ADAMANA AND OTHER PUZZLING MATTERS ON ROUTE 66

by jimhinckleysamerica | Nov 18, 2011 | ROUTE 66

The Adamana picture is still a bit murky in regards to its relationship with Route 66. As an example consider the information on this site, the Route 66 Atlas, and this one showing a highway map from about 1928 provided by Rick Martin.
Still, based on information provided by Route 66 historian Jim Ross, and map collector Mike Ward, I am going to have to make the educated guess Adamana did not have a direct association with Route 66. I would hazard a bet that the Adamana referenced in the 1928 map is actually a service station or related business located at the junction with the Adamana road.
So, that leaves several unanswered questions. How long did the Campbell Hotel operate in Adamana? Likewise with the garage and gas station. If they were in business during the Route 66 era is it safe to assume they were promoted with signage that lured a few travelers from the main highway?
I am still awaiting the opportunity to speak with the lady in Prescott who lived in Adamana during the teens. Perhaps on Monday.
Another issue, one I touched on in Ghost Towns of Route 66, pertains to Cotton Hill in Illinois near Springfield. In the research for the encyclopedia, I came a bit closer to decoding this mystery but there are still large gaps and holes.
There was a small pottery company operating here in the 1850s. The post office continued in operation until 1908. A newspaper article dated 1919 indicates there was a garage here. Then, with the creation of Lake Springfield, the town vanishes and only signs reading Cotton Hill Road offer mute testimony to its existence.
So, it had a brief association with Route 66. Were there services available? Or was the town something like Lawndale by this date?
I had hoped to provide a concrete answer in regards to Adamana in the encyclopedia, as well as more detail about Cotton Hill. But the time is up so I will just have to provide the information on hand and let the reader draw their own conclusion. And, perhaps, the book will spark a memory or lead to new discoveries that resolve these “hanging chad” type questions.
The next book project is hanging in limbo as the publisher is peering into the future and trying to discern the economic conditions of 2012, which seems to be shaping up as a replay of 1932. Not a pretty picture by any means.
I have two confirmed projects for December and three very exciting possibilities. First will be the writing of an exclusive feature for 66 The Mother Road.
If your not familiar with this new electronic publication, I suggest you take a look through the latest issue as well as the archives. I am quite confident you will find it of interest.
The next item is a feature for Old Cars Weekly. The ideal is to present Route 66 as a time capsule tailor made for the automotive enthusiast or anyone interested in tangible links to 85 years of societal evolution dominated by the automobile.
The pending projects include a possible feature for Arizona Highways, and development of a photo exhibit for a visitor center. Another project of equal importance is on going discussion to locate a permanent location on Route 66 for an official Hinckley photo gallery. 
A preview of upcoming attractions on Route 66 Chronicles includes –
My annual Thanksgiving post with some thought provoking historical insights into the holiday –
A look at modern prospectors –
The continuing development of the vintage vehicle Route 66 tour –
An updated schedule of appearances –
And some photos that I hope with stir you to thinking seriously about road trips –