Not much different before 2000, I don’t think. Back in the 50’s, who knows. I think the big change in 2000 was the auto-citizenship upon adoption.
Early-mid 80’s:
Spent 3 weeks in Honduras adopting our son. Adoption was finalized in Honduras and recognized by US. Immigrant visa issue by US Embassy in Honduras. Private Naturalization ceremony by Federal Judge in Houston. Obtained new US Passport based on the Naturalization certificate. Son still uses Honduran Birth Certificate certified by US Embassy, Naturalization certificate and his several-times renewed passport.
Met many Americans in Honduras that were trying this but without the prep work that we did. Some had been there for months and had maxed out their credit cards. Wouldn’t/couldn’t give up the baby after they had him/her in their hands. Instant bond.
Daughter was flown to Honolulu from South Korea. She was delivered to us in the Honolulu airport after clearing immigration. Flew to Hilo for private adoption ceremony (State Judge) and a new Hawaii birth certificate (She still has the original, unlike others who shall remain nameless). Flew back to Honolulu for public Naturalization ceremony and Naturalization certificate. Obtained new passport on the Naturalization certificate. Daughter still has RSK birth certificate but uses Hawaii birth certificate, Naturalization certificate and several-times renewed passport.
That would still require all the steps that you went through. For your Honduras adoption, the new law would have saved you some (but not all) paperwork with INS (or whatever it is called now), but the court proceeding would still be required.
You were wise to get the passport. It's a lot easier than dragging in a pile of paperwork for the driver's license, and job applications, etc. A passport card is even more portable for those things, but you risk running across someone who doesn't know what one is.
And now for a little snark, not aimed at you: A Hawaiian birth certificate? Your daughter could run for president with that.