It seems like Almost Yesterday that the Cape Girardeau Writers' Guild was organized. The date was October 30, 1943, and the meeting was called by Dr. Earl A. Collins, a long-time professor of history at Southeast Missouri State College. The purpose of the meeting, according to Dr. Collins, was to regularly bring together anyone who had an interest in writing. Six people responded to the initial call, and provided early leadership for the group. Forest E. Wolverton was selected as the first