For twenty years, Ida Lou Coley (1927 – 2005) worked indefatigably to preserve and champion 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 far more welcoming coastal town of Encinitas.

She 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 and transcribed at the 1883 Schoolhouse.

Her passion was local history. 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 intensive 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 2003, 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 EHS relies on grants, bequests, and donations to fulfill its mission.

We have 501(c)3 status, so all donations are tax-deductible; receipts will be issued for all forms of payment.

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 donate with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

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

d) Visit our Schoolhouse and be amazed by our racks of thematic gifts!