Livermore, California
Longest Burning Lightbulb (The Centennial Bulb)
Centennial Bulb, shine a light on me
In 1901, U.S. President William McKinley was assassinated, succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt; Guglielmo Marconi made the first transatlantic radio broadcast; the first Nobel Prize was awarded; and, oil was discovered at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas. Also this year, a hand-blown, 4-watt electric light bulb was installed in the ceiling of the firehouse at L Street in Livermore, California. What makes the installation of this bulb noteworthy is that it is still used today, over 108 years later, making it the longest burning bulb in the world. On its 100th birthday it was dubbed “The Centennial Bulb.” Finding it is a little tricky; essentially you have to be on your way somewhere else to get to it. As historic as it is, it is best attempted as a side trip, perhaps on a trip between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Livermore is relatively large, with Interstate 580 running right through it. A couple of turns off the interstate and you are there, at Fire Station 6. This is the bulb’s third and presumed final home (and yes, it was off while it was moved). The station generally isn’t busy; if the garage door is open where the fire trucks are housed, walk right in – they’re expecting you. You will likely be greeted with “You’re here to see the light?” The crew is friendly and helpful, but if you hear alarm bells, it would be prudent to get out of the way.
Me and my wife Claudia beneath the Centennial Bulb
The bulb hangs near the right wall high up on the ceiling; at 4 watts, it’s barely as bright as a night light. A small American flag is attached to a pipe just below in case you’re having difficulty identifying the clear glass bulb amidst the rows of fluorescent fixtures. The firemen on duty are quick to tell you that depending on which way you stand, the lit filament spells out either “ON” or “NO” – for maximum impact, go for the “ON” view. You are encouraged to sign the guest book (which I doubt is over 100 years old) on a shelf below plaques and certificates confirming the bulb’s authenticity. The firemen will even take your picture when requested with the bulb in the background (a difficult task given the height of the ceiling).
A timeline shows events in the first 100 years of the bulb
A similar bulb in Fort Worth, Texas just hit the 100 year mark itself, but the Centennial Bulb still maintains the record and is the first bulb to break the 100 year mark. From a historic standpoint it is worth the diversion, but be sure to go during normal hours as you may not be able to get access after hours (although you can see it through the window). There is also a doorbell you can ring to get someone’s attention, but keep in mind it is a working firehouse. Unless you show up at a ridiculous hour of the night or the crew is preparing to respond to an alarm, you will most likely be cordially invited in. You can rest assured, like Motel 6, they’ll leave the light on for you.
The Centennial Bulb
Fire Station 6
4550 East Ave
Livermore, California 94550
GPS coordinates: 37°40’48.69″N 121°44’22.14″W
Thanks for the kind words, and glad you enjoyed your visit.
It may not be very big, but neither is Plymouth Rock.
It may not be very bright, but it’s glow is seen worldwide.
…and it just keeps going!
Smaller than Plymouth Rock, Steve, but I spent more time at the Centennial Bulb. Thanks for keeping history alive!
Wow, I couldn’t imagine this bulb lighting my room; such an epic and it has stood the test of time! I suggest that they should have it auctioned; I wonder how much it would bring…
I’m sure that it will remain in place until it burns out – after that, I’m guessing it would go to the Smithsonian or some Guinness Book of Records museum.
Cool! The longest burning light bulb should be placed in a museum so it this could be remembered. If we are in a centennial year, this should be the centennial bulb – light bulbs now don’t last for more than half a year now. We could call it a Light Bulb dynasty.
I’m guessing that moving it from where it is now will probably contribute to its demise – it’s the act of turning a bulb on and off that leads to it’s burning out. The bulb has a very low wattage which also contributes to its longevity, but I’ll bet when it finally does go it will end up in the Smithsonian. Actually, the bulb is now glowing in it’s 110th year, well past its centennial – may it enjoy another 100!
Wow! I’m glad that the light bulb is still working and that they never tried to replace it.
It’s amazing that it’s still burning, Marc, but I’m sure once they realized they had a world’s record they started taking good care of it. If you’re in the area it’s a nice diversion – you should check it out!
Our lightbulbs at home only last us for several months and then they’re out completely. It’s amazing that a hand-blown 4-watt electric light bulb can last for a hundred years. Ironic though that it’s staying on in a fire station – whoever made it surely didn’t see it lasting this long.
Part of the reason it lasts so long is because of the low wattage (less electricity going through the filament) and the fact that it isn’t switched off and on. I suppose it just as easily could have been installed in a grocery store or garage somewhere, and there might very well be more of them but the places where others like it were hung have probably been demolished. I’m sure the light bulb outlasted its maker by decades…
Hi Val, great site! Thank you for enlightening me with that information. Appreciate it.