In Livermore, California, a remarkable light bulb at Fire Station #6 has been shining continuously since 1901, making it the longest-burning light bulb in history. Originally a 60-watt carbon filament bulb, it was donated to the fire department by a local businessman. Over the years, the bulb has become a symbol of resilience and continuity for the community.
Despite its reduced 4-watt glow, the light bulb continues to flicker on, serving as a night-light in the station. The town rallied around its preservation in the 1970s when its historical significance was uncovered by reporters. Since then, the bulb has only gone dark a few times during station relocations, but it has always been promptly restored.
The Centennial Light has evolved into a source of pride for Livermore, with the town celebrating its milestones, such as reaching one million hours of continuous burning in 2011. Experts credit its longevity to factors like rarely being turned off, handcrafted materials, and low wattage, which minimize wear and tear.
Despite its dim glow, the light bulb remains a comforting presence for firefighters during night shifts. Visitors are welcome to see the Centennial Light in person at the fire station, where it stands as a testament to the enduring nature of simple inventions.