Preservation Foundation of Aiken
P. O. Box 3087
Aiken, SC 29802
August 5, 2024
Ms. Faith Hawks, Chair and
Members of the Board
City of Aiken Design Review Board
111 Chesterfield Street
Aiken, SC 29801
VIA EMAIL
Re: Application for Demolition of the Hitchcock Stables
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Preservation Foundation of Aiken (PFA) is a charitable foundation whose express purpose is to help preserve the history and architecture of Aiken. PFA opposes the application to demolish the historically important Hitchcock Stables (the “Stables”). The Stables are very significant in the history of Aiken. Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock were the founders of the Aiken Winter Colony, a foundational period in the history of Aiken. Horses were of paramount importance to the Winter Colony, especially the Hitchcock family, and the Stables were at the center of this activity.
The Hitchcocks were responsible for the creation of many traditions and institutions which remain foundational to Aiken’s identity today. They donated the Hitchcock Woods to the Hitchcock Foundation (now Hitchcock Woods Foundation). They were founders of the Palmetto Golf Club, the Aiken Preparatory School (now Mead Hall), the Aiken Hounds and the Aiken Horse Show. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock were avid polo players and promoters of the sport. Mr. Hitchcock was the Captain of the first international polo team and a member of the Polo Hall of Fame. Mr. Hitchcock, considered the father of American steeplechasing, owned and trained may successful steeplechasers. He was inducted into the United States Racing Hall of Fame. Their son, Thomas Hitchcock Jr. was one of the finest, if not the finest, polo player of his time.
The historic significance of the Stables is of further import because of its association with Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Bostwick. Mr. Bostwick was nationally and internationally known as a champion steeplechase rider and for his contributions to the sport of steeplechasing. He was the top steeple chase rider in America from 1928 to 1932 and again in 1941. He occasionally rode for Mr. Hitchcock. Six of his steeplechase horses won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Steeplechase Horse of the Year. Mr. Bostwick was also an accomplished polo player (8 goals) and court tennis player. Mr. Bostwick was inducted into the United States Racing Hall of Fame and the Polo Hall of Fame. Mrs. Bostwick carried on Mrs. Hitchcock’s legacy by serving as Master of the Aiken Hounds.
The current demolition proposal ignores the historic importance of this structure to the early days of the Winter Colony and the sporting history of Aiken. To justify the proposed demolition of such an important historic structure there must be a showing of something more than financial gain for the current owners. Can the Stables be rehabilitated? Stabilized? Indeed, can the Stables be saved?
The owners clearly have failed to demonstrate that stabilization or rehabilitation of the Stables is not feasible. The engineering report they have submitted outlines some issues with the Stables but does not and cannot conclude that stabilization and rehabilitation are not feasible.
Therefore, we respectfully request that you deny the application because of the Stables’ importance to the history of Aiken and because the applicants have not demonstrated that stabilization and rehabilitation of the stables are not feasible.
Sincerely yours,
Lucy M. Knowles,
President Preservation Foundation of Aiken
Is it possible to take advantage of McMasters recent announcement about funds being offered for saving Historic places?
The Design Review Board (DRB ) has a solid history of “majoring in the minors.”
For example, I am aware of seemingly endless discussions between the DRB and property owners regarding almost undetectably different shades of blue, when approval is sought to repaint shutters. The other end of the spectrum is exemplified by the extremely casual and indulgent way in which approval was granted to demolish a very significant historic architectural and societal landmark in Aiken — Hotel Aiken — which was a part of the proposed Project Pascalis debacle.
Here’s hoping that the DRB devotes an appropriate amount of time and scrutiny to the request to demolish the Hitchcock Stables — by carefully evaluating the arguments and evidence proffered by those on both sides of the issue.
The stables were glorious combined with the house and paddocks, which made them historically important. But I do not believe the stables are viable as a stand alone, which breaks my heart. I hope that I am missing something, because I’m not sure what can be done with the stables except save them as stables? If there are to be horses, where would the horses be turned out? Where would the owners and help live? I don’t want to see lots of little houses there, but how will this work so that the horses are safe and happy? If there are not to be any horses, what would the owners be able to do with the stables? Setting this historic location up for success is so important.
Thank you Lucy. I know that this can be a very sensitive issue. It takes someone with your stature to step up and speak up. I hope that the current Bostwick ownership will agree on a way that this unique structure can be saved. The Design Review Board should seriously consider the Preservation Foundation’s recommendation.