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CHICAGO (CBS) – The dyeing of the Chicago River is a Chicago custom that dates again 60 years.
But it surely’s not only a metropolis custom — it is also a household custom for the kin of the 2 males who first got here up with the concept, and now they need to ensure their legacies stay on. CBS 2’S Marissa Perlman shared their tales Friday.
The custom of dyeing the Chicago River inexperienced began with two males, and two households — the Rowans and the Butlers.
They fear they’re getting booted off the boat that dyes the river inexperienced and their position in Chicago historical past shall be forgotten.
St. Patrick’s Day weekend is Marleen Butler’s Tremendous Bowl, and these days, it brings her again recollections of her late husband Mike.
“He was a real Irishman,” she stated.
Mike Butler and Tom Rowan are the 2 males behind why you see the Chicago River inexperienced yearly.
Tom, a police marine answerable for patrol boats acquired an task from Mayor Richard J. Daley: Flip the river a particular shade of inexperienced.
He introduced his buddy Mike and their sons making it a household affair, and 60 years later they’ve by no means shared their secret recipe.
“We referred to as it leprechaun mud,” Marleen stated.
Tom Rowan Jr. says the households haven’t any intention of retiring from dye obligation, with huge households on each side, there’ll all the time be somebody to fill the dye boat — however there’s been a change.
“It was actually vital to all of us and we simply sort of really feel have been being eased out,” he stated.
For 60-plus years, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers’ Union has sponsored the occasion they usually pay for all that dye, however historically each households have been allowed on-board to rejoice the unique dye staff.
However now, these numbers are dwindling from 4 to 2, and now, for the primary yr, just one individual from every household shall be granted a spot.
“We have been informed we’d all the time be part of the legacy, and it isn’t taking place,” Marleen stated.
Tom says he worries about his dad’s legacy.
“I imply, they labored so onerous at it in spite of everything these years,” he stated whereas holding again tears.
We spoke by cellphone with Jim Coyne with Native 130. He says the union would not need to disrespect the households however says he desires to make room for his members on board. Translation — VIPs are in, household is out.
“Collectively, we’ve got given town a good looking inexperienced river yearly for the parade,” Coyne stated.
However with Mike and Tom now not residing, Marleen hopes her household story sticks round so long as the river runs inexperienced.
“He was so very pleased with with the ability to make this joyful event for everybody it was his satisfaction and pleasure,” she stated.
This has turn into a practice for the union too with 285 volunteers to make it occur. We’re informed it is a huge deal for them too as there is a lottery for union of us to get a spot on the boat.
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