PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM DEPARTMENT
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Rye Patch Reception Center
This 10-acre estate is adjacent to Hopelands Gardens and was
the winter home of Edmund and Dorothy Knox Goodyear Rogers.
It is availble for rent for wedding receptions, partieis, business meetings, reunions, etc. For more information on securing the
Rye Patch Reception Center for your special occasion call
803-642-7630 or download more information by clicking on the
link provided below.
Rye Patch History
This 10-acre estate is adjacent to Hopelands and was the winter home of Edmund and Dorothy Knox Goodyear Rogers. After the death of Mrs. Rogers in 1984, her children gave the estate to the City of Aiken. 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.
Aiken Thoroughbred
Racing Hall of Fame
and Museum
Rye Patch Reception Center
“If accommodations for those with disabilities are needed, please notify the City of Aiken PRT Department 72 hours in advance.”
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