A great bit of bingo nostalgia from Ireland in the 1930’s is this leather bingo card from the Butchers Social Union.

The Butchers Social Union had a problem: their bingo cards were made of leather so they could be reused, but they kept going missing. Players were stealing the cards and using them to patch holes in their shoes. To foil the thieves, the Union cut several holes in the cards (as shown in the picture above). Although if it had been down to me, I would have cut a lot more holes in the cards!

The Butchers Social Union was a historic workers’ social and trade group active in Dublin during the early-to-mid 20th century. Other than their football team, Dolphin F.C., which joined an expanded Free State Football League for the 1930/31 season, and their bingo card, little is known about them.

Since the Trade Union Act of 1941 in Ireland, trade unions have been required to hold a license. Although presented as regulatory, this legislation was primarily intended to limit the number of unions. To obtain a license, unions were required to deposit significant sums in the High Court, effectively marginalising smaller organisations. Many were forced to merge, dissolve, or continue operating as unlicensed unions. This may be why the Butchers Social Union no longer exists.

You can see the card in the excellent Little Museum of Dublin. Located in a beautiful old building at 15 St. Stephen’s Green, in the heart of Dublin City, you have to book their legendary 29-minute guided tours to visit. It is a celebration of great storytelling, with history, comedy and some of the friendliest people in Ireland.

Find out more: click here: littlemuseum.ie