photo courtesy of pbs.twimg.com
Irish eyes must certainly be smiling again this year with the annual green dyeing of the Chicago River in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Let’s take a quick jaunt down memory lane to see how this tradition transformed the way Chicagoans view St. Patrick’s Day.
In 1962, Mayor Richard J. Daley advocated to his old school friend (and Chicago Plumbers Union business manager) Stephen Bailey, that part of Lake Michigan be dyed green to celebrate to St. Patrick’s Day. Mr. Bailey proposed a more practical suggestion: dye the Chicago River green instead. Thus became a ritual steeped in mystery as to the actual concoction from which the dye is made. The only reveal is that it is vegetable-based, environmentally friendly, and lasts a mere few days when ‘magically’ the water is revised back to its original hue. The Chicago Plumbers Union, Local 130, have participated in the pouring of the powder ever since.
photo courtesy of http://www.chicagostpatsparade.com/
As you can see in the above photo, the enigmatic powder is actually orange until it mixes with motion. Ah, then the fun begins! Approximately 40 pounds of the grit is all it takes to change the Chicago River a brilliant green. Believe it or not, the river rears its green sheen after about 45 minutes!
– photo courtesy of chicagotribune.com
There is a large Irish population in Chicago; however, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are for everyone; why, one look at the river and you’ll understand what inclusive really means!
Having lived around Chicago for 50 years, we know the river is completely inclusive. Anyone who falls in comes out looking disgusting! 🙂
*LOL* Oh Cassidy, you just made me laugh out loud! Hehehehe I’ll bet there have been a few ‘green river guests’ who know exactly what you are referring to; no doubt!! 😉 Cher xo
When I worked near the Sears Tower there was an incident where someone jumped in the river to save a person trying to kill themself. He told the papers later that (1) he got a tetanus shot, which he was told was standard for anyone who went into the river, and (2) his suit couldn’t be cleaned. It took it three different cleaners, and they told him the same: there was so much junk in the river that there wasn’t any way they could ever get the suit clean enough to wear again.
Oh my goodness!! I think the river is ‘somewhat?’ cleaner than it used to be, but I’m not sure by how much! Wow, what a story, Cassidy! I didn’t live in Chicago during that time, but I can’t even imagine it so junkie!! Yikes!!! Cher xo
Wow!
Isn’t that something, Lynn? Cher xo
It really is? I didn’t know they really did this!
Yes, it’s been a Chicago tradition for over 50 years!! Cher xo
Wow xx
🙂
This is news to me…. quite amazing… and very, very green.
Hi Marje! Yes, it is amazing, isn’t it? And for over 50 years this has been a great St. Patrick’s Day (week) tradition!! Cher xo
Green dye is much better than lead! 🙂
Indeed Josh; indeed! Cher xo 🙂
What an effort for that day! Thanks for the information and the cool picture. Did not know about that!
It is such a cool tradition here in Chicago, Erika! And the fact that the green dye is all vegetable-based and not harmful at all to the water is perfect! 🙂 🙂 Cher xo
It’s really cool! Thanks to you, I learned something new 😊
Why thank you, Erika!! I think it is cool, too! Cher xo
It is! Imagining all the people around wearing green, must be a beautiful sight to see! 💖
It’s a sea of green, that’s for sure!! 🙂 🙂
I can imagine that! 🙂
Pretty cool!
I think so too, Indah!! Thank you! Cher xo
now way!
that’s amazing!
and not a cappuccino in sight 😉
Nx
*LOL* Yup, believe it or not!! Cher xo
i believe it…
because You say so
x
Ah!! Cher xo
🙂
I never tire of seeing this amazing performance every year when you post this for St. Patrick’s Day. Thank you for sharing. As you know Cher; My heritage is 50% English and 100% Irish, (lol) Green Irish eyes but minus the Ginger hair! Cheers for St. Patrick’s Day !!
I feel the same way, dearie! It’s incredible, isn’t it? Well cheers for St. Patrick’s Day indeed!! Cher xo
Probably all moving through the Sanitary and Ship Canal as we speak…
I’m sure you are correct, John! Cher xo