Rye Patch
The Rye Patch Estate House is one of Aiken’s most popular event and meeting facilities. Weddings, receptions, birthday parties, anniversary parties, business retreats, and much more have been held at this large and lavish home. The home’s kitchen, library, sunroom, and dining room can add that something extra to your special day or event.
For rental information on Rye Patch, please call (803) 642-7650.
The Carriage Museum
The former carriage house of the Rogers’ family is now the site of the Clifford S. Gerde (1911 - 1991) Carriage Museum. Mr. Gerde was a local carriage restorer and member of the Aiken Driving Club. The Aiken Driving Club has many historical carriages, buggies, and surreys on display at the museum. These include a 1900 3-Seat Surrey, a Pony Phaeton, a 1905 Village Cart, a 1890 Buckboard Phaeton and a 1910 Pony Rockaway. The Carriage Museum is open to the public at no charge from 10:00 A.M. to sunset.
The Rose Garden
A memorial rose garden was established in 1989 on the site of the family’s tennis court. It is located at the back of the Rye Patch Estate and is dedicated to the
memory of Patricia Goodyear Good-Farm, the granddaughter of Dorothy Goodyear Rogers. Wander through yellow jasmine covered entrances and enjoy the beauty and aroma of a variety of roses, such as Class Act, Ferris Wheel, Headliner, Queen Elizabeth,
Bewitched, Peach and many more.
The best time to view the roses is in May (depending on the weather). The Rose Garden is open to the public at no charge from 10:00 A.M. to sunset.
Rye Patch History
This 10 acre estate is adjacent to Hopelands Gardens and was the winter home of Edmund and Dorothy Knox Goodyear Rogers. After the death of Mrs. Rogers in 1984, th estate was bequeathed to the City of Aiken by her children. Seymour H. Knox, brother of Mrs. Rogers, spent his honeymoon with his bride, the late Helen Northrup, at Rye Patch, many years before the Rodgers purchased it. A sportsman and art patron of Buffalo, New York, Knox first came to Aiken in 1922 to buy polo ponies from dealer Fred Post.
After the death of her first husband, Frank Goodyear of Buffalo, New York in 1931, Dorothy Knox married Edmund P. Rogers of New Your City. They purchased Rye Patch around 1939 and added a wing to the residence, and all the out-buildings. They also developed the gardens. The arches that once adorned the brick wall of the estate were filled in because the Rogers liked privacy. You can still see the outline of these arches in the wall today.
Mrs. Rogers was an enthusiastic horsewoman and Mr. Rogers enjoyed the game of golf. They both loved to entertain and Rye Patch was the setting for many parties. Guests included Edward, the former King of England, and his wife, Wallis Simpson.
The gift of Rye Patch to the City of Aiken preserves an example of the gracious way of life of the wealthy people who enjoyed the mild winters and healthful sports of Aiken, South Carolina.
If accommodations for those with disabilities are needed at any City of Aiken facility or event, please notify the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, & Tourism 72 hours in advance at 1-888-AikenSC or (803)642-7631.