Here are two references for bakelite. I like the Catalin with the swirls in them, a form of bakelite. Going by my memory, I think bakelite was discovered in the Bronx, NYC. The Catalin Corp was in Queens, NY, I think. Bakelite became very popular because it was heat/fire resistant and relatively strong.

http://www.antiquegamblingchips.com/catlinRk_best.htm (includes a link that shows ways to test for bakelite)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite

Robert