The years stretch back too far
and the acts are too numerous for
owner Tommy Jelsma to recall most of
the performers he has brought to the
Royal Grove. The club has roots that
go back to prohibition and The Brown
Derby, a downtown speak-easy operated
by Jelsma's grandfather, Henry Brown.
The original Royal Grove was built in
the village of West Lincoln in 1933 by
Henry and Christina Brown. After their
deaths, the business was carried on by
their daughter Elizabeth (Toody) and
her husband Harold Jelsma. In the early
years, the Grove was a beer tavern that
specialized in pan fried chicken.
In 1960, the business was leased, but
in 1964, reverted back to the Jelsma
family. Toody and Harold managed the
business until 1966 when their son Tommy
took charge of it. In 1967, local liquor
laws were passed that made it possible to
sell mixed drinks and wine along with beer.
That same year, the Grove was relocated to
a 2,000 sq. ft. building on Cornhusker
Highway. Local rock and roll bands were
the featured entertainment. The building
has since expanded to its present size of
approximately 17,400 sq. ft. In 1986, an
electrical fire caused serious heat and smoke
damage, but the building was quickly restored
and back in business.
The club has featured mainly rock 'n roll
bands, though Asleep at the Wheel and other
country bands have occasionally played
there. Among the bands that Jelsma recalls
are Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, Bachman
Turner Overdrive and Pat Benatar. Jerry
Seinfeld and Elaine Boosler performed at
the club in 1988.
The Royal Grove has been an
established Lincoln business for 65 years
and is still a family operation. Tommy is
still the man in charge with help from his
daughters Norma and Connie and grandson
Michael. With live music every week, The
Royal Grove continues to be one of the
