DAPHNE, Ala. — Susan Webb, “America’s Traveling Schoolmarm,” on Tuesday  will give attendees a “historical journey to the school days of the late 19th century America,” according to organizers of the presentation, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Daphne Public Library.

Webb — dressed in period costume, armed with historical artifacts and graphics — will teach about old-time countryside school houses, and allow attendees the chance to experience simulated, classic traditions. 

“I’ll have an antique lunch pail, antique schoolbooks, sample antique toys, a slate pencil and a replica of a hornbook,” Webb said. A hornbook is a small board on which a sheet of paper with the child’s lessons is mounted; students in the old school houses could hold the hornbook by a handle.

Yes, things were definitely different back then.

“It’s difficult for students today to understand that there were no libraries,” Webb said.

There also was no running water and very little heat —  things students today take for granted — she said.

As for the origins of American education, Webb said several ideas were imported from England.

“(Schoolhouses) started out using copies of English books,” Webb said.

That was until William McGuffey developed his “Eclectic Primer,” which included material more appropriate for socializing rural American children. This included information on farming and excerpts from the Bible.

Webb has developed a passion for informing the public on early American education because she feels it’s rewarding to share her knowledge with others.

“Everyone can relate to the topic of going to school,” Webb said.

Webb — a teacher of 20 years —  also has close ties to this lost form of education: her mother taught in a one-room school.

She has been associated with the Alabama Humanities Foundation for three years. The AHF is a nonprofit organization that receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Webb’s background in theatrical presentation lends itself to her performing “schoolmarm” persona.

“All teachers should have a little bit of drama in them,” Webb said. “The effectiveness of teaching is in the presentation.”

Her favorite part of performing is getting a chance to give dramatic readings of some of her favorite poems.

“I do like to have the audience participation, too,” Webb said.

Admission to Tuesday’s event is free. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Daphne Public Library.

For more information, contact the library at 621-2818.