Antique Christmas Lights

If you are in the market for some antique Christmas lights, here is some helpful tips and information that might help you along the way.

Before 1900 in America, electrically lighting a Christmas tree was practically unheard of. Most families in America did not light their trees at all. Well, a few in larger cities use candles or glass candle cups which are also called fairy lights.

A brightly painted red bucket of sand or sometimes water was always kept by the tree for inevitable fire emergency and many candlelit trees also supported a Christmas rug under the tree. That is the forerunner of today’s tree skirt and we used that to keep wax drippings off of the floor.

Now, even with the prosperity of the roaring 20’s, lighting a Christmas tree, whether electrically or with candles, was not truly common. While the lighting tradition grew well in the 20’s and 30’s, it would not actually be until the years after World War II that a lighted Christmas tree in American homes would be considered universal.

The world’s first practical light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison in 1879. And a mere three years later in 1882, an associate of his, one Edward Johnson, electrically lit a Christmas tree for the very first time. The tree was in the parlor of Johnson’s New York City home, located in the first section of the city to be wired for electricity.

Early homes were wired for ceiling or wall light only, and the only way to tap in to the electrical power circuit was to relate fixtures bulb socket.

Now, a wall outlet was a convenience that was rarely found and even with the cover flat, there where somewhat dangerous, especially for those with the children.

General Electric introduced the world’s first pre wired lighting outfits for the Christmas selling season of 1903. And ever since then, having antique Christmas lights has always been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a unique and special way.

We hope these tips were helpful and good luck with your antique Christmas lights.


Transcription by: Scribe4you Transcription Services