Community Partnerships - Newfoundland & Labrador
Town of Glovertown
Diamond House
Built in 1937, the house originally belonged to Ken Diamond and his wife Viola. The couple raised a family, ran a boarding house, a taxi and trucking business, and a garage providing vital services to the area. Darryl Fry was Ken's nephew, and he spent many summers working with his uncle and staying in their home in Glovertown. Viola was very active in the community and was the town's most prominent Commissioner of Oaths and Issuer of Marriage Licences. She was also Founder of the Glovertown Volunteer Fire Department in 1963 and Founder of the Glovertown Women's Institute. After Ken passed away and Viola moved out, Fry Family Foundation (FFF) purchased the house in 2004 and established the House of Diamonds Art Gallery. The adjacent warehouse which was used by Mr. Diamond in his many enterprises also housed Glovertown's first Town Office and equipment for its first fire department. That building was converted into an art studio. The Foundation transferred ownership of the buildings to the town in 2013.
Built in 1937, the house originally belonged to Ken Diamond and his wife Viola. The couple raised a family, ran a boarding house, a taxi and trucking business, and a garage providing vital services to the area. Darryl Fry was Ken's nephew, and he spent many summers working with his uncle and staying in their home in Glovertown. Viola was very active in the community and was the town's most prominent Commissioner of Oaths and Issuer of Marriage Licences. She was also Founder of the Glovertown Volunteer Fire Department in 1963 and Founder of the Glovertown Women's Institute. After Ken passed away and Viola moved out, Fry Family Foundation (FFF) purchased the house in 2004 and established the House of Diamonds Art Gallery. The adjacent warehouse which was used by Mr. Diamond in his many enterprises also housed Glovertown's first Town Office and equipment for its first fire department. That building was converted into an art studio. The Foundation transferred ownership of the buildings to the town in 2013.
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House of Diamonds Art Centre was established as a not-for-profit, volunteer-run art centre dedicated to promoting NL Artists and Artisans. Very quickly, the Centre became a place for artists to paint and sell their work. From 2009-13 the Fry Family bought numerous pieces of artwork for their personal collection and to create a permanent display in the House. In 2006 the FFF established the House of Diamonds Art Enhancement Program at Glovertown Academy which was funded for five years. The funds were used to provide scholarships, awards and supplies to the students.
The property has evolved into a gathering place for community events and was renamed Diamond House. It now offers offers informative artistic and cultural experiences through concerts, art programs, workshops, markets and residencies. FFF continues to work with the Town to support ongoing infrastructure enhancements at Diamond House. |
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