Vintage picture of the Giles Hotel in Adrian, Texas, courtesy

 Oldham County Chamber of Commerce

Though populated with businesses, Adrian's early years saw a slow growth in population due to severe droughts and difficulties in maintaining sufficient water supplies. But, Adrian survived to become the midpoint of Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles, a popular stopping place for Mother Road travelers.

One of the most popular stops in Adrian was, and still is, the MidPoint Café which was first constructed in 1928, a full ten years before paving of Route 66 was completed through Oldham County. The original greasy spoon was known as "Zella’s,” which was a one-room eatery with a dirt floor. Later the café was sold to Dub Edmonds and Jess Fincher, who moved into a modernized the building next door and changed its name to "Jesse’s Café.” Though it has changed hands many times over the years, it is one of the few businesses still alive and kicking in Adrian. The town was not incorporated until 1953 and never maintained a population of more than a few hundred.

Today, Adrian is home to just twelve businesses and a little over 150 people. The Midpoint Café remains open and provides a collection of Route 66 memorabilia in the original site of Zelda’s just next door. The oldest continuously operating café on the Texas Mother Road, café's name has changed over the years, but the service has remained the same where home-style cooking is served with a smile.

While you’re in Adrian, take a look at the many old buildings that line its main street including the Bent Door Trading Post, once a lively tourist stop that has long since fallen into disrepair. Also visit The Antique Ranch, which has converted an old mechanic’s shop into an antique store and eatery where you can feast on real Texas barbeque. And, don't forget to check out the Mid-Point Water Tower.

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