Before electric lights were invented, many people decorated Christmas trees with actual candles. What could go wrong with open flames attached to dead branches studded with dry, brittle needles, all located inside your home? However, even when electric lights became available, people were more concerned about electricity burning their houses down rather than the candles.
But by 1917, people were more used to electricity and 15-year-old Albert Sadacca was ready to capitalize on their trust. Prior to that time, those brave enough to try electric Christmas tree lights had to shell out approximately $2000 in today’s money for the privilege. Sadacca had the idea to create an affordable set of Christmas lights and had them produced by his parents’ novelty lighting company. It’s because of him that lights are now a ubiquitous part of the holiday season.
