Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dinner and Spirits: Evening with the Lemp Family in Alton
The evening begins with time to browse American Oddities Museum, then moves to dinner and a presentation about a St. Louis family whose brewing history has become closely tied to ghost lore. Troy Taylor’s talk ranges from the Lemp brewing enterprise and the family’s Gilded Age fortunes to reported hauntings and well-known figures in the family’s folklore.
A brewing dynasty in a changing city
Taylor’s presentation follows the rise and fall of the Lemp family against the backdrop of Gilded Age St. Louis and the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its announced scope includes the family’s brewing business and the wider history of beer brewing in the city.
The organizers also place the story within the German immigrant experience in America and the country’s changes during that period. That framing gives the talk a historical thread alongside its accounts of family fortunes and tragedy.
Further reading: Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
The people behind the folklore
The listed subjects include deaths, tragedies and suicides in the family; the figures called the “Lavender Lady” and “Monkey Boy”; and Elsa Lemp’s unsolved death. Taylor will also address séances, Lemp hauntings and first-person accounts associated with Lemp Mansion.
The event organizers describe the presentation as an effort to separate the family’s history from the folklore and misconceptions attached to it. The haunting accounts are material for the talk, not established facts. Taylor is also slated to use personal stories and rare photographs.
Further reading: Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
Browse an Alton oddities collection
Guests may browse the museum before dinner. Its general description highlights local artifacts connected with Enos Apartments, McPike Mansion and other haunted Alton sites, along with items such as ghost-hunting kits, Victorian vampire-killing kits and medical curiosities.
The museum also houses the American Hauntings bookstore. Books will be available to buy, and guests can have them autographed by Taylor.
Further reading: EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗ · Troy Taylor's American Oddities Museum | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗
Browse, dine, then hear the story
The early museum-browsing period is part of this private event, rather than a separate public museum visit. Taylor’s presentation follows dinner; no exact presentation start time is announced.
Saturday, December 5, 2026 · American Oddities Museum
- Catered buffet dinner
- Troy Taylor presents “An Evening with the Lemp Family,” on the history and hauntings of the Lemp brewing family.
Planning the evening
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Doors open at 6 p.m. for museum browsing. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., with Taylor’s presentation afterward; the event listing gives a 7–10 p.m. time range.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
$48 per person; dinner included
The event page links to a ticket-booking page. The organizer says places are limited; check the booking page for current availability. The supplied event information does not specify purchase or cancellation terms.
The host also lists an April 3, 2027 Lemp dinner as a separate date with its own ticket link. This article covers the Dec. 5, 2026 event.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
Catered buffet
The included buffet is described as two meats, two vegetables, pasta, salad, bread and drinks. Individual dishes and dietary accommodations are not specified; contact the organizer before booking if you have dietary needs.
Check individual needs
The event information does not state an age policy or describe accessibility arrangements. Contact the organizer to confirm details that may affect your visit.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
Finding American Oddities Museum
Downtown Alton
The event is at 301 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002. Use the event’s map link to calculate directions from your starting point. The captured event information does not provide transit, parking or accessibility details.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
Before you make a plan
When do doors open, and when does dinner start?
Doors open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, for museum browsing. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.; the event listing gives a 7–10 p.m. time range.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
What does the $48 admission include?
A catered buffet with two meats, two vegetables, pasta, salad, bread and drinks. The organizer does not name the individual dishes.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
What will Troy Taylor discuss?
The announced subjects include the Lemp brewing business, family tragedies, the Lavender Lady and Monkey Boy, Elsa Lemp’s unsolved death, séances and reported Lemp Mansion hauntings.
Dinner and Spirits - Evening with the Lemp Family | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · EVENING WITH THE LEMP FAMILY — DINNER AND SPIRITS ↗
Can guests browse the museum or buy books?
Guests can browse before dinner. Books will be available for purchase at the American Hauntings bookstore and can be autographed by Taylor.
Location & Google Maps
American Oddities Museum
301 Piasa St., Alton, Illinois 62002
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.