For over a century, a small yet resilient light bulb in Livermore, California, has withstood the test of time, shining brightly inside Fire Station #6.
Known as the Centennial Light Bulb, it has burned almost continuously since 1901, earning its place as the longest-burning light bulb in history.
Originally a 60-watt carbon filament bulb, it was manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company in Ohio, following a design by French scientist Adolphe Chaillet.
The bulb was donated to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department by local businessman Dennis Bernal after he sold his Livermore Power and Water Company.
More than a century later, it still flickers on—albeit with a reduced 4-watt glow, akin to a night-light.
From Everyday Object to Local Legend
For decades, firefighters treated the bulb as just another fixture in the station. Some even tapped it for good luck or used it as a target for Nerf balls.
That changed in the 1970s when reporters began investigating its remarkable longevity. Once its historical significance became clear, the town rallied around its preservation.
One of its earliest champions, Zylpha Bernal Beck, the daughter of Dennis Bernal, recounted to the Centennial Light Bulb Committee how the family’s gift became a symbol of resilience and continuity.
The light has only gone dark a handful of times, including during station relocations.
In 1976, when the fire station moved, the bulb was escorted by a firetruck procession and met at its new home by an electrician to ensure a flawless installation. Today, it is connected to an uninterruptible power supply, ensuring its legacy continues.
Community Treasure
The Centennial Light has become more than just a historical curiosity—it’s a source of pride for Livermore. In 2001, the town threw a centennial birthday party for the bulb, complete with a barbecue and live music.
A decade later, in 2011, it hit a major milestone: one million hours of continuous burning. The community celebrated with a quirky “Bulbcam” livestream, allowing fans worldwide to check in on its glow.
However, on May 20, 2013, panic struck.
The bulb went dark for the first time in decades. Fans of the Bulbcam quickly alerted authorities, fearing the worst. Firefighters discovered that an extension cord mishap had cut power to the bulb. Within 10 hours, an electrician had restored its glow.
Deputy Fire Chief Tom Brammell, reflecting on the incident, remarked: “After we realized the Bulbcam would record every second, we didn’t want the light to be out during a power failure. Ironic, huh?”
Why Has It Lasted So Long?
Experts attribute the Centennial Light’s longevity to several factors:
- Rarely being turned off – Bulbs burn out faster when frequently switched on and off.
- Handcrafted materials – It was made with a thicker filament and stronger glass than modern mass-produced bulbs.
- Low wattage – Its reduced energy draw minimizes wear and tear.
Still Shining for Future Generations
Although its glow is now faint, the bulb remains a comforting sight for firefighters on night duty. “It’s been here longer than any of us, and it’s still watching over the engines,” one firefighter remarked.
According to the release, visitors are welcome to see the Centennial Light in person when the fire station is open.
“The firefighters proudly showcase this small but mighty survivor, proof that sometimes, even the simplest inventions can stand the test of time,” it noted.
