DAPHNE, Ala. — Coffee with the Mayor on Thursday highlighted the Old Methodist Church Museum’s attractions, artifacts and the city’s history.

Museum volunteers Arba Brown and Betty Baker talked about a piano stool used in the Old Daphne Methodist Church, which is now the museum; the piano stool has been a fixture in the building since it opened in 1858.

Helen Callaway — who started the museum in 2001 — recalled the Jubilee City’s Mayberry-like beginning.

“We grew up knowing everyone, and now it’s kind of strange to go to church and not know the person sitting next to you,” Callaway said.

Emily Hammond talked about the history of the May Day celebration — an annual May 1 outing that included a party at present-day May Day Park, and which culminated with the crowning of “Queen Daphne”; the tradition lasted between 1911 and 1970.

Lee Swetman talked about the first two pottery shops in Daphne, starting with Daphne Pottery, owned by the Dryer family, and O’Neal Pottery.

Daphne’s humble beginnings began on July 8, 1927 when it was incorporated as a city of 500, according to the city’s website.

The city initially served as Baldwin County’s seat of government. But Daphne’s courthouse records were stolen one night by rival community Bay Minette, where the Baldwin County seat of government remains today, according to the site.

To close Thursday’s event, Mayor Fred Small handed out coffee cups to all museum volunteers who were part of the presentation.