Michael and Belinda Straight, interview December 8, 1968. During the remodeling, the Straights lived in the spring house, which they called “The Cottage.”
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.
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.
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.
Ibid. The flock of Canada geese started from a pair that was attracted to one of the farm ponds, which in earlier times had been used to furnish ice for the farm. As the flock of geese grew, it ceased to migrate, and frequented the Straights’ pond and nearby Lake Barcroft.