Southernmost Ghosts

3. Robert the Doll

Key West, FL

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Welcome to the East Martello Museum. Turn your attention to the antique doll encased in the glass box. He appears to be fashioned after an early 20th century American naval officer. What could be more harmless than a doll with button eyes? Is that human hair? Don't take a picture yet. Consider first the macabre tale of this child-sized nightmare maker. In the late 1800's the well-to-do Otto family moved to a mansion in Key West. They were notorious for treating their servants quite poorly and in some cases they were abusive. It was this unkind treatment that was to be the family's ruin. Mrs. Otto witnessed a servant girl performing black magic in the back yard and fired her on the spot. Before taking her leave, the girl gave a present to their young son. Robert Eugene Otto was handed a handmade doll that was almost as big as he was. "Gene" gave the doll his own first name and Robert the Doll became a part of him. A very twisted and evil part of him. Gene's parents often heard him talking with the doll in his bedroom. They also heard their son being answered in a low, stern voice that did not sound familiar to them. During those times when the family was out of the house, neighbors insisted that they had seen the creepy life-sized doll move from window to window. Toys that had been very special to Gene before Robert the Doll came into the house were found mutilated and broken. The family began to fear that the doll had been cursed.The family was crippled with fear when Robert the Doll began letting out a terrifying giggle and house guests insisted that the doll's expression would change right before their eyes. Then they began to catch glimpses of him running from room to room. Gene's mother often found Gene cowering on his floor while Robert was perched above him, looking down from the bed. During the night, poor Gene would wake his parents with desperate screams for help. When they'd get to Gene's room, the furniture would be knocked over and Gene would say "Robert did it!" Household objects began to fly about and servants were running from the house never to return. New servants were hired to replace those who had fled but they too soon left because of the terrifying antics of the possessed doll. The family couldn"t keep their help and no one wanted to visit. Robert the Doll had cut the family off from their town and their relatives. At the suggestion of a great aunt, Gene"s parents took the doll and put him in a box in the attic where he stayed for many years. Gene's behavior returned to normal and the household ran properly once again. After the death of his parents, Gene inherited his childhood home and returned to live there with his new wife. It didn't take long for Robert's powerful hold over Gene to become obvious once again. Gene lovingly removed the toy from the attic and against the wishes of his wife, Robert the Doll went everywhere with him. Robert had a place at the dinner table and slept in a chair next to the bed where Gene slept with his now unhappy wife. Gene was obsessed with his doll and never went anywhere without it. Robert began to cause serious problems for the couple and they began to fight. When faced with accusations of abusing his wife, Gene replied "Robert did it." Mrs. Otto eventually went insane, tormented by a demonic doll with human hair. She later died of unknown reasons. I suspect the reasons were known quite well to both Gene and Robert. Gene died shortly thereafter leaving Robert the Doll alone in the mansion. Neighbors continued to witness the doll running from window to window and his maniacal giggle was heard by many. He lived alone in the house until it was sold to a new family. As before, the menacing toy was locked in the attic. Not for long. Members of the family began finding Robert in various rooms throughout the house. In spite of the fact that they always stuck him back in his attic prison, he would turn up in different locations around the house. One night, the new owners found him giggling at the foot of their bed with a kitchen knife in his hand. The terror was more than they could take. They packed immediately and left. Once again, Robert had the mansion to himself. Robert was eventually moved to the glass case in which he now resides but he hasn't stopped his evil ways. Many guests have seen him move and have watched his expression change. If you still want to take his picture, know this: He demands that you first kindly ask his permission. If his head tilts slightly, then you have his permission. If he remains still, then you do not. If you take a picture without his permission, he will curse you and anyone who accompanied you to the museum. Heed this most serious of warnings! The museum's bulletin board is covered with notes and letters from visitors just like you begging to be released from his evil grip. Many careless souls have taken pictures of Robert without his permission and they continue to suffer the consequences. Robert's power didn't die with Gene. He grows stronger. Your fate is in your hands. Chose wisely.