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14

HENSON: Right, now did you ever meet during that time [Alexander] Wetmore or [Paul] Oehser?

MANN: Oh, yes.

HENSON: You did know them in the early days? Did Dr. Mann know Dr. Wetmore?

MANN: Oh, yes. See, Wetmore was director of the zoo for six months before he became. . .did he go from there to be Secretary, no, Assistant Secretary, I think.

HENSON: Right, director of the United States National Museum.

MANN: Yes, and then eventually Secretary of the Smithsonian. No, I met him almost as soon as we were married. When Bill came back from Africa, from the Chrysler Expedition, of course he had a few very busy days. He had a budget hearing; he was trying to find place in the zoo for sixteen hundred additional animals. The newspapers, of course, were just all over him all the time. He met Dr. Howard one day, and Dr. Howard said, "Well, Mann, I hear you're going to get married. When?" And Bill said, "Oh, as soon as I find an odd moment." Then he went to Dr. Wetmore towards the end of the week--Thursday or Friday-- and said, "Well, I think I'll have time to get married on Saturday. I better go and get a license." And Dr. Wetmore said, "Do you want all the newspaper men in town camped on the church steps?" Bill said, "Heavens no." "Well then, wait until Saturday morning." Dr. Wetmore said.