Squire Ward's Public House, Seward NE

In my continuing quest to tell new stories, I find myself in a small dive bar in Seward, Nebraska. Here I met owner, Gregg Nelson, who was born and raised in Seward. When he was a senior in high school, this same bar was "Ficken's Bar" and he used to hang out there after school. One day, the owner was behind on washing all the glasses after their happy hour - so Gregg pitched in and helped and they offered him a job. Then literally the day after high school graduation, he hopped on his motorcycle and took off for California - never planning on returning. His travels landed him in Aspen, Colorado, where he and wife, Ramona, (he refers to her as the brains behind everything) raised their children, and ran their own construction business. They built several bars and restaurants and always had a desire to actually get into that type of business. So surprisingly, they ended up back in Nebraska where they first opened a bar in Lincoln - then felt called to return to Seward and open a more high end restaurant called "Rue 6". It serves specialty dishes, great wine, and craft cocktails. That restaurant is currently under reconstruction and will hopefully open again by spring. When the space from the old Ficken's Bar became available, it was like fate had called them back. They immediately purchased the property and he affectionately started referring to it as the "Five Star Dive Bar". The challenge was to come up with a proper name for the establishment, so he looked to the history of Seward and found out that in 1867, Nebraska had just become a state and a very small village named "Seward" was established on the Big Blue River. At that time, the Justice of the Peace in that area, Josiah Ward, (best known as Squire Ward) helped to incorporate this town. He is also credited with starting the first 4th of July celebration in Seward, which today has become one of the largest events in the state. So Gregg decided to name the bar in his honor and in 2021, Squire Ward's Public House was opened.

It is located at 133 North 6th Street, and is best known for being a sports bar that serves burgers, pizza, and cocktails. They open Monday through Saturday at 5:00 p.m.- which is exactly when happy hour starts. For one hour there are $4.00 margaritas and half-price beers, except on Mondays when it is happy hour all night long. Burger night is Wednesday, and on Saturday nights they have pizzas for $20.00 - eat-in or take out. The place seats about 45 people so it is small and it is busy. When the doors opened, it took less than 20 minutes for the place to fill up. The decor is made up of big screen TVs, old beer signs, license plates, and Nebraska Cornhusker memorabilia. Many items have been donated by local patrons who thought it might look good hanging on the walls. It is definitely a neighborhood bar where local folks enjoy getting together to hang out and socialize. Gregg greets most patrons by name and truly is one of the nicest, most generous, and laid back-people I have ever met. While we were talking about his life, Gregg kept saying - "I am just having so much fun, and everything is just a blast".

If running two businesses wasn't enough, he and Ramona are also in the process of opening a new lunch place just down the street from Squire Ward's called "The Pasta Barn". They hope to have it up and running by the end of February. It will be open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will feature a large salad bar and all-you can-eat pasta with eight different sauces. Beer and wine, soft drinks, and desserts will also be available.

Gregg and Ramona are also very committed to their community and are highly involved in philanthropy. Their passions include helping the local animal shelter by always featuring a dog on their website that needs to be adopted. They also raise money for the local high school by supporting the "Blue Jay Bash" (Seward high school booster club). It consists of auctioning off a "Chef's Dinner" where folks can bid on a dinner for 12 and Gregg and Ramona will donate the food and prepare an incredible meal. They also auction off bar stools from Squire Ward's so you get a plaque on the stool with your name on it. Gregg says "It is your seat when you come into the bar - unless of course someone else is already sitting there!" This summer they will also be donating their time and energy to the local "Make a Wish Program" which will include a golf tournament on June 27th at the Seward Country Club. Following the tournament, there will be a large banquet for all attendees.

Thomas Wolfe had a famous quote, "You can't go home again", - referring to it being impossible to return to one's past due to the inevitable changes that take place in people and places. Change can truly be a good thing, and we see what a difference one person can make. To you, Gregg - I believe Seward is saying "Welcome Home"!