In a remarkable feat of endurance, a lightbulb that has been glowing for over a century is still illuminating a fire station in California, with expectations to celebrate an extraordinary 125-year milestone this summer. The Centennial Light has burned almost continuously since 1901 at Fire Station No. 6 in Livermore, a Bay Area city with approximately 90,000 residents. Guinness World Records has officially recognized it as the world's longest-burning lightbulb, transforming this humble fixture into one of Northern California's most unexpected tourist attractions.
A Beacon of History and Mystery
Now emitting a mere four watts of light, the bulb has been switched off only a few times throughout its long history. Most interruptions occurred during relocations of the firehouse, with its most recent outage in 2013 attributed to a drained generator battery rather than any failure of the bulb itself. This resilience has drawn visitors from across the globe, including as far as Saudi Arabia, who sign a guest book to mark their pilgrimage to the oldest known working lightbulb, a title confirmed by Guinness Book of World Records in 1972.
The Engineering Behind the Endurance
The secret to the Centennial Light's longevity lies in its unique construction. Manufactured in 1897 by the Shelby Electric Company of Ohio and engineered by French inventor Adolphe Chaillet, this bulb was built differently from modern counterparts designed for short-term use. It features an unusually thick filament, crafted from processed cellulose that was heated until it carbonized, creating a dense and durable core capable of withstanding prolonged burning.
Shelby Electric Company rigorously tested its bulbs through endurance trials, leaving them glowing alongside competitors' products. While rival bulbs failed, the Shelby bulb consistently outlasted them all. Chaillet promoted his design as longer-lasting and more efficient than anything else available on the market at the time. Although the bulbs sold well, production ceased in 1912 after General Electric absorbed the company.
A Journey Through Time
By the time the bulb arrived in Livermore in 1901, it had already demonstrated its staying power. Donated by local utility owner Dennis Bernal, it was installed at a volunteer fire station on Second Street, where firefighters kept it illuminated around the clock. The light accompanied the department through a move to a new fire station and town hall in 1906, briefly switched off during the transfer, though records do not specify how long it remained dark.
In 1971, the Livermore Herald News began investigating local rumors about a lightbulb that had been burning for generations. Their story helped catapult the bulb to fame, leading to its official recognition by Guinness World Records. Today, the bulb hangs inside Fire Station No. 6, where it continues to glow as a testament to early electrical innovation.
Daily Life and Global Fascination
For the firefighters working beneath it, the Centennial Light's gentle glow is simply part of daily life, but it has been featured in a children's book and attracts regular visitors who discover it online. Retired deputy fire chief Tom Bramell, who serves as the bulb's custodian, has played a key role in preserving this historic artifact through multiple station relocations. Despite its age, no one knows exactly why it has lasted so long, though its survival is widely credited to its robust design and careful maintenance.
As the bulb approaches its 125th anniversary, it remains a symbol of durability and curiosity, bridging the gap between past and present in a quiet corner of California.
