Laureate Mu enjoys ‘Bingo Bandito’ movie at January meeting

Members of Laureate Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at the home of Elsie Rowell on Jan. 6 for their monthly meeting.

The hostess showed the group a video of the local production of “Bingo Bandito,” directed by Bart Wild, in which Rowell played the part of Selma Cludbladde. Prior to the viewing, Rowell detailed the history of the game, informing members that the game dates back to the year 1530 to an Italian lottery called “Lo Giucco del Lotto D’Italia.” 

When the game reached North American in 1929 it became known as “beano” and was first played at a carnival near Atlanta, Georgia. The name was changed to “bingo” after someone accidentally yelled “bingo” instead of “beano.”

A Columbia University math professor, Carl Leffler, was hired by toy salesman Edwin Lowe to help him increase the number of combinations in bingo cards, and by 1930 Leffler had invented 6,000 different cards. A Catholic priest from Pennsylvania came up with the idea of using bingo as a means of raising church funds. When the game started being played in churches it became increasingly popular. By 1934 an estimated 10,000 bingo games were played weekly, and today more than 90 million dollars are spent on bingo each week in North America alone. 

During the business portion of the meeting, Vice President Shirley Griffin reported that she had led a training session with Phyllis Trigg, who is a pledge. President Nancy Tislow reported that members had attended the play “Christmas Reunion” on Dec. 6. Paper towels were collected to be delivered to Miss Helen’s Soup Kitchen, and members were asked to bring Ajax dishwashing liquid to the February meeting. 

Trigg was selected as the chapter’s Valentine Sweetheart. A social to honor her will be planned later. 

The hostess served refreshments to those present, including Griffin, Jean Hanks, Brenella Joubert, Gloria Stutes and Tislow.