Volant Village Shops

The land which the borough of Volant currently occupies was purchased from the Indians in 1784. The first grist mill was built on the Neshannock on 1806 and was located upstream from the present site. It was abandoned after a few years and a new mill was built in 1812 at its present location. In 1868, J.P. Locke purchased the mill and 100 acres of land and began making changes. He laid out a settlement of 30 lots and called his settlement Lockville. With the help of the railroad his attempts to create a settlement were successful. Lockeville began to grown and prosper and in June 1893 the settlement changed its name to Volant and was formally incorporated as a self governing unit.

The first store was built in 1877 by John and William Graham. By the turn of the century the village was a bustling commercial community. Thanks to the New Castle-Franklin railway line Volant became a popular shopping district. The mill remained the nucleus of the town. People would come in to have their grist milled and to shop in the local stores. Because of Volant's rural location there was a livery stable, two harness shops, a blacksmith and a veterinarian. One could mail a letter at the post office, go to the bank, visit the meat market and general store. The latest ladies fashions could be purchased at the millinery shop and shoe store. There was a furniture store, tho hotels, soda fountain, restaurants, a drug store and even a doctor's office. In addition, there was a college which attracted students from the surrounding communities. As the town progressed toward establishing larger business venture, a stone quarry was begun around 1900, as well as a lumber mill and brick company. The growing need for petroleum spurred an oil boom north of Volant. The drilling continued until the beginning of World War I.

With the Great Depression came a gradual decline in the economy. As the economy worsened the business district diminished. The mill, which was primarily responsible for Volant's success, closed its doors in the early 1960's and the trains stopped running through Volant in 1975. Volant gradually became a forgotten, rural community.

In 1984, a renaissance began with the old mill as its centerpiece. Opening its doors for the first time in over 20 years as a country gift and antique store, it paved the way for a business revival that still continues. Encouraged by its success, other shops were opened on Main Street. After several years of rapid growth, there are now over 50 shops and restaurants turning the sleepy little village into one of western Pennsylvania's most popular tourist attractions.

Volant's merchants invite you to take a break from the fast paced world, step back in time and enjoy shopping as it used to be.....on an Old Fashioned Main Street