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Think of the last time you had to change a lightbulb in your home. How long had that bulb burned? Most modern bulbs claim to burn anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 hours—LED bulbs can burn up to 50,000 hours, according to the most current research on them. The Livermore Fire Department, however, has a bulb that has outstripped both of these figures by literally hundreds of years. Locally famous, the so-called “Centennial Bulb” has burned without failure since 1901 when it was first installed at the fire house.

The bulb was likely manufactured sometime in the 1890s and is hand-blown with a carbon filament inside. Produced by the Shelby Electric Company, there may be others in existence as well—still functioning, still capable of producing light. However, this particular bulb has gained a local celebrity status due to the fact that it has endured for over 100 years for all to see. It was first donated to the fire house at the turn of the century, and has burned in four different locations—a horse cart on L Street, a garage for police and fire departments in downtown Livermore, City Hall, then Fire Station #6, where it currently resides.

Excluding power outages and moves, the bulb has consistently burned since its initial installation, wherever it may be. It is currently cared for by the Centennial Light Bulb Committee, which is a partnership of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, Livermore Heritage Guild, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and Sandia National Laboratories. The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department plans to house and maintain the bulb for the rest of its life, regardless of length. When it does eventually go out, they have no plans for it, although Ripley’s Believe it or Not! has requested it for their museum. It does, after all, hold the world record for the lightbulb with the longest life in recorded history. This bulb’s long life has been attributed to its low power, nearly continuous operation, and dedicated power supply that feeds it day after day. Indeed, the light currently burns at about 4 watts—the dim light of a nightlight, and not nearly as bright as it once was at 60 watts over one hundred years ago.

The bulb has received much publicity since the 1970s when it was first deduced to be the same bulb donated to the fire house in 1901. Magazines, documentaries, news segments, and official recognition has all featured the bulb as a centerpiece of importance. Famous local and national politicians have referred to it in speeches, and it is often employed as a metaphor for hope and perseverance through the challenges of life.

Much can be said for Livermore and the bulb that makes it a famous city. Grade Potential tutors are there to ensure their clients continue to work hard and preserver through different challenges, like the bulb that hangs in Fire Station #6. They’re also there to help students discover their own “lightbulb” moments; struggling grades can turn around, and academic success can be achieved with the careful guidance of the tutors of Livermore.