Coleridge is a modern, farming community of 473 people located in Cedar County. Coleridge has the distinction of being the first railroad terminal located in Cedar County. It had its beginnings from two other communities – Lawn Ridge, northeast of the present community, and Norris to the east. The community was named by the railroad superintendent at the time for Lord John Coleridge of England, who was visiting in the United States.
Coleridge obtained their first school district by 1884. The current school was built and opened in 1961. At the present time, our local school is considered a middle school for grades 5-8. Grades K-4 and 9-12 attend classes at Laurel, NE due to the consolidation of the two community schools.
At the present time there are three active churches. They include Immanuel Lutheran, Pilgrim Congregational and St. Michael’s Catholic Churches.
Coleridge is located in a rich farming community and serves the basic economic and agricultural needs of area farmers as well as for its residents.
A volunteer fire department was organized in 1923, and still serves the community with 26 volunteer fire fighters. Coleridge also has an experienced and well-educated rescue squad.
A strong sense of pride runs through this community, which was evident in 2016 when a memorial plaza was added to the Main Street. Veterans from all branches of the military service were honored with the brick walls naming veterans who have served from WWI through the present day. It is a beautiful tribute to veterans who have served our commununity.
Several volunteer organizations, such as the Coleridge Community Club and Arts and Crafts Club, assist with projects dealing with cleaning and beautifying the community. The Community Club sponsors an annual trash pickup for residents that have anything from furniture, carpet, appliances or branches to clean up – providing curb side service. We also have several organizations that have annual pancake breakfasts, soup dinners and potato bakes, plus there are fundraiser BBQ’s and tavern feeds at the school events. In the summer the local churches provide ecumenical vacation bible school, local youth are provided busing service to the community of Belden for swimming and the Community Club sponsors a tractor pull. Events celebrating December and the Christmas holiday are numerous Christmas coffees, the Tree of Love, and an evening with the stores open, a community game for all ages, and a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Santa, greeting the kids and providing treats. There is always something to do in a small town.
For more information, view our Municipal Codes.