6AM City In-house

Meet San Antonio’s most famous unknown person

Meet San Antonio’s most famous unknown person
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“I get up early because you have to find a way to survive.” | Photo by SATXtoday team
On any given day, you can expect to see hundreds (if not thousands) of visitors making their way in and out of the historic Pearl.

But if at any point you’ve driven on Newell Avenue to find parking on property, odds are you’ve seen a familiar face.

On the corner of Newell Avenue and Avenue A, you can often find SATX’s most recognized unknown person sporting a baseball cap and a water bottle in each hand.

His name is Damaso Stuart. We had the privilege of sitting down with him for a few minutes to get to know his story.

Here’s that interview, translated to English from Spanish.

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“I went out to work, and my Mexican brothers took me to the ranches...” | Photo by SATXtoday team

How many years have you lived here in the United States?
Since 1980. I came from Mariel, Cuba. Fidel opened the doors, and I came in the group.

What happened when you got here?
I worked in the fields. When I arrived from Cuba, I didn’t know anything. I went to the Westside and I got baptized by a pastor. The pastor gave me an apartment to live in and everything. I went out to work, and my Mexican brothers took me to the ranches to move stones.

How did you come to sell water bottles?
Oh! A friend told me that he sold water. I was selling paletas back then. I decided to give it a try and got a permit. This is where I decided to set up — just look at the traffic. I started making money to eat. I kept selling water, and it’s been going so-so.

Is there anything else you’d like to do before you die?
No, no. I’m happy where I’m at. Look how peaceful it is here. Maybe it’ll be my turn tomorrow to kick the bucket or whatever. But for now, I am happy.
5 MORE QUESTIONS FOR DAMASO
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Monday, Dec. 12
  • Monster Mix and Match | Monday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway St., San Antonio | Unleash your creativity while interacting with various monster characters through giant blocks, a lighted drawing table, co-drawing game, and more.
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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Emily.

Editor’s pick: Have you ever tried Sinaloa-style sushi? The dish is also known as Mexican sushi, and originates from Sinaloa — a Northwestern state in Mexico. El Remedio offers Sinaloa-style sushi that includes ingredients like chicken, beef, crab, and cheese.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Read about San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation.
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