Duncan Seawright receiving Hall Of Fame Award from National Director Dale Fry at the S.E. Regional show in Granbury Texas, 1999.
Duncan Seawright was a pharmacist by trade. He owned and operated Seawright Drug in Meridian, Texas for many years until his retirement.
In the early to mid-1960’s Duncan was discussing Model A Fords and Model T Fords and lamenting over the cose of insurance, he stated that he had a solution to the problem.) He was going to start collecting tractors. The reason stated, he would not have to license them, inspect them, or insure them.
Soon Duncan began to acquire old tractors and farm equipment. Sometimes he bought it. Many times, someone would give him the piece if he would clean it off their place. He rescued many rare pieces of equipment from the permanent melting pot. This resulted in 10-20 acres of what people regard as JUNK.
Later, he began to restore many of the items carefully and painstakingly, yet there is much still to be done. His possessions are almost a who’s who and a what’s what of the antique farm equipment world.
He organized what surely was one of the earlier Antique Farm Equipment shows and Threshing Bee’s in Texas in the early 1970’s. That first show was held on his farm at Meridian, Texas. With that show came the organization of what became the Texas Early Day Tractor and Engine Association. Duncan was one of the founders and charter members. The Annual show was held on his farm at Meridian, Texas for over 10 years until it literally outgrew the space available. The annual show is now held at Temple, Texas.
Duncan Seawright has been at the forefront on antique machinery and equipment since the very early days here in Texas.