Moviegoers familiar with Annabelle, James Wan’s creation from The Conjuring and the Annabelle films, can attest to the chilling nature of a demonic doll. But Wan’s Hollywood monster pales in comparison to Robert the haunted doll—a real-life figurine that possesses one freaky reputation.
Created around the turn of the century, Robert is handmade and one-of-a-kind, with eerily blank features that were once painted on but have worn away over time. The doll stands over three feet tall, is stuffed with wood shavings, and is dressed in a faded sailor suit. It takes its name from longtime owner Robert Eugene Otto, a resident of Key West who went by Eugene and called the doll Robert.
![camera-icon]()
- Photo Credit: Joe Parks / Flickr (CC)
Stories about the haunted doll began when Eugene was just a boy. Some versions say the doll was the result of a voodoo curse, conjured by a vengeful servant who was angry at the Otto family. Others maintain the doll absorbed so much emotional energy from young Eugene that it eventually came to life. Whatever the case, strange stories have surrounded the doll for most of its existence.
Related: Beware the Doll-Master and His Terrifying Collection
As a child, Eugene often blamed the doll for accidents and other misbehavior. Eugene’s parents and visitors to the Otto household reported hearing Eugene talking with the doll, while another, unrecognizable voice answered. Eugene’s other toys were found mutilated or destroyed, acts he inevitably attributed to Robert. Neighbors—especially children—claimed to see the doll peering out from different windows of the house.
There’s even a story that an aunt convinced Eugene’s parents to get rid of the doll. The doll was then moved into the aunt’s attic. Soon thereafter, the woman was found dead of a stroke.
![camera-icon]()
- Photo Credit: lizm1118 / Flickr (CC)
In spite of these sinister occurrences, Eugene retained ownership of the doll well into adulthood. Some say that Eugene even dedicated a room in his house to the figurine, which he decorated like a child’s room and filled with furniture and toys from Eugene’s youth.
Eugene Otto passed away in 1974, by which point his colorfully-painted home had become a local attraction known as the Artist House (see photo above). Despite Eugene’s passing, however, Robert the Doll continued to haunt the property.
Related: 5 Famously Haunted Dolls That You Don’t Want To Play With
Tenants in the house heard footsteps and giggling in the attic room where Robert was kept. According to the Key West Art & Historical Society, a plumber once turned around to find that the doll had moved across the room on its own. A reporter named Malcolm Ross visited Robert, and later claimed that the doll’s expression changed in reaction to things that were said in its presence. “There was some kind of intelligence there,” Ross said. “The doll was listening to us.”
Myrtle Reuter, who bought the Artist House in 1974 after Eugene’s death, kept Robert with her even after she moved to nearby Von Phister Street. She finally donated the doll to the Fort East Martello museum in 1994. Upon donating the figurine, Reuter confirmed the rumors. Robert was haunted, she claimed; it had scurried around her house.
![camera-icon]()
- Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Museum staff noticed a significant change in atmosphere soon after Robert went on display. Visitors complained that handheld cameras and electronic devices stopped working whenever they stood near the doll. Their devices began start working as soon as they moved away from Robert’s display case. Eerier still, letters arrived at the museum that were addressed to Robert. The letters were from previous visitors, apologizing for acting rudely to the doll and begging for forgiveness.
Related: 7 Haunted Dolls You Can Buy on eBay
What exactly happened to these visitors that prompted such a plea? The circumstances remain a mystery. Nevertheless, letters continue to arrive at the museum, where Robert remains on exhibit to this day. In fact, the staff of the Fort East Martello Museum recommends that patrons behave respectfully while in the doll’s presence. They even suggest politely introducing yourself, just to be on the safe side…
Featured photo: Wikimedia Commons
