When I saw this week’s photo challenge, I immediately thought of a little guy in a plexiglass container, probably for our safety as well as his; Robert The Haunted Doll at the East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida.
Robert is qute the handsome little guy, especially considering that he’s over 100 years old!
Robert has a very interesting history. The VERY condensed version is that he was a gift to a little boy named Robert Eugene Otto from a servent who had recently been dismissed for practicing Voodoo in the household. Robert immediately started going by Eugene and the doll took his first name, Robert. Eugene’s mother would sometimes hear Eugene talking to Robert, not unusual for an imaginitive child, but then she started to hear Robert answer in a much deeper, sinister voice which was nothing like Eugene’s. Strange things started happening in the home, and when questioned about broken lamps, missing silverware or other perplexing things, Eugene would always say, “Robert did it.”
Robert with his little stuffed toy lion.
Robert in his place of honor at the East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida.
Robert was quite the gentleman and let me get a lovely photo when I visited him on the 4th of July, 2014!
Is there any truth to the story that Robert is haunted and remains so to this day? Who knows? If you choose to visit Robert, though, he has some rules that you must follow. If you choose to take a picture of him, you must first ask his permission. When you have taken your picture, be sure to say “Thank You.” I did and I got some very nice photos of and with Robert. According to the lovely front desk clerk, the museum receives 3-5 letters per week adressed to Robert apologizing for failing to follow his rules. Check out Robert’s Blog and read some of those letters. Quite interesting! That is my “spooky” submission for this week’s photo challenge. Please check out the other clever creative entries at The Daily Post: Weekly Photo Challenge site!
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/containers/
picturingpositive 
Thanks for the warnings,I’ll stay well clear of the East Martello Museum after dark if I’m ever in the vicinity 😉
😉 I think you’re safe as long as you follow Robert’s rules 😉 I actually saw him the first time on a “Ghosts and Gravestones” tour, which was a fun way to learn some of the history of Key West and see some of the “haunted” locations 🙂
Still, better safe than sorry I say!
Kidding aside, the “Ghosts and Gravestones” tour sounds like a real treat!
What a story! Great! Many kids have a “Robert” who is doing things…
Ha ha! Yes, I’m sure plenty of young visitors of Robert have tried that when things “happened” at home afterwards!…”Robert did it!” 😜
Robert would make a great character in a horror movie. Thanks for telling his story to us.
Thanks so much for visiting! According to Robert’s blog, the movie “Child’s Play” was based on his story. I think Robert is much more handsome than Chucky, though 😉
I totally agree with you and, of course, with Robert.
Yikes!! That story gave us goosebumps but at least NOW if we visit the Museum, we will be sure to follow the rules.
Yes, whether it’s true or not, my motto is, “Why take a chance?” 😉 It’s definitely a fascinating story and interesting to see how well preserved Robert is, even at over 100 years old.
Interesting story. I’m not sure if I would take a picture of myself with Robert, it’s scary. What material is it made from?
Kind greetings
Marianne
Hi Marianne! From what I remember, Robert was made of fabric and stuffed with straw. Judging by his “full” appearance, I would guess he has been “restuffed” once or twice since his creation. It wasn’t scary at all being around him, but just the same, I asked before taking the photo. 😉 Thanks so much for the nice comment! Best to you!
Beth