there were what had to be large windows on either side of a doorway that was large enough for double doors. I remember decorative tin coving around the ceiling. It was curved and had some kind of design stamped into it. All I remember, other than that, is that it was rusty.

I have attached a link to Google Maps. There is a rectangle of scrub brush bordered by fields to the North & South of the area. In the satellite photo, you can still see some of the concrete pads. I also have included a link to the N. Lovekin & 2nd, non-intersection.

Fertila:
http://tinyurl.com/y8qka7f

N. Lovekin Blvd & 2nd Ave.:
http://tinyurl.com/y98te7j

Tom Coughran
Vista, CA