If you have ever been fooled by a Joy Buzzer, the Whoopee Cushion, the Stink Bomb, the Dribble Glass or Itching Powder you can thank Soren Sorensen Adams and his S.S. Adams Co. for the laughter and / or embarrassment. Starting in 1904 with his invention of CaChoo sneezing powder and eventually operating out of a factory in Neptune, NJ, Adams pumped out a series of practical joke toys that are still with us today.
I can remember my first experiences with Adams novelties. At the age of 5 my next door neighbor Larry handed me a can of peanuts. It did not, of course, contain peanuts but a long, spring snake that came flying out and scaring the crap out of me. I will someday get even with Larry for that trick…it's not over Larry.
Over the years, I have been revolted by Fake Vomit and had my thumb snapped by Snap Gum. I have never, however, been afflicted by sneezing or itching powder……….yet. Do you have memories of ever having perpetrated or been the butt of a "joke" using an Adams Company novelty? If so, let us know. In the meantime, enjoy these images:
I always felt like Joy Buzzer ads dramatically over promised. I have never seen anyone rise up off the floor. Typically the response is an appearance of mild irritation and a look that says "You, sir, are an idiot."
A Whoppee Cushion with an early use of the term "Poo". I have never actually seen a Whoopee Cushion in action; have you?
You had to be pretty serious about being a "Joker" to own a "Life of the Party Kit. In fact, you can still be a life of the party because the S.S. Adams Co, now owned by Magic Makers, is still operating. Now where did I leave my itching powder?
Absolutely seen Whooppee cushions in action — including our own family gatherings with adult kids. I also give them to kids as presents. They love them. Just as 4-year-olds love old-fashioned wind-’em kitchen timers as presents because they tick and then make a loud binging noise.