“Thanks a melon” (thanks a million + melon)

“Thanks a melon” (thanks a million & melon) is a saying that has been printed on many images. “Thanks a melon” was posted on the newsgroup rubberstamps on July 1, 1998.
 
         
Google Groups: rec.crafts.rubberstamps
Stamps for Sale
Michael Kiang
7/1/98
(...)
thanks a melon 3.75
     
Google Groups: microsoft.public.msn.discussion
what exactly is a spammer?
Marlya
9/21/00
Thanks A. Melon, no I am not interested in anything like that, just using my own contacts and buyers.
   
Google Groups: alt.autos.toyota.trucks
FJ 80 Cruiser questions
Kevin Smith
12/14/00
(...)
Thanks a melon.
 
Twitter 
Artfire
@Artfire
Got the thank you cards out yet? Here’s a cute way to say “Thanks a Melon!”  http://tinyurl.com/9ua2ot
10:55 AM - 13 Jan 2009
   
Twitter 
New Jersey Family
@njfamilymag
Free “Thanks-a-Melon” pillow: 29 step-by-step photos, pattern, and instructions from YouCanMakeThis.com http://ow.ly/9oHB
8:28 AM - 27 May 2009
   
Twitter
Jo Palmer
@catreasures
Thanks a Melon Greeting Card Handmade http://tinyurl.com/nslf84 at Bonanzle.
5:36 AM - 19 Aug 2009
   
Twitter
Joy Tracey
@HappyJoyJoy
Thanks A Melon Cricut Card!: Hi, it’s Joy and today’s Wild Card Wednesday post is a card made from the new Just Be… http://bit.ly/aQrgi4
5:24 AM - 3 Mar 2010
 
Refinery29
10 Thank You Notes That Get Your Gratitude Across
VENUS WONG
LAST UPDATED JULY 20, 2017, 1:50 PM
(...)
This gorgeous design, including the pun, is the brainchild of illustrator Emma James and calligrapher Bailey Amon.
Anthropologie Thanks A Melon Card, $6, available at Anthropologie
   
Google Books
Loving Grace
By April Smith
Greenville, SC: Ambassador International
2018
Pg. ?:
“Please consider me, Grace Summer, for Miss Midwest Watermelon Queen. Thanks a melon for your time.”’
 
Elite Daily
52 Fourth Of July Puns For Instagram Captions, No Matter What You Have Planned
BY RACHEL CHAPMAN
JUNE 21 2018
(...)
11. “Thanks a melon.” — Unknown
 
Twitter
Dock & Bay
@dock_and_bay
🍉🔆 Thanks a ‘melon’ you guys for all of those Fruity collection orders you’re making just in time for summer 🍉🔆  #sunsoutpunsout
12:38 PM - 19 May 2019