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Invention of Christmas Lights
By: Jackie Hartnett
Edward Hibberd Johnson was born on January 4th, 1846 and died on September 9th, 1917. Johnson was involved in many of Thomas Edison’s projects. As we all know, Thomas Edison was the first successful inventor of the light bulb. But it would take many years for electric Christmas lights to become the tradition we all know and love. Edward H. Johnson became the father of Electric Christmas tree lights.
Before electric Christmas lights, families would use candles to light up their trees. This practice was dangerous and led to many house fires. Edward Johnson put the very first string of electric Christmas tree lights together in 1882. Johnson and Edison partnered up in the Edison’s Illumination Company, hand wiring 80 red, white and blue light bulbs.
When Johnson was Vice President of the Edison Electric Company, he created the first known electrically illuminated Christmas tree at his home in New York City in 1882. Johnson’s tree was considered a marvel, and Edison’s company tried to market electric Christmas lights, they did not become immediately popular. The cost of the lights and the services of an electrician to install them were out of the reach of the general public. However, wealthy people would hold Christmas tree parties to show off electric lighting.
My family and I have been using Christmas lights, before, and ever since I was born. Putting up lights and decorations on my family tree every Christmas is not only my tradition, but lots of other family’s traditions too. The lights remind me of my childhood. And every time I see colorful lights ANYWHERE… It makes my day. Merry Christmas!
Bibliography:
"Mosca Design & Christmas History with The First Electric Christmas Tree Lights in the 1880s « Holiday Decorations with Mosca Design over 4000 Commercial Holiday Decorations LED Lights to Holiday Trees." Holiday Decorations with Mosca Design over 4000 Commercial Holiday Decorations LED Lights to Holiday Trees. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2012. <http://commercialholidaydecorations.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/mosca-design-christmas-history-with-the-first-electric-christmas-tree-lights-in-the-1880s/>.
"Mosca Design & Christmas History with The First Electric Christmas Tree Lights in the 1880s « Holiday Decorations with Mosca Design over 4000 Commercial Holiday Decorations LED Lights to Holiday Trees." Holiday Decorations with Mosca Design over 4000 Commercial Holiday Decorations LED Lights to Holiday Trees. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2012. <http://commercialholidaydecorations.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/mosca-design-christmas-history-with-the-first-electric-christmas-tree-lights-in-the-1880s/>.