In Agra India in 1631, a man, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan so loved his wife and soul- mate Muslim Persian princess Mumtaz Mahal, that in her memory he had built the Taj Mahal, as a lasting testament to his and their love.
400 years later, in the small town of Redding, Connecticut, Henry (Bud) McQuade had a more modest vision to remember his beloved wife of 60 years, Florence.
His vision was more modest, but not his love.
If you ever venture north and find yourself enjoying the drive along the reservoirs just 30 minutes north of Downtown Westport on 70 Cross Highway, you will smell it before you see it…. Redding’s Daffodil Field.
There, after you stop and stare, amongst the now 50,000 daffodils, you can take a stroll, sit down and read a book or share a lunch or just be silent and breathe.
It’s a local tradition and the marking of Spring’s arrival in Redding and the surrounding area.
What it is though, is a gentle reminder.
Of a love story from a time gone by, that continues to this day.
For everyone.
You see, Florence loved daffodils.
And Bud so loved Florence, whom he met when he left the Air Force at the end of WWII and before he became a teacher at Joel Barlow High School.
Who he took dancing to Glenn Miller.
They found a large piece of land and built a home there in the late 40’s, and he started planting daffodils each Spring throughout because it gave Florence such joy.
Each Spring the field became more colorful and fragrant.
And especially after his beloved passed after their 60th anniversary, he continued the tradition even more so.
When he was 97 years young, the community started to join him in continuing to plant the bulbs en masse, Bud taught them how to split and plant them.
The local elementary school would take field trips and the children would get their hands dirty as they learned to grow the flowers.
He always told them all about Florence and their life together, and how much he loved her.
The students of his from Joel Barlow, now adults, would bring their families to meander with Bud and help tend the massive garden.
The couple’s niece, Patti Pavlick, recounted why the field is no mystery.
"When I drive by, it just brings tears to my eyes because that is how I remember them. That was his memory of her.”
When Bud passed in August of 2019, at the age of 103 years old, the property had an uncertain future.
The older home and the land were a prize for developers as the real estate market in Fairfield County is like everywhere else nowadays, and it went on the market.
The town thought the end of the daffodil field was imminent.
Neighbors Stacey and Ned Steinmetz bought the property to ensure it stayed a local landmark and a testament to true love.
“I guess, just like his love grew, the field continues to grow. You know, it’s everlasting and it’s expanding, so I certainly wouldn’t want that to be lost,” said Stacey when asked their plans.
They plan to keep it as it is, and have added signs to make sure people know: you are welcome here.
What started as a love story between a man and his wife has now blossomed into a community treasure. Hundreds have visited the field this Spring, doing as Bud wanted: “Drive in, Walk Among.”
She, with other community members, have installed walking paths and benches amongst the flowers.
Classrooms of children will continue to visit, and get their hands dirty, and learn to grow beautiful things.
She wants anyone driving to get out of their cars and explore.
To breathe.
To dream.
One mans testament of love and gratitude towards a woman who shared his life and his dreams.
And a community's recognition and deep appreciation.
In my research, I discovered that Bud and Florence were fond of Johnny Mathis.
So….