The Night Shamokin Planned to Shine for Edison

For an October 1929 tribute to Thomas Edison, Shamokin was asked to make darkness part of the celebration. Stores, homes, and public offices were invited to turn their lights off at 7:29 in the evening. At 7:30, they were to switch them on again and keep them shining until eight.

The plan gave ordinary residents a role in the commemoration. Participation did not require a place on a platform: a household or shop could join through its own lights. Chamber of Commerce secretary William H. Bond also sent greetings to Edison, connecting the local observance with the inventor being honored.

The coverage recalled St. Edward’s Church as an early participant in electric lighting. The tribute made Shamokin’s connection to Edison a point of local pride, although broad claims about being first remain uncertain. Nor does an announced program establish how many people followed it. What survives clearly is the town’s invitation to remember together.