Robert the doll

Robert's story begins in Germany. He was created by the Steiff factory in 1904 and was most likely part of an advertising window display of jesters or clowns, rather than a standard doll for sale. The doll was purchased as a gift from overseas by Robert Eugene Otto's grandfather and was promptly named after the young boy. The sailor outfit that made Robert the Doll famous in paranormal circles was not a Steiff product, but rather an outfit worn by Otto in his youth, making the boy and the doll inextricably linked.

Otto adored Robert in his youth and treated him as if he were a living companion. When Otto misbehaved or something went missing or broke in the house, the young boy would frequently blame it on the doll. The first recorded supernatural occurrence is said to have occurred in Otto's early childhood, when he awoke to find Robert sitting at the end of his bed, his beady eyes staring back at him.

The rest of the house was awoken moments later by the sounds of furniture being thrown around the room. When Otto's mother entered the room, everything was in disarray except for the young boy who had curled up in fear on his bed. Robert remained seated at the foot of the bed. Otto's obsession with the doll just seems to to get worse after this; while he had previously addressed the doll as if it were alive, his parents reported hearing a response to Otto's questions, all in an unfamiliar voice.

Robert's actions was said to worsen after a childhood of blaming his wrongdoings on the doll. Otto grew older, and the doll took his place propped up in the family home's upstairs window. Schoolchildren who became aware of the legend claimed that the doll would appear and disappear from the window, causing many local children to avoid the house. When Otto learned of the children's fears, he went to investigate Robert's attic location, but instead discovered the doll on a rocking chair in an upstairs bedroom.

The doll remained in the family home in Key West while Otto pursued his art education in New York and Paris. When Robert returned, he resumed his constant presence in the household. Otto's wife, Anne, quickly expressed her displeasure with Robert's presence after they married. The doll was not removed from the house, but was instead kept in the attic. Robert was initially dissatisfied with his new digs, and Anne soon heard footsteps and malicious giggling from the attic space.

Otto's wife later died, in 1974, and their Eaton Street home, doll included, was sold to Myrtle Reuter. Myrtle stayed in the house with Robert for another 20 years before selling it, which is now used as a guest house. During this time, however, the new owner's daughter allegedly joyfully discovered Robert, only for her joy to quickly turn to fear. The child screamed at night, convinced that Robert intended to harm her. She also informed her parents that Robert was skulking around the room late at night. The doll was presented to the East Martello Museum in Key West in 1994. This is now Robert's permanent residence, and it is both a popular and scary tourist attraction.

Visitors and museum employees alike have reported seeing Robert move, change emotions, and even softly giggle. Visitors at the East Martello Museum are encouraged to get permission from Robert before taking images. Those who refuse are said to be faced with terrible calamity. Robert is accused of causing bodily harm, automobile accidents, divorce, and job loss. The how, on the other hand, is never completely explained. Those who do picture Robert typically report camera problems, which disappear as soon as they leave the museum.