Pearson families partnered to build a new structure to house the longserving general store business . This building , and the Philomont General Store business , remains active at the northeast corner of the village crossroads and is one of the longest continuously operated businesses in the United States . Charred stone and brick from the original structure are visible within parts of its foundation and an interior wall . The business and structure are an increasingly rare example of once common features of small , independent villages across rural Virginia and America . Customers can still expect a warm welcome ( most by name ), local credit extended from a “ tab ” drawer , a variety of goods , and a full-service U . S . Post Office .
The community rebuilt its school in 1919 , described as a pebbledash , two-room structure ,
Philomont Community Center , managed by the Loudoun County Parks , Recreation , and Community Services . With regular preschool programs , the excitement and laughter of young voices can still be heard emanating from the centuryold building , or the backyard , public playground , and picnic pavilion .
Philomont residents determined they had seen enough fire , formed the Philomont Volunteer Fire Department in 1955 . Community member Captain Richard Patch ( USA , Ret .) pledged to purchase a fire engine if the community built a station to house it . The following year , the newly formed department built a two-bay structure to house a new 1956 FWD fire engine . Philomont Company 8 remains active , having been expanded twice , and is prominently located between the Philomont General Store , and the
Philomont Community Center , the trio anchoring the village center . The closing decades of the 20th century exuded confidence , and service . Many residents demonstrated devotion to community , such as Laura Pearson who served as Philomont Postmaster for 50 years , and Stanley Lickey , Sr ., who served as Chief of the Philomont Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years while also operating the Philomont General Store for 25 years . Their character and example — along with many others — ensured the community grew to be as welcoming and authentic as the landscape is beautiful . Illustrative of this tenor , Actor Robert Duvall claimed Philomont as his home and refuge through the height of his acclaimed career . As easily as he could be spotted on the red carpet at the time , “ Bobby ” ( as known in Philomont ) could be found plowing a neighbor ’ s driveway , playing softball with the fire department , or dropping into the general store , absent fanfare , to pick up his mail .
Today , Philomont remains a resilient community , a welcome haven , and a scenic destination . Situated along Snickersville Turnpike and intersected by portions of Virginia ’ s largest network of rural roads , the village supports the vibrant rural economy unique to western Loudoun County — and is valued by its residents as a beloved home . Wave and smile when you visit Philomont , and you are likely to get the same in return .
Late summer sunrise , over a field in the village of Philomont .
featuring a second story to serve as a community hall . While the structure hosted its last class of elementary students in January of 1945 , it continues to serve as the photo : Grayson Bishop
Drew Bishop resides at the edge of Philomont , with his wife Brandi and their children Grayson , 12 , and Evelyn 9 . Having majored in history at the U . S . Naval Academy , Drew maintains a zeal for research , and preservation . Together , with a devoted staff , Drew and Brandi serve as the current proprietors of the Philomont General Store .
10 wander I fall • winter 2022