Unsolved and Haunting Occurrences: The Lemp Mansion

New Series! We will explore in depth some of the most haunted places in America! Hang onto your hats (or your beer for this first one!)

The setting: St. Louis, Missouri. The place: The Lemp Mansion, a former brewery that some consider one of the top ten haunted buildings in the US. The stories of heartache and tragedy that occurred for one family reminds us that while money can provide us with a lavish lifestyle, it really can’t buy happiness.

We begin in 1838 when the patriarch of the Lemp family, Johann, came to St. Louis from Germany and opened a small store, selling goods and beer. His lager became well-known and soon, he found the demand exceeded his room to brew. He expanded his operation to include a cave nearby where he created and stored his beer. The cave provided him not only more room, but gave him the ability to keep his beer chilled.

Yum.

Fast forward to 1862 when, following Johann’s death, his son William took over the family business. William, a man with big plans and fancy aspirations, expanded the brewing operation, eventually buying property in a five block radius. He also began a massive expansion on the Lemp home, turning it into a Victorian Mansion. During this time, as refrigeration became available, he created a tunnel from the mansion to the brewing cave. He then began renovating the cave, turning it into a sort of ‘man cave,’ complete with an inground pool and a theater.

Unfortunately for William, though his success with his business was impressive, he was dealt some tragic blows in his personal life. His son, Frederick, said to be William’s favorite son (although, why would he tell people that? Rude!) died in 1901 at the age of 28 and it devastated poor William. Shortly afterward, in January of 1904, William’s bestie also died. A month later, physical and mental health declining, William Lemp took his own life with a shot to the head.

After his death, William Jr. took over operations of the family brewery. Married to Lillian, a woman known for having lavender colored everything, William was known for being a bit of a spender. Actually, that’s not entirely true.

Picture an eight-year-old in a candy store with a pocket full of cash. That was Will Jr.

Word on the street was that he was a player who grew tired of his lovely wife. He would give her a thousand clams at a time (probably to keep her occupied while he ‘entertained’ other women) and would state that if she didn’t spend it all that very day, she would get no more money from him.

What a horrendous burden for her😆

Rumor had it that the result of one of his dalliances with a prostitute produced a child with Down Syndrome. The poor child became known as “Monkey face boy” (how awful) and was locked in an attic for most of his life.

I don’t know about you, but this Will dude is really starting to piss me off.

Eventually, in 1908, Lillian and William divorced and she retained custody of their child, William III. (I assume, at this point, that the child in the attic remained there 😥) William found himself in financial trouble because, let’s face it, the guy was a tool. Soon, he traveled the path of his father and, despondent, shot himself through the heart in the same house as his father did.

There would be a few more suicides before the Lemp family line had vanished, namely sister Elsa and another Lemp son, Charles. The ‘boy in the attic, only known as Monkey Face Boy, died at thirty in the family home.

So, all these violent deaths, all these horrible actions to a defenseless boy, and it’s no wonder the joint is a haunted hotspot. Most of the activity began—surprise, surprise—when new owners began renovating the property to turn it into a restaurant and inn. During that time, several workers left after seeing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and witnessing doors lock and unlock themselves. There were even reports of bar glasses flying across the room and a piano playing itself.

People swear they see something in the mirror in The Charles Lemp room. And a few orbs, as well. Photo credit: Kathy Weiser-Alexander.

In addition, there have been sightings of ‘Monkey Face Boy’ in the attic. In the hall near William Sr’s room, frantic footsteps followed by the sound of a door being kicked have been heard. Interesting to note here that William Jr, on having heard the shot that killed his father, ran up the steps to find the door locked, William Sr. inside.

So he began kicking the door, trying to break it down to reach his father.

Yikes.

In the basement, which staffers have termed the “Gate to Hell”, apparitions, tapping, and a general feeling of ill will abounds. This is the area where the cave connected via tunnels to the main house. And there is even a haunted bathroom, where guests have reported seeing a man peeking over the shower stall.

William Jr. I’m guessing. A perv even in death.

Nowadays, the Lemp Mansion is a tourist destination. You can dine in the restaurant, stay in a room at the B&B, or take in a mystery theater show.

Oh, and I understand they still do a fine beer.

Until next time, guys and gals…peace out.

—Q