oot-wide, four-lane dual highway, much of
which was lined with concrete curbs and gutters to accommodate
roadside commercial or residential development. The old turnpike had
been redesigned and, in the late 1960's, carried over 26,000 vehicles
per day.[84] Its function as a major interregional artery of
transportation had been taken over by others, leaving to it a new role
as a major connector in the network of roads and streets serving
primarily local traffic. In contrast to earlier times when proximity
to the road was to be desired, the attractiveness of the farmhouse in
the 1960's was enhanced by its surrounding space which furnished a
shield from the highway and a setting for its activity.

III. THE END OF THE FARMING ERA: MICHAEL STRAIGHT (1942-1969)

[71] John Mosby Beattie, March 1969 interview. Annie Beattie,
afflicted with arthritis, died in 1916, after she and family
had moved into Alexandria to a house on Peyton Street owned by
her husband, Fountain Beattie, and Walton Moore.

[72] Fairfax County Deed Book C-8, p. 446.

[73] Fairfax County Deed Book Y-8, p. 50; J-9, p. 23; X-10, p. 413;
V-11, p. 586; C-12, p. 509.

[74] Fairfax County Deed Book P-15, p. 145.

[75] Michael and Belinda Straight, interview December 8, 1968. During
the remodeling, the Straights lived in the spring house, which
they called "The Cottage."

[76] _Ibid._ Aberdeens were also brought to the farm, but did not
thrive as well as Herefords. The Straights' herd ranged from
15 to 25 at any one time. Bought at weights of about 500
pounds, these cattle were held until they weighed 1,100 to
1,200 pounds and then were sold for beef.

[77] _Ibid._ The fondness of the Straight children for animals drew
pets from field and pond, including rabbits, birds, snakes,
spiders, and the like. These were housed mainly in the
enclosed side porch.

[78] _Ibid._ The gift goat was the subject of one of Mr. Sevareid's
columns entitled "It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive."
During his stay at Green Spring Farm, the goat established a
reputation for eating various valuable articles (such as a
canvas automobile top) and ringing a number of the fruit
trees.

[79] _Ibid._ The flock of Canada geese started from a pair that was
attracted to one of the farm ponds, which in