For over a century, a small but resilient light bulb in Livermore, California, has consistently maintained its glow inside Fire Station #6, continuing to do so.
Referred to as the Centennial Light Bulb, it has been lit almost continuously since 1901, earning it the title of the longest-burning light bulb in recorded history.
Initially, a 60-watt carbon filament light bulb was produced by the Shelby Electric Company in Ohio, utilizing a design created by French scientist Adolphe Chaillet.
The fire engine was donated to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department by local businessman Dennis Bernal, who gave it to the department after selling his Livermore Power and Water Company.
More than a century later, it still shines faintly on—albeit at a lessened 4-watt glow, verging on that of a nightlight.
PUNCH ONLINE obtained these from the GWR website, in a release dated February 7.
A Household Item Becomes a Beloved Local Legend
For decades, firefighters considered the bulb simply another part of the station's furnishings. Some even considered it lucky, or used it to test their skills with foam darts.
This changed in the 1970s when reporters began investigating its remarkable longevity. Once its historical significance became apparent, the town rallied behind its preservation.
One of the earliest supporters, Zylpha Bernal Beck, daughter of Dennis Bernal, told the Centennial Light Bulb Committee how the family's gift became a metaphor for perseverance and tradition.
The light has only gone dark a handful of times, including during station relocations.
In 1976, when the fire station relocated, the bulb was accompanied by a fire engine procession and met at its new location by an electrician to guarantee a seamless installation. Today, it is connected to an uninterruptible power supply, thus securing the continuity of its heritage.
Community Treasure
The Centennial Light has become more than a historical curiosity, it is a source of pride for the town of Livermore. In 2001, the town celebrated a centennial birthday for the bulb, including a barbecue and live music.
Ten years later, in 2011, it reached a major milestone: one million hours of continuous burning. The community celebrated by hosting a special ''Bulbcam'' livestream, allowing fans worldwide to check in on its glow.
However, on May 20, 2013, panic set in.
The bulb went dark for the first time in decades. Fans of the Bulbcam quickly alerted authorities, expressing their concern that something terrible had happened. Firefighters discovered that a faulty extension cord had caused the power cut to the bulb. Within a time span of 10 hours, an electrician had restored its radiant glow.
Deputy Fire Chief Tom Brammell, reflecting on the incident, stated: "Given the camera handnormally captured every second, we naturally couldn't accept the light to be out during a power outage. What irony!"
The Longevity of the Relationship.
Experts attribute the Centennial Light’s longevity to a combination of factors, including an illumination system that minimizes heat generation.
Frequently switching on and off the light bulbs shortens their lifespan.
It was manufactured using a thicker filament and more robust glass than can be found in standard modern bulbs.
– Its decreased energy requirements reduce its vulnerability to mechanical damage.
Enduring for Future Generations
Although its light has diminished, the bulb remains a reassuring sight for firefighters working at night. “It’s been here for longer than any of us, and it’s still watching over the engines,” one firefighter commented.
Visitors are permitted to view the Centennial Light in person when the fire station is accessible to the public.
"The firefighters proudly showcase this small but robust example, proving that sometimes, even the most uncomplicated creations can withstand the passage of time," it observed.
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