Comments on: • The Levan Tavern / Kemp’s Hotel

By: Dave Weller

Dave Weller — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:05:54 +0000

Hi Margaret,

I wish I was able to visit the restaurant when it was open. More about the renovations can be found on this Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/SaveKempHotelLevanHouse

Dave

By: Margaret Dries

Margaret Dries — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:49:52 +0000

Jacob Levan and Susanna Ludwig were my 4th great-grandparents through their daughter Margaret Levan. After I spent this morning typing up a transcript of a genealogy trip my sister and I took to Berks County in 1996, I was interested to see what the status was of the old Levan Tavern/Kemp Hotel. I found this website about the Levan Tavern by doing a Google search. We were so happy in 1996 to find it open as a restaurant and had dinner there (then called Whispering Springs Inn). This definitely is a place that needs to be preserved. I will be checking in to see what I can do to participate.
Margaret Dries

By: Ellen Glass Vest

Ellen Glass Vest — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:54:34 +0000

I just found out that I am a direct descendant of Daniel Levan – my great grandmother was Emma Levan and from what i can tell, I am the first in all those generations to be born outside of Berks County, though I lived there for some years. It will be interesting to follow the restoration of that building.

By: Butch George

Butch George — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:05:47 +0000

Hello Brandi,
I just recieved an article from my mother in Topton about you purchasing the old Kemp’s Hotel to restore it. I was really happy to see this. It is sad that the Hotel had to be let go like it was. Born myself in Allentown, PA., I was named after the late Luther Kemp in 1953. Living in CA. most of my life the old Hotel still holds many good memories. It would always be our place to eat when we would visit. Verna made the best Crab Cakes in the territory along with Steamed Clams & Lobster, served with lightly browned butter. We always left happy campers. I hope to get back there again sometime soon & see the old place full of life again.
Luther (Butch) George

By: Jeff and Tami

Jeff and Tami — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 13:48:53 +0000

Hello, It is great to hear that you bought the property and have plans on restoring it! If you are in need of assistance in anyway, my wife and I will gladly help. Please contact us through our email at jtahls@hometownu.com

By: Clark Frederic

Clark Frederic — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 04:57:21 +0000

Hello Brandi Woodard,
I read your correspondence about the Levan/Kemp Inn and would attempt to do whatever I can, to assist you. I have some fairly accurate history of the Inn and an idea that may prove helpful. Would you contact me at reno392001@yahoo.com
Clark Frederic

By: Randi

Randi — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 04:21:22 +0000

Congratulations Brandi. I’m so happy to hear that the hotel will be going to someone with intentions of restoration. Please keep us posted on your progress. Will you be opening a restaurant or inn eventually? I have a facebook page dedicated to the hotel if you want to share information. You can find it at https://www.facebook.com/SaveKempHotelLevanHouse. What kind of help are you looking for?

By: gayle

gayle — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 01:05:34 +0000

Hello Brandi,

I am very happy to hear of your plans to bring the tavern “back to life”. What are your plans for the tavern? Unfortunately, I don’t have much information on the tavern other than what can be found on Tree Rings. I just pieced my genealogy to Daniel last year. I am sure you would do well to speak with Clark Frederic who seems to have a great deal of information on the LeVan family, including the tavern.

By: Brandi Woodard

Brandi Woodard — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:56:16 +0000

Hi Holly. My name is Brandi Woodard and I recently signed an agreement of sale to purchase the Kemp Hotel property. I plan on restoring it to it’s former glory and would appreciate any and all help in accomplishing this project. As you know, it needs a tremendous amount of work and money to do so. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I also would love to collect as much history and pictures about the history to have displayed in the Main Hall. It was tragic what happened to the Zimmerman House and I can assure you nothing like that will happen to the Kemp Hotel.

By: Brandi Woodard

Brandi Woodard — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:50:00 +0000

Hi Gayle. My name is Brandi Woodard and I just signed an agreement of sale to purchase this amazing property. I plan on bringing it back to life and would love to collect as much history about the building and family to have displayed in the main hall. If you could assist me, I would greatly appreciate it.