There was.
In small towns. They disappeared with urban living and large city mentalities. Old time Conservatism is not like the Rabid Right Wing of today of which TB is a card-carrying member. I've said before they remind me of the Nazis. They're going to have their way and they don't care who they have to roll over to do it. Pretty soon, you'll have to PAY to go to school at all levels. Education will only be for the privileged.