On June 27, 2005, it was exactly one hundred years ago that Pastor Joannes Gallenkamp laid the first stone of the Vincentius building at the designated location. Later that year, the residents of Poeldijk celebrated the centenary of their beautiful community center being officially put into use.
Around the turn of the previous century, Poeldijk could no longer do without a dedicated community center. This was mainly due to the rapid emergence of numerous (youth) associations that lacked a space or room to carry out their activities.
Pastor Gallenkamp had already attempted to create a youth building before 1900, but due to financial constraints, he was unsuccessful. In the meantime, they had to make do with what was available – regularly decorating a small room in the old poorhouse or retirement home located at the corner of Voorstraat/Polderlaan (later Verburghlaan). If that wasn’t possible, occasionally space was made available by the nuns. However, this improvisation was far from ideal or encouraging.
Pastor Joannes Gallenkamp was appointed in January 1891 as the shepherd of the Bartholomeus Parish, succeeding the late Pastor Joannes Görtz, who passed away in December 1890. Pastor Gallenkamp led his Poeldijk flock until November 1907. That month, due to illness, he moved to the Sint Martinus care home in Naaldwijk, where he passed away a few days before the new year of 1908. He did a great deal for the establishment of (youth) associations and was the driving force behind the creation of a community building in the village. Without external financial support, it likely would not have been possible.
That “external support” primarily refers to the legacy promised by Theodorus (nickname Dirk) van den Berg, a wealthy Poeldijk grower in the second half of the 19th century. As a wise and affluent man, he had planned charitable uses for his assets. In addition to various Westland parishes, the Vincentius associations in the Randstad were also beneficiaries. Around 1900, these associations worked selflessly to support the poorest families in the parishes. Being mentioned in Dirk’s will was a blessing – it meant receiving thousands of guilders, a fortune at the time. The Poeldijk Vincentius association, founded by Pastor Gallenkamp, was promised a generous sum of 15,000 guilders. But everyone had to wait until Theodorus, who was unmarried, had passed away permanently.
That inevitable event occurred on New Year’s Day 1904, when Dirk van den Berg, born in 1820, passed away. With all due respect, his death was likely seen as a welcome surprise by many organizations. He had lived a life of abundance and certainly did not pass away in poverty. With the money released during 1904, Pastor Gallenkamp was able to finally bring his vision to life.
With the approval of his church board, the pastor was able to realize his dream near the end of his career. On a plot of land on Voorstraat, owned by Willem van Paassen, the church board received permission to build a community center.
Prominent Poeldijk tradesmen like carpenter Hein van der Haar and mason/contractor Ijsbrand Hagen were awarded the building contract in the early spring of 1905.
During the cornerstone ceremony of the Vincentius building – held on one of the first summer days of 1905 – countless residents of Poeldijk were present. A photograph exists of the event, though of poor quality. Pastor Gallenkamp and his two assistant priests, Borsboom and De Haas, are recognizable in the photo; the rest is rather blurry. Still, the memory lives on, and the old building remains part of Poeldijk – a presence worth preserving, especially since the characteristic building has retained its original shape.
Due to lack of space in the Vincentius building, the village began searching for larger premises for its growing community life in the second half of the 1960s. Many attempts ended in disappointment until the cut flower auction “Het Westland” on Julianastraat merged with the Honselersdijk flower auction. This merger opened up new opportunities. Although repurposing the auction hall wasn’t an obvious choice, it eventually happened some 30 years ago. By then, the Vincentius building had largely ceased to serve as the main venue for community events such as weddings, anniversaries, dance courses, performances, meetings, leisure evenings, and Sinterklaas parties.
From New Year’s Day 1967, the Vincentius building (known locally as "De Bond") was intensively used by Jongeren Contact Poeldijk, later renamed “Soos 67.” Before 1965, few dared to call the majestic community building “Bondje,” unless it was in an affectionate tone. The driving force behind “Soos 67” was chaplain Harry de Jong, still living in Naaldwijk. When the auction hall built in 1930 reopened as “De Leuningjes,” it became the new home for many associations, including the last users of “De Bond.” It's worth noting that “Soos 67” carried out the first internal renovation work on the Vincentius building entirely voluntarily.
After a brief vacancy and a few temporary business owners, Hotel Saint Vincent was taken over by hostess Rosita Zolyniak and host Leen van der Kruk. Over a period of twenty years, they proved that the building – which holds dear memories for many Westlanders – is perfectly suited for new purposes.
In 2012, Leen and Rosita decided it was time to pass the baton, confidently handing it over to Marc and Maud Nagel.
Excellent service, beautiful and affordable rooms, and a warm, welcoming team ensure that Hotel Saint Vincent faces its second century with confidence. Architect Jos Duynstee’s architectural achievement continues to grace Poeldijk, and the commemorative stone bearing donor Theodorus van den Berg’s name still proudly adorns the building’s front façade.
The above article was reprinted from the village newsletter “DE POELDIJKER” dated June 15, 2005, and was written by Koos van Leeuwen.
