The Lemp Brewery
The Lemp Mansion in 1892
Some of my favorite beer collectibles come from a brewery whose owners went from a life of wealth and fame to a series of tragedies. The Lemp Brewery was ahead of its time in the mid-1800’s when the company established itself in St. Louis, Missouri. It was the first brewery to use refrigerated train cars and their own railroad line to ship products nationwide. William J. Lemp took over the brewery from his father John Adam Lemp, and both helped grow the company to be successful. By the late 1800’s, it was one of the top 20 largest breweries in America and its Falstaff beer was more popular than ever.
The Lemp Family Tragedies
William J. Lemp Sr.
The Lemp family became incredibly wealthy and famous. They hosted parties in the local society that celebrities attended and others hoped to be invited to. In spite of all their affluence, several shocking tragedies unfortunately followed. Four of the Lemp family members committed suicide and other untimely deaths occurred. William Lemp Sr.’s son, Frederick, was the first unexpected fatality in 1901 due to heart failure. In 1904, William Lemp Sr. shot and killed himself as a result of grief from losing his son. The family riches continued to fail after that and by Prohibition their brewery permanently closed, and the Falstaff trademark was sold to William’s friend Joseph Griesedieck. William’s daughter, Elsa, also committed suicide in 1920 at age 36.
In 1922, the Lemp Brewery was sold at an auction for about a half million dollars but had once been valued at $7 million. However, the family was able to keep their 33- bedroom mansion. Shortly after the brewery sale, William “Billy” Lemp Jr., shot and killed himself in their home from depression over the loss of their brewery. In 1943, Billy’s only son, William Lemp III, died of a heart attack at age 42. The last family tragedy was in 1949 when Billy’s brother Charles (the third son of William Sr.) committed suicide in the family’s mansion due to depression.
The Lemp Mansion Today
Tin Charger Beer Tray – William J. Lemp Brewery
Today, the famous Lemp Mansion has been restored and is a restaurant and Inn. Many consider it haunted. The Lemp Mansion offers historical and haunted tours. Ghostly images have been reported floating through the house and lights flickering without any explanation. Stories have been told of horses neighing in the yard where the horses were once hitched to posts. If you are interested in a unique experience, I suggest you visit the Lemp Mansion Restaurant and Inn to experience one of their tours. They have an outstanding display of the Lemp Brewery memorabilia. Be warned though, you never know what ghostly sights you might witness!