Montana’s Beloved ‘Cheers’: Tragedy Strikes The Owl Bar, A Timeless Community Hub, Leaving Loved Ones and Regulars in Mourning

Nestled within the heart of Anaconda, Montana, The Owl Bar stands as a cherished establishment, its neon lights and bustling atmosphere reflecting the close-knit community that gathers there. Bartender Cassandra Dutra often finds herself serving familiar faces into the late hours, their camaraderie a testament to the bar’s enduring appeal.

On a tragic morning last Friday, this idyllic scene was shattered when gunfire echoed through The Owl Bar’s walls. As the reality of the devastating incident set in, Dutra recognized the faces of those lost, including her colleague Nancy Kelley and regular patrons Daniel Baillie, David Leach, and Tony Palm.

“They were more than just customers,” Dutra remarked. “These were people I spent every day with.” Recalling Tony’s truck parked outside as it was every morning, she knew instantly he had been among the victims.

The suspected shooter, Michael Brown, was no stranger to The Owl Bar. He was well-known within the community and frequented the bar regularly, although his relationships were not characterized by the same camaraderie that defined the regulars. One of Brown’s relatives, preferring anonymity for privacy reasons, confirmed to CNN their connection to both the suspect and the victims.

Now on the run for five days, authorities continue their search for Brown in the dense forests and mountains surrounding Anaconda. Meanwhile, residents privately mourn the loss at a place that has long been a source of warmth and familiarity – The Owl Bar.

“It’s an extraordinary atmosphere,” Dutra shared. “The sense of friendship and connection is palpable within those walls.” Far from a typical rowdy bar, The Owl Bar was a place where everyone knew one another, creating an environment that extended beyond the realm of casual acquaintanceship.

From its countless beer logo signs to neon strip lights and posters adorned with bawdy bar jokes, every inch of The Owl Bar’s interior tells a story. An old sign above the bar reads “Prices subject to change according to customers attitude,” while another proclaims, “Don’t like guns? Don’t buy one!” Painted ceiling panels stretch overhead, showcasing local business advertisements, sports team logos, and alcohol branding.

Despite its exact age remaining somewhat of a mystery, The Owl Bar is widely considered the oldest bar in Anaconda, a title held for decades. Some locals claim it dates back to the 1880s, while others believe the portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which has reportedly hung behind the bar since his election in 1932, serves as evidence of its longevity.

The Montana Standard traces The Owl Bar’s history to at least the 1960s when Anaconda was a bustling hub for copper smelting under the Anaconda Copper Company. The smelter workers were regular patrons, and the bar offered “three shots and a beer” for just $1.50.

For Chris McNaughton, The Owl Bar has played an integral role in his family history since 1980. His great-grandfather Hank Walsh, who worked at the smelter, would often stop by for a drink on his way home. Since then, the bar has become a gathering place for McNaughton’s annual family reunion – canceled only during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful that the shooter chose a different day for this tragedy,” McNaughton said, “otherwise we would have lost many more lives.” The family plans to return to The Owl Bar next summer.

On the morning of the shooting, Dutra stood outside for hours as SWAT teams and law enforcement surrounded The Owl Bar. When she finally tried to leave her block, she was forced to navigate under crime scene tape – a sight she never thought she’d witness in her close-knit community.

“It’s unimaginable,” Dutra said of the tragedy that has befallen Anaconda. Despite the ongoing search for Michael Brown, residents are rallying together to support The Owl Bar owner, David Gwerder, and honor the memories of their lost friends.

Dutra continues to grapple with the loss of Kelley, a nurse-turned-bartender who had recently retired after dedicating her life to caring for cancer patients. “It’s an unfair end for someone who dedicated their entire career to making a difference,” she said.

Sierra Fitzpatrick hopes that the community can come together to prioritize mental health in response to reports of Brown’s long-standing struggle with mental illness. “I truly hope we can address mental health and be more considerate of those around us,” she said, inspired by the outpouring of support from local businesses during this difficult time.

When The Owl Bar reopens, Fitzpatrick will be there to show her support for Gwerder and stand with Anaconda. “I hold a great deal of respect for David and his bar,” she said. “I would gladly offer my support to The Owl Bar once it reopens.”