Housed in a glass case at the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida (USA), Robert the Doll is a life-sized doll that resembles a small child, dressed in a vintage outfit, and exudes an eerie presence. At 116 years old, Robert the Doll has become famous worldwide as an object of haunting, carrying a rich story and numerous legends surrounding dark supernatural events.
The Mysterious Origin of Robert
The origin of Robert the Doll remains shrouded in mystery. One source claims the doll was gifted to Robert Eugene Otto (Gene Otto) in 1904 by a family servant. However, local folklore suggests a darker twist: the doll was crafted as a voodoo doll by a nanny who used it in rituals to “curse” the Otto family due to their mistreatment of her.
Despite the intentions behind its creation, Robert the Doll became more than just an ordinary plaything. According to experts at the Fort East Martello Museum, the doll is believed to be part of a production line from the Steiff company (known for inventing the teddy bear). Nonetheless, the Otto family adopted it, and Gene Otto, as a child, developed a strong bond with Robert.
Gene Otto’s “Best Friend”
Gene Otto was so fond of Robert that he named the doll after himself, dressed it in his own clothes, and brought it everywhere he went. His parents often overheard Gene conversing with Robert at night. Initially, these chats seemed harmless until Gene’s voice took on a strange, deep tone.
Cori Convertito, the museum curator, commented, “Gene Otto spoke of Robert as if he were not just a doll, but a living entity.”
Strange Events in the Otto Household
Shortly after Robert made his home in the Otto residence, peculiar occurrences began to unfold. Gene’s parents often woke up to the sound of their son’s laughter, only to discover Robert sitting upright in Gene’s bedroom. Gene would always blame Robert with his familiar phrase: “Robert did it!”
However, other household staff found the incidents difficult to explain. One plumber claimed that while working, he heard faint giggles echoing from Robert, even when no one else was present. He also noticed that the doll seemed to move from one corner of the room to another.
As Gene grew up, Robert remained an unshakeable presence in his life. After marrying Anne and returning to the family home in Key West—a place now referred to as the “Artist’s House”—Gene dedicated a room on the upper floor for Robert, filled with toys and other items. However, Anne was not pleased with the presence of the doll and urged Gene to put it away.
But Robert did not take kindly to this. People often reported that the doll would appear in the living room, watching guests with an unsettling gaze. Many have claimed that Robert’s eyes seem to follow them as they walk by.
