Robert (doll) facts for kids
Robert the Doll is a famous toy displayed at the East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida. Many people believe this doll is haunted. It once belonged to an artist named Robert Eugene Otto, who lived in Key West.
Contents
The Story of Robert the Doll
How Robert Came to Be
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Robert the Doll was first owned by Robert Eugene Otto. He was an artist from a well-known family in Key West. The doll was made by a German company called Steiff Company. Otto's grandfather bought the doll in Germany in 1904. He gave it to young Robert as a birthday gift. The doll wears a sailor suit. This suit was likely one that Robert Otto wore when he was a child.
Robert's Homes
The doll stayed in the Otto family home at 534 Eaton Street in Key West. This was while Robert Otto studied art in New York and Paris. Robert Otto married Annette Parker in Paris on May 3, 1930. The couple returned to his family home in Key West. They lived there until Robert Otto passed away in 1974. His wife died two years later.
After their deaths, the Eaton Street home was sold. Myrtle Reuter owned it for 20 years. Then, the property was sold to its current owners. They now run it as a guest house.
Robert at the Museum
In 1994, the doll was given to the East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida. It became a very popular tourist attraction. Every October, Robert the Doll is moved to the Old Post Office and Customhouse.
Legends About Robert
Strange Abilities
Many stories say that Robert the Doll has supernatural powers. People claim it can move on its own. They also say its face can change expressions. Some even report hearing giggling sounds from the doll.
Different Stories
Some legends say a young girl gave Robert the doll to Otto. She might have given it as a gift. Or, it might have been because of something wrong he did. Other stories claim the doll moved voodoo figurines around the room. People said it seemed to know what was happening around it.
There are also tales that the doll disappeared. This happened after Otto's house was sold many times. Another story says young Robert Otto made the doll's powers start. He would blame his childhood accidents on the doll.
Robert's Curse?
Local stories say the doll has caused bad luck. This includes "car accidents, broken bones, job loss, and divorce." Many other problems are also blamed on Robert. Museum visitors sometimes report bad things happening to them. This is supposedly for "failing to respect Robert."
See also
In Spanish: Robert (muñeco) para niños
