Why Everyone Wanted One of These Back in the Day

Now imagine this: It’s 1982, I’ve got grass stains on my knees, 75 cents in my pocket and an entire day to burn. Where do I go? The five-and-dime. Candy, comic books, novelty whoopee cushions … and the Bingo  .

It appeared to be a typical

 your dad might have stored in the glovebox, Adapter View. But instead of

 , it contained a shock that invariably elicited a jump and a laugh.

How It Worked: Simplicity, Plus Genius

You’d pull that Bingo Matchbook from your pocket and hand it to someone like it were nothing. “Need a light?” you’d ask.

They’d flip it open—SNAP! A spring-arm was released and snapped down with a loud crack. The look on their face? Pure gold.

It didn’t hurt. It was all about the shock. They would laugh too, once they realized what had happened. Eventually.

What Made the Bingo Matchbook Great

The best gags are hiding in the open. And that was the Bingo Matchbook genius: It was devious. No wires. No batteries. Just mechanical mischief.

It contained a small spring, and a simulated match strip. The metal arm — usually embossed with “Adams”— snapped shut when released. I think I broke mine from using it too much. Or from making my little sister cry too often. (Sorry, Jen.)

It reset easily. You literally could prank them all day long.

The Mad Geniuses at Adams

The S.S. Adams Company was responsible. These … people (I ❤ them) created joy buzzers, fake vomit, sneezing powder — basically all the funny stuff in your childhood prank kit.

Launched in the early 1900s, Adams hawked their stuff in magic shops, comic book ads and five-and-dime stores.

Each and everyone of us did at least one Adams: Joke before junior high.

Why We Loved It

The magic wasn’t just the prank. It was the overall package — the wise grin, the buildup, the mayhem after the snap. Not about being mean. Just a little diversion of surprise and laughter.

We had imagination and we had a couple of clever gadgets. You didn’t need an app. All you needed was some kind of setup and a willing victim.

Adults Weren’t Safe Either

Adults got hit too. I saw my uncle Joe at a BBQ—built like a linebacker—get his fat body lifted three feet in the air by one of these gizmos. The backyard erupted. He even laughed, after catching his breath.

You could slap it on a desk, write it in a slip of paper and slip it into a pocket, or pass it to someone in a chat. It was harmless. Hilarious. Always worked.

The Bingo Matchbook That Matters

The Bingo Matchbook is a time capsule. It harks back to a time when entertainment was rooted in communion through laughter and shrewd trickery.

Can you pick up one on eBay, or in a dusty collection? But back then? It was the No. 1 weapon in your prank arsenal. You were Mr. (or Ms.) mischief for the day.

Wrapping It Up—With a Snap

If you spot a Bingo Matchbook, don’t close the book on it. Pick it up. Flip it open. Reset the spring. Think about the laughter it prompted.

And if you’re brave … give it to someone and say, “Need a light?”