Chicago (CBS) - Chicago river dyeing is a Chicago tradition that dates back 60 years.
But it's not just a town tradition—it's also a family tradition for the relatives of the two men who first came up with the idea, and now want to make sure their legacy lives on. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman shared her stories Friday.
The tradition of painting the Chicago River green began with two men and two families – Rowan and the Butler.
They worry that they are getting off the boat that turns the river green and that their role in Chicago history will be forgotten.
Patrick's Day weekend is Marlene Butler's Super Bowl, and nowadays, it brings back memories of her late husband, Mike.
"He was a true Irishman," she said.
Mike Butler and Tom Rowan are the two men behind why you see the Chicago River going green every year.
Tom, a police Marine in charge of patrol boats, received an assignment from Mayor Richard J. Daly: turn the river a particular shade of green.
He brought in his friend Mike and their sons, making it a family affair, and 60 years later he never shared his secret recipe.
"We called it Leprechaun Dust," said Marlene.
Tom Rowan Jr. says that families have no intention of retiring from die duty, with large families on either side, there will always be someone to fill the die boat – but there has been a change.
"It was really important to all of us and we were just kind of downplaying the feeling," he said.
For more than 60 years, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union has sponsored the event and they pay for all that dye, but traditionally both families were allowed on board to celebrate the original dye team. .
But now, those numbers have come down from four to two, and now, for the first year, only one person from each family will be accommodated.
"We were told we would always be part of the legacy, and that's not happening," Marlene said.
Tom says he is concerned about his father's legacy.
"I mean, they worked so hard on it after so many years," he said tearfully.
We spoke with Jim Coyne on the phone with Local 130. He says that the Sangh does not want to insult the families, but says that it wants to make room for its members. Translation - VIPs are in, family is out.
"Together, we've given the city a beautiful green river every year for the parade," Coyne said.
But with Mike and Tom no more, Marlene hopes her family story will last as long as the river is green.
"He was very proud to be able to make this joyous occasion for everyone, it was his pride and joy," he said.
It has become a tradition even for the Sangh with 285 volunteers to do so. We're told it's a big deal for them as well because there's a lottery for union people to get a place on the boat.