Have you ever gone to church to play bingo? My grandmother did, and so did my aunt Ella. In fact, I knew several older women who quite regularly went to the New Bedford church basement to play bingo. It was like there was a bingo game almost every night somewhere.
Most female bingo players I knew are gone now and it seems like most bingo games are too. It’s rare to see a bingo game these days. With the advent of regional casinos with more lucrative bingo and other jackpots, it has become difficult for churches to compete. Not only that, many churches that offered bingo have gone out of business.
Pictures added
I admit that in the 1970s, Nana and Aunt Ella invited me to a few bingo games. I suspect they needed transportation, which I eagerly provided.
Who can forget when the bingo caller shouted “B-4” and the entire St. Anthony basement bingo crowd answered in unison, “AND AFTER!”
I learned about daubers playing bingo in church, as well as how to make a “V” and a “B” and how to fill the whole board to win – not that I ever won or anything fine, but Nana and Aunt Ella did it.
Tax relief for bingo announced in the budget
Church bingo players are superstitious creatures. Nana had about a dozen or more lucky charms that she would place on the table before the first game was called. Usually the lucky charms were elephants and the trunk of the elephant had to be pointed towards the door to maximize luck.
Massachusetts Lottery Lists All Licensed Bingo Games by the community on its web page. There are no games in New Bedford, although New Bedford’s Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on North Front Street, which recently closed, remains on the list.
If you decide to take part in a little old-fashioned bingo action, have fun and don’t forget to point the elephant’s trunk at the door for good luck!
30 things to do in Newport any time of the year
Newport has always been considered a summer destination. Wealthy New Yorkers used to flee the city during the warmer months for this scenic seaside spot and the summer vacation destination tag began.
There are plenty of things to do in this historic town in all seasons, however, and we’ve found a few you might want to try next time you’re in Newport.
Unique Houseboats for Rent in Rhode Island
why stay by water when you can stay on the water? Renting a house or room by the water makes for an amazing vacation, but why not step it up a gear this summer with a stay aboard a local houseboat? It turns out there are plenty of floating rentals around and we have some photos of the most interesting ones that are also closest to you.
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