2/28/1945. MWA files its birth certificate

February 28, 1945.  On this date, the Mystery Writers of America filed its articles of incorporation in Albany, New York, beginning a long and distinguished career as one of the country's greatest organizations for writers (or so says a man with a membership card in his wallet).

Among the organizers were Dorothy B. Hughes, Rex Stout, Ellery Queen, Erle Stanley Gardner, Helen McCloy, and Howard Haycraft.  Clayton Rawson offered the slogan that still remains: "Crime Does Not Pay - Enough."

Source: Barry T. Nevin and Angela Nevin, "Mystery Writers of America, Inc." The Armchair Detective.  26 (2)  1993.