On Saturday, July 13, I was working as a docent on the CSS Neuse II. In times past, tour guides, aka docents, took people through the replica and told about the history and life of sailors in the 1860’s. As foot traffic has picked up through the years, the Neuse Foundation installed signs that give information guides shared on the tours.

Now the only time we do the old-timey guided tour is during a private showing – or if we have the luxury of two docents on board. We are always pleased to answer questions for people at any time – before or after they walk through the vessel.

The teacher “bug” has never fully left me. I delight in talking with children who come aboard. I encourage parents to allow their children to climb into the wheel house and pretend to steer the Neuse II. Children at the helm always make for good photo ops.

Another thing children of all ages like to do is ring the brass bell. We try to make the Neuse II experience memorable for everyone, but we especially want to spark interest within the young.

Saturday offer an opportunity to ignite imaginations several times, but the last opportunity came toward the end of my shift. Ten-year-old Emma came bouncing into the casemate. Her grandparents followed. Emma, who told me she had an “old person’s name,” was all over the gunboat, drinking in the Neuse II experience. She climbed into the wheel house to take the helm. She gladly rang the bell when I encouraged her. Children are never sure if ringing the bell is allowed.

She stood before the table where I was seated and bombarded me with questions. Just as she was about to leave, I showed her a puzzle we keep on board. Short links of chain join two horseshoes, and the puzzle has a metal ring around the chains. Anyone who can figure out the correct way to manipulate the shoes and chains can remove the metal ring.

I handed the contraption to Emma and asked if she could discover the secret of removing the ring. After a couple of frustrating attempts, she handed the puzzle back. I turned the shoes and slid the ring off in just a few seconds. Emma was amazed. I replaced the ring and handed the puzzle to her.

Emma was determined. She had a look that said, “If this old dude can work this puzzle, so can I.” After a few more attempts, I shared the secret. Then she immediately turned the shoes, aligned the chains – and the ring slid off. A look of triumph lit her face.

“The next challenge is to put the ring back on,” I told her. She made at least eight attempts, but try as she would, the ring kept falling.

“Emma, come on,” her granddad said. “This gentleman wants to close up and get out of this heat.” Emma tried twice more and then looked at me.

“Let me show you.”

I turned the shoes, aligned the chain, and dropped the ring into the slot and pulled the shoes apart. The ring magically returned to its place. I handed the puzzle to Emma.

After a couple of passes, the ring was off and she was working to get it back on. I reminded her to make sure everything was lined up. Then – the ring dropped into place. When Emma pulled the horseshoes apart, the ring was back on the puzzle.

At her grandfather’s urging, Emma turned to leave. She looked back and flashed me one more smile. She took her granddad’s hand, and they started down the steps as I rose to finish closing up the gunboat.

I am pretty sure the next time she is down from Raleigh, Emma will make another stop at the Neuse II – and have another shot at that puzzle.

By the way, we are always looking for history buffs who would like to serve as docents for the Neuse II. Just let me know.

Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.