Things to See at Rye Patch
Rye Patch offers a glimpse into life during the early 1900s when Aiken was known as a resort for the wealthy from the Northeast who were looking for the perfect place in the winter to train their Thoroughbred race horses, play polo, or ride in a fox hunt in Hitchcock Woods.
The residence, formerly owned by Edmund and Dorothy Rogers, has been restored to its turn of the 20th century elegance. The downstairs offers a lovely venue for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, or meetings. The upstairs has a bride’s room for dressing. Offices for City of Aiken staff in charge of Hopelands and Rye Patch as well as the office of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch are upstairs. The residence is available for rental.
Highlights
Clifford S. Gerde Carriage Museum
The Clifford S. Gerde Carriage Museum displays 19th-20th century carriages. Open Sundays 2-5 PM, March-November.
The Clifford S. Gerde Carriage Museum houses horse-drawn carriages of the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the carriages in the museum are a three-seated surrey (1900), a pony phaeton (circa 1905), a village cart (circa 1905), and a pony rockaway (1908-1912). The Museum is located in the restored garage/stable with grooms’ and chauffeur’s quarters that was part of the Rogerses’ estate. Members of the Aiken Driving Club answer questions at the museum when it is open on Sunday afternoons.
Hours of Operation
Sundays 2:00-5:00 PM March- November
Rye Patch Guest Cottage
The Guest cottage once welcomed Edmund and Dorothy Rogers’ guests decades ago.
Historic Horses of Aiken at the Stable
The Historic Stable displays 8 horse replicas from Aiken’s past, including Mrs. Rogers’ pony. Open daily, 10 AM to sunset.
The Historic Stable houses eight replicas of famous horses that were part of Aiken’s important equestrian past. Also included are Mrs. Rogers’ much-loved driving pony and a mule. A brief history of their importance is posted on each stall door. Aiken’s first Kentucky Derby winner, Mrs. Hitchcock’s favorite field hunter, and the first polo pony inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame are among the horses in the exhibit.
Hours of Operation
Open daily from 10:00 until sunset.
Patsy's Garden
Patsy’s Garden, a rose garden at Rye Patch, was donated by the Goodyear family in memory of Patsy. Open daily, 10 AM to sunset.
Patsy’s Garden, a beautiful rose garden, is located in back of the Rye Patch residence on what was the clay tennis court. This garden was donated by the Robert Goodyear family in memory of Patsy, Dorothy Knox Goodyear Rogers’ granddaughter.
Hours of Operation
Open daily from 10:00 until sunset.