The term Grand Poo Bah evolved from the character of the same name in Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado." It was meant to be a satirical reference. The title was also used in the TV cartoon series "The Flintstones" and, much later, in "Happy Days." It refers to a (supposed) exalted leader of some kind.
The Magic 8 Ball seen in this short is a popular game item first introduced in 1950. The user asks a question of the ball, which then 'answers' the question.
Fraternal clubs were hugely popular in the postwar years. The TV series "The Honeymooners" would use lodge membership issues as a frequent plot device when the series premiered the following year.
The background depictions of a New York City-type setting are beautifully and carefully rendered, from the rooftop water towers and hanging laundry, to the bricks on a building.
The notion of belling an adversary dates back to the time of the fables attributed to Aesop.