Ida Lou Coley (1927 – 2005) is undoubtably the standout among so many who have preserved, promoted and championed the City’s habitat, traditions, and history.

Born in Oklahoma in 1927, Ida Lou was ten when she and her parents headed west to escape the great dust bowl and settle in the charming coastal town of Encinitas, California.

Ida Lou graduated from San Dieguito Union High School in 1945 as senior class president and salutatorian, then studied at San Jose State University. She taught in Encinitas for several years before becoming an occupational therapist at Stanford University Medical Center.

After retiring in 1986, Ida Lou returned to Encinitas and joined the Downtown Encinitas Main Street Association, eventually serving as Director. She became a vital member of the Encinitas Historical Society, contributing to newsletters and recording oral histories of longtime residents, now preserved at the Old Schoolhouse.

Her passion was local history, especially downtown Encinitas. Over two decades, she wrote hundreds of articles for local media and authored the Society’s historical downtown walking guide. Ida Lou also fought to preserve the town’s character, opposing harmful development and helping restore Cottonwood Creek’s riparian habitat.

Ida Lou’s legacy includes preserving the original colors of the iconic downtown Encinitas sign and leading the successful opposition to a ballot measure that threatened the planned library site. In 2002, she chaired the Encinitas Library Council’s campaign to save the site. Two years before her death, she was honored as a Woman of Merit by the North County Times for her tireless dedication to preserving Encinitas’ heritage. Without her, a significant part of the city’s history might have been lost.

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Donations

The Encinitas Historical Society relies on donations to carry out its mission.

Donate at your convenience:

a) Point your camera at the QR code to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

b) Click this line to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

c) Mail a check to 1883 Schoolhouse, Re: Donation, 390 West F Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 – please provide your email address and phone number.

d) Visit the Schoolhouse to donate by cash, check, credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc. And enjoy looking over our branded and Encinitas-themed merchandise – at family prices!

You will receive a receipt for all forms of payment. Remember donations are tax deductible so keep your receipt.