Jason Phillips
Source: TheJerseyLilly
Nestled in the infamous Ghost Town of Montana, a place where the population barely reaches 15, a historic bar is writing its newest chapter. The Jersey Lilly, a cornerstone of the community for 77 years, has found an unexpected new steward in Suzanne Hackett-Morgan, the first solo female to own and run the storied establishment.
Originally from Burbank, California, Hackett-Morgan’s path to this remote corner of Montana is as unconventional as the town itself. A poet, painter, and former founder of an internationally recognized outdoor sculpture park in Nevada, Hackett-Morgan stumbled upon Ingomar in 1985 while traveling across the state. “I was captivated,” she recalls. “The landscape, the sense of isolation, the stories embedded in the people and the land; it all spoke to me.”
Source: TheJerseyLilly
The bar, which was once a bank, has passed through only five owners since its founding, each leaving their mark on its character. Hackett-Morgan, the fifth proprietor, took ownership this year and reopened its doors on May 5th. “I’m not here to reinvent the place,” she says. “I’m here to preserve it, to honor the stories of the families and the history that makes this bar the hub of this community.”
Indeed, The Jersey Lilly is more than just a bar; it’s the heart of Ingomar. From weekend gatherings to birthdays, every occasion finds its way to the bar’s historic wooden tables and the century-old back bar, which was transported all the way from St. Louis via wagon and riverboat to Montana decades ago. Locals, cowboys, and a sprinkling of adventurous tourists gather here for the simple pleasure of connection, time-honored recipes like the bar’s famous cowboy beans, and the comforting sense of time travel through history. “I want to heal this place through humor, love, attention, and care,” she explains. “It’s a privilege to sling beans, burgers, and beer here and to be part of people’s lives.”
The town itself carries echoes of its past. Once known as a sheep-shearing capital, it was a hub of activity long before it even had running water. Today, the bar remains a gathering place where stories of rodeo stunts, cattle ranching, and Montana life are shared with equal parts humor and heart.
Hackett-Morgan sees the bar as an ongoing art project, blending history, culture, and hospitality. She has introduced small, thoughtful improvements to the space, from updating technology and improving operations to stabilizing the building, without altering its historic character. “This is a place where people come to feel a sense of home and continuity,” she says. “I want to support that, celebrate it, and help it thrive.”
Looking ahead, Hackett-Morgan envisions The Jersey Lilly as a platform for storytelling, art, and community engagement. Plans are underway to host writers, artists, and performers, continuing her long-standing commitment to fostering creativity and connection. Hackett-Morgan explains, “I want this bar to remain a vibrant hub for the community, preserving its history while embracing the future.”
As The Jersey Lilly marks its 77th year, it stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring power of place. Under Hackett-Morgan’s care, this Montana institution is already thriving, bridging past and present, and offering a space where time, stories, and people converge.