On the bright side, famous light bulb still shining after over 100 years in fire station

For over 100 years, a light bulb in Livermore, California (USA) has made the days of the firefighters that protect it just a little bit brighter.

The Livermore Centennial Light Bulb, at Fire Station #6, is the longest burning light bulb, and has been burning at 4 watts for 24 hours a day since it was installed in 1901. 

While we may be used to our modern light bulbs that always seem to burn out every few years (or maybe more if they’re LED), this little bulb was created at the turn of the century, only about 20 years after Thomas Edison’s famous practical incandescent light bulb was patented.

Made by the Shelby Electric Company in Shelby, Ohio at the end of the 1890s, the glowing pear was donated to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department in 1901. The design was invented by French scientist Adolphe Chaillet, and it was originally a hand-blown carbon-filament 60-watt bulb, like many of our common light bulbs today. In one of the original advertisements for the bulb, it was touted as the “Best lamp on Earth,” which now may be deemed correct.

However, since it’s been burning for over a century, it now emits a 4-watt light, which is akin to that of a night-light.

Before reporters in the 1970s realized the age and importance of the bulb, firemen at the station used to think of it as a regular item – even tapping it for good luck, or using it as a target for nerf balls. But after its significance became known, the town began to shelter its little light.

Despite its size, the bulb has a storied history with the town of Livermore. Local resident Zylpha Bernal Beck recounted in an interview with the Centennial Light Bulb Committee how her father, Dennis Bernal, donated the bulb to the Fire Department when he sold his Livermore Power and Water Company.

Dedicated researchers at the Centennial Light Bulb Committee also tracked down some old invoices from the Shelby Bulb hardware catalog from 1912, which priced the bulb at 40 cents. That was not cheap at the time, but adjusted for inflation today that’s about $13 (£10.50), so not a bad price.

Its longevity is credited to the fact that it was so rarely turned off, which causes stress to the bulb when the temperature inside decreases and increases. It was also made by hand with stronger materials than modern bulbs, and its low wattage has maintained its consistent light.

Since the 20th century, it’s only experienced a few brief shortages – such as when it moved between fire stations. When it was moved in 1976, the little bulb received a full firetruck escort and was met at arrival by an electrician to install it in its new home. It is now attached to an uninterruptible power supply on an emergency generator, and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department plans to house and maintain the bulb for the rest of its life, regardless of length.

The community really cares about this little piece of history, and honoured the bulb with a centennial birthday celebration in 2001, with a community barbeque and live music. 

And in 2011, they also celebrated the bulb’s One Millionth Hour burning, with a funny ‘Bulbcam’ page showing the bulb’s perspective of its celebration party at the fire station.

But on 20 May 2013, fans of the bulb’s live webcam (shout out) were shocked to find the little bulb was turned off. They quickly alerted the community, which sent in an electrician who discovered an extension cord had rerouted the electricity and powered off the bulb. Luckily, the light had not burned out, and after about 10 hours the bulb was relit. 

Deputy Fire Chief at the time Tom Brammell said they connected the bulb to a new uninterruptible power source: “after we realized the bulb cam would record every second, we didn't want the light to be out during a power failure. Ironic, huh?”

Nowadays, the bulb provides a weak but comforting light for the night illumination of the fire engines. It’s a source of comfort for the firemen who work at the station, who for generations saw it as a sign of good luck or consistency.

Although it still lives in an active fire station, the town also invites visitors to come see the bulb when the firemen are on duty. They’re proud to show you the little light that shines bright.

Header image: Alamy