Mike Parker: First 2025 ‘Breakfast on the Boat’ set for Saturday, April 26
“When are y’all doing the next ‘Breakfast on the Boat’?” is a question I hear all the time.
Here is the answer: The CSS Neuse Foundation is hosting this year's first “Breakfast on the Boat” on April 26, 2025. The food will be ready by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday at the CSS Neuse II, the replica gunboat in dry-dock at the corner of Herritage and Gordon streets.
“Breakfast on the Boat” will feature its traditional fare: scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, grits, biscuits, and a beverage. All food except biscuits are prepared on the grounds next to the CSS Neuse II by the Neuse II’s Galley Crew.
Another staple of “Breakfast on the Boat” is live music by The Gunboat Boys. This year, a cobbled-together version of 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.” Because of scheduling conflicts, a couple of the usual suspects in the band will be missing – one at Merle Fest and the other in Maryland.
The Neuse II is a replica of the original CSS Ram Neuse. The remains of the original gunboat are now housed in the CSS Neuse Museum at 100 North Queen Street. Construction on the original Neuse began in October or November of 1862. When the builders completed the hull, they moved that part of the boat from Whitehall, today’s Seven Springs, to Kinston. Once in Kinston, the Ram Neuse received its power plant, Brooke rifles, and armor.
The CSS 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 for 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” is one way the board of directors of the Neuse Foundation say “Thank You” for all the support this community has given the CSS Neuse II for nearly two decades. 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.
Through the years that labor of love has continued as volunteers have given hundreds of hours to open the replica to the public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Volunteers have also opened the gunboat for 40 to 50 private showings each year. Roughly 5,000 visitors come aboard each year.
Organizers hope to see you for “Breakfast” sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – or until the food runs out.
On Saturday, April 26, 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 is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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