The Gunboat Boys will again perform at "Breakfast on the Boat" on April 23. They are: (front, l-r) Jeff Haddock and Mike Parker, (back, l-r) Jim Gaddis, Nathan Bingham, and Bob Gaddis.

I have the official answer to a question I am asked repeatedly: “When are y’all doing the next ‘Breakfast on the Boat’?”

The CSS Neuse Foundation is hosting this year's first “Breakfast on the Boat” on April 23, 2022. The event will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, at the CSS Neuse II, the replica gunboat in dry dock at the corner of Herritage and Gordon streets.

The remains of the original CSS Ram Neuse are now housed in the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretative Center. Construction on the original Neuse began in October or November of 1862. Once builders finished the hull, they moved that part of the boat from Whitehall, today’s Seven Springs, to Kinston so the vessel could be finished. Once in Kinston, the Ram Neuse received its power plant, Brooke rifles, and armor.

The Ram Neuse received its commission in April 1864. The gunboat saw limited but important service during the Battle of Wyse Fork, where the Neuse provided artillery support to the Confederate forces. The crew scuttled the vessel in March 1865 rather than run the risk of the powerful gunboat falling into Union hands.     

“Breakfast on the Boat” will feature its traditional fare: scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, grits, biscuits, and a beverage. All foods except biscuits are prepared on the grounds next to the CSS Neuse II by the Neuse II’s Galley Crew. Tables will afford social distancing aboard the Neuse II, on the dock, and on the ground.

Another staple of “Breakfast on the Boat” is a performance by The Gunboat Boys. The band will be on hand to provide live Civil War-period music as well as traditional bluegrass. The group is noted for its renditions of songs such as “Cindy,” “O Suzanna,” “Goober Peas,” and “Tom Dooley.” The Gunboat Boys also do a few period gospel songs, such as “How Firm a Foundation” and “Poor Wayfaring Stranger.”

“Two Little Boys,” the story of two brothers who grow up to be soldiers during the war, is sure to tug at your heart strings. “The Vacant Chair” is a hauntingly beautiful song about the loss war often brings.

After 20 months of dealing with the COVID pandemic, visitation at the CSS Neuse II has started picking up again. During the three years prior to COVID, more than 5,000 people visited the Neuse II each year. Because of COVID, that number dropped to around 1,400. During 2021, attendance more than doubled. The Neuse II had more than 3,300 visitors on Saturdays. Another 355 attended one of the 33 private showings.

“Breakfast on the Boat is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ for all the support this community has given the CSS Neuse II for nearly two decades,” said David Mooring, president of the CSS Neuse Foundation.

From the beginning, the Neuse II has been a labor of love by those who cleared the lot, placed the boards, and drove the nails to help construct the 158-foot replica. We are grateful to those who have given of their time, energy, and money to keep the Neuse II afloat … so to speak … for nearly 20 years.

Organizers hope to see you for “Breakfast” sometime between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The end time usually depends on when the food runs out.

On Saturday, April 23, pay a visit to the CSS Neuse II. You will leave with an old-fashioned breakfast in your tummy and with the knowledge that your support is crucial – and appreciated.

Don’t miss the boat.

Mike Parker, who serves on the board of the CSS Neuse Foundation, is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.