San Antonio, Texas USA

Submitted by: Audrey Johnson

"Humble Oil"   Why do places matter?  They matter because they are a part of our universal story, one of the ties that bind our history, culture and values together.  They reflect where we have been and where we are going.  I chose the Humble Oil Gas Station because I believe it represents this idea.  In a state of disrepair, it appears old and neglected.  Yet it has a rich history and if you really stop to look at it at the colorful mosaic tiles and all the little elements that make it distinct it is beautiful.  It tells a story that is both unique to San Antonio and at the same time applicable to cities all over the world struggling with preservation.  As my caption states, what matters may not be beautiful (at least not in its current condition).  We should remember that there are places that need to be preserved and protected because they embody our culture - both past and present - and below their exterior state of disrepair lies value, and beauty, and a story worth telling. - Audrey Johnson