Dinner for the poor offered by Olof Gollcher. Coronation Treat 1937.
Article by Hannah Portanier.
Olof Gollcher (1889-1962) is the extraordinary man who comes to mind by the mention of Palazzo Falson. He was born in Valletta and was the son of a wealthy shipping merchant of Swedish and Maltese descent. He was concerned with Malta’s cultural heritage and he was passionate about collecting objets d’arts and historical relics. Olof lived a fulfilled life, even serving in both the First and Second World War. However, the aim of this article is to highlight Olof as a philanthropist – a generous man. He repetitively organised social activities for the needy and the elderly.
Olof was known for his generosity – a striking example of this is when he organised a dinner for 100 old and needy people in Rabat in 1937, on the occasion of the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
A committee was set up to organise the event that included a number of volunteers who helped in the distribution of tickets and serve dinner to the guests. Other helpers offered their services providing tables and chairs to set up the hall for dinner and Messrs Critien printed the tickets and programme gratuitously. A copy of the printed dinner programme, which was probably distributed to all the guests, still survives in the archives of Palazzo Falson. (Palazzo Falson Archives 038/002). It reveals interesting information about the event and how it unfolded. The dinner was held on Sunday 9th March 1937 at the Rabat Government School. It started with a Holy Mass, celebrated by Reverend Father Nicholas Magro, Lector General O.F.M at St. Paul’s Oratory and dinner was blessed by the Reverend Father Anthony Buhagiar, the Rabat Parish Priest.
The needy and old were served a complete meal starting with a soup and followed by the traditional dish of timpana, baked macaroni in a pastry case, pork, potatoes and gravy and finished off with fresh fruit and roly-poly with cream. Cigars were also offered to the guests. Music entertainment was provided by ‘Mr. Corits’ Band’ and ‘The Jolly Old Fellows Jazz Band. Both bands included ‘God Save the King’ in their repertoire.
On the inside cover of the printed programme, one finds a photograph of their Majesties, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – a fitting way to feature an official photograph of the two distinguished individuals, in whose honour the dinner was served.
Many people contributed towards the success of this dinner, however it was thanks to the generosity of Olof that the event took place.
Newspaper cuttings affirm that Olof continued to organise other dinners for the poor. One of the reports (taken from a newspaper cutting found at the Palazzo Falson Archives 041/001) state that: ‘He was so very delighted at their (the needy and old people’s) enjoyment and their gratitude that he thought of giving a similar treat on Boxing day of the same year at the Government Elementary school.’ It seems that these events became seasonal over the years.
Others should follow this example; the pleasure and happiness occasioned the aged poor is out of all proportion to the outlay’.
(Quote from a newspaper cutting reporting the Coronation dinner for the poor, Palazzo Falson Archives 041/001).
In 1941, a Christmas dinner was held at The Norman House (today known as Palazzo Falson) and 125 elderly men, of limited means, from Rabat and Mdina were invited to this feast (documented in the newspaper cuttings album at the Palazzo Falson Archives 041/001)
These dinner parties are witness of Olof Gollcher’s kindness and his involvement in philanthropic work. He is also known for his contribution towards Malta’s cultural heritage, so much so that he donated his Mdina Palazzo and his treasured collections for the enjoyment of the public.
I would like to thank Ms Caroline Tonna, the Curator of Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum for her guidance.
Palazzo Falson historic house museum is open daily (except on Mondays) from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (last entry at 4.00 pm).
Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, Villegaignon Street, Mdina
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00hrs (last entry 16.00hrs)
www.palazzofalson.com
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