After visiting one of Livermore’s quickest and quirkiest attractions, many visitors utter the timeworn phrase, “They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to.”According to those knowledgeable in obscure local lore, the Centennial Light bulb in Livermore has been continually burning since it was originally installed in 1901.By some estimations, that means it has given off light for more than one million consecutive hours, making it a true marvel.The bulb can be found inside the city’s historic fire station on East Avenue. Though it’s been a trusty beacon for more than a century, it’ll definitely go out someday, so stop by and take a look while you can.

The bulb is a wonderful piece of history. While it wont WOW you by todays standards it is definitely a small treasure worth your time. In order to fully appreciate it, and definitely before your visit, read this childrens book The firehouse light which tells about its long treasured history.

This is really cool. I did a year long project about light bulbs for school this year and talked about it in the fun facts section. A lot of my classmates dont like school or learning that much(unlike me), but even they were intrigued when I got to the part of my presentation where I started talking about it. I think it is amazing that the light bulb has been burning so long.

Awesome piece of engineering. You can see the bulb even without entering the fire station.

Friendly fire fighter. Good place to discover fire station.

Not exactly exciting but cmon its cool as hell. If youre near by you gotta check it out. Its be lit longer than weve been able to fly.

We took my 11 year old grandson to see the centennial light bulb and to see the fire equipment. The young fire fighter who answered our questions was wonderful. My grandson was able to learn about what it takes to become a fire fighter and even got to climb on the ladder truck to see the controls. Thank you East Street fire station.

Super nice fire station. Everyone was friendly.

A wild light bulb appears! The firemen charged with guarding the bulb are really nice folks. Pretty cool piece of history.

Its not marked with much or any external fanfare and youll need to either ask a firefighter to let you in or catch it when the door to the fire station bay is open. Its kinda hard to spot, too. The biggest clue is the dedicated webcam pointed at it. It was worth dragging the kids to, though. Its not every day you get to see a light bulb thats been burning for over a century.

I am currently in the midst of a Google Map project whereby Im locating places mentioned by long-time CBS News correspondent Charles Kuralt (1934-1997) in his book On the Road with Charles Kuralt, copyright 1985, Putnam. Kuralt visited the firehouse sometime around 1970 and interviewed then Captain Kirby Slate about the light bulb that has burned in the fire station since 1901 (actually installed in the old fire station at 2nd and Elm then moved to the current location). I have included a pic of the book and a stock photo of the famous Shelby bulb.

Such a cool item and history. I loved seeing it in person and the firefighters there were all very personable and inviting.

The fire fighter was very nice that we spoke with. We had to wait a few, because they were out on a call. If you are in the area its worth popping in to see. It only takes a few minutes.

The firefighters on duty were more than happy to talk to us about the bulb and their station and equipment.

Very nice and informative staff. Rather unique historical place.

After seeing the Centennial Light Bulb, your life will never be the same.

If you are near by its worth popping in. It only takes a few minutes. The fire fighter we spoke with was very nice.

Visited it the hard way for a medical issue and didnt see the bulb. Putting me on an ambulance likely saved my life however.

Really cool, and the firefighters really kind.

We went and saw this bulb super late at night and a very friendly fireman opened up the station just to show us the lamp!

Its still on, amazing. The fire fighters were really friendly too, thank you for your service. They explained the whole story of the lightbulb, when it was invented, how it worked, how it was moved and most importantly - what the fire trucks looked like inside :) we went there at 5pm on a Saturday which seemed to be a pretty slow day.

Old light bulb. Firefighters were cool to talk too. Nice tour around the station.

Really lovely detour. Glad we made the trip. Thanks to Roy for showing us around.

Our family dropped off some girl scout cookies for the fire station. Then they took us in to see the bulb. Still going!

A cool piece of Americana. The fact that it sits within a modern working firehouse makes the visit even better. Both times Ive visited, the firefighters were friendly and willing to how off the bulb.

A very cool piece of history and a world record! Its not a museum but they have a guestbook and a small display explaining the history of the bulb.

How can one not be impressed with the engineering of a lightbulb that has burned since 1901!? The firemen that keep watch are all great guys too! Stopped in after dinner one night to see this little marvel and it was well worth the visit

The firemen who have to entertain the public, answer all the questions and give the little tour should extra differential pay! Interesting history for a 117 year old light bulb.

Going to have to try again...I guess the firemen were gone when I visited.

Fun trip. Firefighters were really nice.

Excellent attraction of great significance

A cool link to the past. So glad they are preserving it. Thank you!

The lightbulb is amazing and they have friendly firefighters.

Is it a hoax?

Amazing piece of history. Go see it now before itll be destroyed by a 500 football on July 3rd, 17776.

A very cool piece of history. Its a shame that itll be destroyed in 15759 years.

Said it was 24 hours and no one was there

Best experience of my life

Enjoyed talking with with the staff on 100 year plus light bulb, even getting photo bombed another highlight of our trip.

Always a treat.....great history.

So proud my Dad is a part of this history!!!

Nice light bulb

Original place and very friendly firefighters

I mean its an old light bulb not much to add!

History only one in fire department

Off my bucket list

Breathtaking

Bulb is located inside fire station

Is beatiful

It is a place I must come.

Its not just a bulb! ;)