In about 1812 a grist mill was built on the banks of the Neshannock Creek in an area that later became known as the borough of Volant in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The mill, located downstream from another similar mill built in 1806, was popular place for the local farmers to grind their wheat into flour. The mill changed ownership several times over the years and was purchased by J. P. Locke in April 1868. Locke made a host of changes to the grist mill, renamed as Locke Mill, and upgraded its operation.
Locke also purchased a local saw mill and 100 acres of land. In 1872, seeing the potential for development, he laid out a small settlement (with thirty lots) centered around the mill and called it Lockeville. His plan was greatly aided by the coming of the New Castle & Franklin Railroad (NC&F), which was built through the town the following year, and the construction of a covered bridge across the Neshannock Creek in 1875.
In 1874, at the time an outlying post office was moved into town, the name of settlement was changed to Volant. Exactly where the name Volant came from is anybody’s guess, but a local legend say a man on a bird hunting excursion yelled, “Volant,” which means “they fly” in Latin. The town’s thriving business district continued to grow as mills, restaurants, shops, hotels, a doctor’s office, a bank, and a church sprung up. A center of higher learning, Volant College, was even established in 1890. All the while the grist mill continued in operation and in 1879 was purchased by the Simison family, well-known as some of the most skilled millers in the region.
The mill’s operations slowly declined in the early 1900’s as lumber and other industries came to the forefront. During the 1930’s as the Great Depression began its’ stranglehold on the nation and many of the businesses in Volant closed their doors. The centerpiece of the town, the old grist mill, survived but finally closed in the early 1960’s and Volant gradually returned to its sleepy roots.
In 1984 a revival took root in rural Volant. That year the old mill, which had sat abandoned for two decades, was saved when a local businessman purchased it. The mill was reopened as an antique and gift shop and before long a host of other such shops opened along Main Street. In 2006 the mill was purchased by a non-profit organization known as the Volant Community Development Corporation (VCDC) and major renovations got underway that still continue. Today the mill, known as Volant Mills and complete with antiques, gifts, food items, and a historical section, is once again the centerpiece of a revived tourist district – complete with a Old Order Amish presence – that is downtown Volant.
 This old drawing from c1870 shows what is marked as the “Lockville Mills” along the Neshannock Creek. J. P. Locke had bought the mill in 1868 and upgraded its operations. The town – and the grist mill soon after – became known as Volant beginning in 1874. |
 A view of Volant Mills with the small covered bridge over the millrace visible at right. (c1907) |
 A group of ladies fish off the dam on the Neshannock Creek used to help power the mill at Volant. (c1908) Full Size |
 Volant Mills, which sat abandoned for two decades, was saved by a restoration effort beginning in the mid-1980’s. (c1988) Full Size |
 A closeup of the front of the Volant Mills building, which reads “Est 1812.” That same year the United States declared war on the British Empire for several reasons including to limit trade restrictions and strengthen maritime rights. (2010) |  Side view of the old mill, which is being restored and a great place to buy various arts and crafts. (2010) |
 Another view of the side of mill along Main Street (Route 208), which is located in the heart of Amish country. (2010) |  Looking west along Main Street from the mill. The town of Volant has overgone a transformation and is a pleasant place to spend a Sunday afternoon. (2010) |
 Various crafts are available for sale within the mill. (Jul 2011) |  Another view inside the mill. (Jul 2011) |
 A view of the old Volant Dam, which helped power the mill during its heyday. (Jul 2011) |  The remnants of the crumbling dam on the Neshannock Creek. (Jul 2011) |
Comments
Richard J. Harvey #
In the summer of 1953 I worked for Hutchinson’s Feed store of New Castle. They also owned the Volant Mill at that time. On occasion I was assigned to work in the mill at Volant. I remember a man named Donnie and an Amishman who name I can’t recall at the moment who worked there full time. They were good to work with. Always enjoyed my time working at the “Mill”
Edward L Tomkins #
My mother would tell about ice skating on the mill pond created by the dam. This would have been around 1939 – 1941. She returned after WWII and may have ice skated again 1946 – 47. She was a teacher for the Volant school 3rd and 4th grade classes and lived directly across from the school. She said she walked from her house, across a field down to the mill pond.
CLAUDE G CAZANAVE #
Was there a bank in volant in the 1930’s?
Joseph and Lois Locke #
Family memories. Good photo’s.
lance bon #
My mother was born in Volant on the 12 of June 1912 to Matt Kirchel. Would like to know more.
I would love to relocate my Stained glass studio there. My studio repairs older painted windows. Just finished four years restoring 32 old German windows C. 1914 and six 12 ft doors in a Large church.
This seems like an ideal town to settle in and work from.
God willing.
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