A bright idea shining since 1901
Can you believe that after 110 years, it still shines on?
A light bulb in a firehouse in Livermore, California, has been shining continuously for more than a century.
The light bulb, a gift from a local businessman, was first installed in the fire station of Livermore in 1901. With the e
xception of a brief period in 1903, a week in 1937, and some power outages between then and 1976, the bulb has beamed light continuously.
The bulb has been declared the oldest known working light bulb by the Guinness Book of Records.
Lynn Owens, who is in charge of the light bulb centennial committee, says, “Nobody knows how it’s possible. It is a 60-watt bulb and it’s only turned on for about four watts, but nobody knows why it keeps burning... We’ve had scientists from all over the country look at this light bulb.”
The bulb was actually designed by Adolphe Chaillet, who got into competition with Thomas Alva Edison to make the best light bulb in town.
“Now I’m not sure if Edison would be proud or rolling in his grave, but one thing is for sure, let’s hope no one hits the power switch on the way out of the door on this bulb,” Owens was quoted as saying by Time magazine.
The people of the town will celebrate the completion of 110 years of this light bulb on June 18.
—PTI
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