The religious diversity would be along the lines of different Protestant sects - ie, there might be a Methodist church and a Baptist church. Maybe a Presbyterian one as well. I think there's this sort of thing in the Anne books - some people would hold being Methodist against you, sort of thing. Ethnically ... maybe a black family, but they'd probably not be treated well.

If the older man were a family friend or family or pastor and/or of good standing in the town (ie, people knew he didn't take advantage of her) it would probably be all right.

He could have driven, but it would have taken AGES (cars went much slower then) and the train system was, I think, more extensive and useful then.

Lol Hugguh!