If I had to guess, I’d say that the name in Boston comes from the fish, given the area’s maritime heritage. But the name of the fish probably came from their resemblance to the brewing ale-wives.
If only I knew! 😀 I’m from Wisconsin, and know about alewives (the fish) because they’re invasive in the Great Lakes, where they die off seasonally and wash ashore in large, stinky masses.
“Alewife” was the term for a female brewer, a common enough term that there’s still a subway stop in metro Boston named Alewife.
If I had to guess, I’d say that the name in Boston comes from the fish, given the area’s maritime heritage. But the name of the fish probably came from their resemblance to the brewing ale-wives.
Did not know that, thanks.
Now do Braintree. 😄
If only I knew! 😀 I’m from Wisconsin, and know about alewives (the fish) because they’re invasive in the Great Lakes, where they die off seasonally and wash ashore in large, stinky masses.