Description

Clark describes himself as an "Army brat," born at an Army post. His father had married Lina Sefton, whom he had met when he was at West Point and she was in school in Philadelphia. He traces his family and personal history from his military birth to his arrival in San Diego, to which he was moved by the insurance company for which he was working. He was called to military service at the start of World War II and describes how people were leaving San Diego in fear that the Japanese would invade. Clark was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the San Diego Zoological Society in 1969, later serving as board president. He was still a director in this year. He was named "Mr. San Diego" in 1993 in recognition of civic achievements and contributions. This interview was conducted for an oral history project of the Zoological Society & the Center for Regional History at San Diego State University. Names mentioned during the interview include: Mary Hollis Clark, Lenita Clark, and Dale Clark.