A New Century (1900-1920)

Edward passed away in 1904, leaving the family business in the hands of his wife, Emma. At this time, Emma Rikley was one of very few women merchants operating in Lennox & Addington. In the 1906 Business Directory, Mrs. E.A. Rikley is listed as a baker. The 1907 Napanee and Deseronto Industrial Edition's entry for Mrs. Rikley praises the bakery for its cleanliness and friendly environment. The Industrial Edition lists bread, fancy and plain biscuits, and cakes among the bakery's specialities, and commends Mrs. Rikley for her ornamental work. Chocolates and home-made candies were also available, and lunch was served in the cafe at all hours of the day. Several bakers were employed by Mrs. Rikley, and all held her in high regard.

Mrs. Rikley advertised her business using colourful lithographed calendars. Likely dating between 1904-1908, the first lithograph, depicts a little boy with his dog writing a message on a fence which reads, "Mrs. E. Rikley of the Napanee Bakery Wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and A Happy, Bright New Year – Bread, Cakes, Confectionery, Lunches and Refreshments." The second features a young girl in an elaborate dress preening in mirror, below the greeting, "Wishing you Happy Days and Prosperous Times - Mrs. E.A. Rikley The Napanee Bakery and Refreshment Parlor – Napanee – Wedding Cakes a Specialty."

An early twentieth century photograph shows the Rikley building on Dundas Street, with the Rikleys standing by the storefront. The sign read, "Rikley's Restaurant," but advertisements for confectionery and ice cream are both visible.

In 1909, Mrs. Rikley retired and moved to the United States to live with her daughter. The bakery was purchased by Arthur E. Caton, and became a popular restaurant and meeting area in Napanee.

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