Bill's Antique Christmas Light Site Shortly after Edison invented the light bulb in 1879, Christmas trees were being adorned and decorated with lights. Collector Bill Nelson offers a brief history and an illustrated timeline describing how the first lit trees were expensive and rare, and it wasn't until the 1920s that American towns began to twinkle with holiday lights. The detailed light set galleries show images of all sorts of lights from 1900-1980. Admire the highly collectible Matchless Wonder Star and note the elaborate fruit and animal shapes of German figural lights from the '20s. The bubble light was a huge hit in the late '40s and beyond, while the '60s offered flashy aluminum trees that could only be lit by color wheels. Histories of Christmas-light manufacturers, vintage ads, photos of lit trees of the 20th century, and interesting facts about Christmas lighting further illuminate the subject. And if you have old lights of your own, the FAQ may come in handy for rewiring projects. (in Holidays and Observances)
