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Is Robert the Doll Haunted?
Is Robert the Doll haunted? Robert the Doll is often called the most haunted doll in the world. Join us to learn about his history and the multitude of terrifying stories about Robert. Then you decide – is he the most haunted doll?
Questions Explored in this Episode
When was he created? How was he created, and who owned him? Why was Gene Otto so attached to Robert? What paranormal stories were told about Robert before he came to the museum? Why do hundreds of people a year write letters to Robert and send him candy, yet are so scared of him? What are the rules for visiting Robert? Is he haunted?
Vote on the Episode
Done listening to the Robert the Doll episode? Go vote on what you think at ghostlypodcast.com/polls. #TeamBeliever #TeamSkeptic
Listener Mail and Questions
This week’s listener mail is about a ghostly house intruder. While the ghost may have thought she could break it, our letter writer was quick to action. Have a spooky story or question of your own (or someone you know)? Send your story or question to info@ghostlypodcast.com and we might read it on the podcast. You could be on a future episode of Ghostly!
History of Robert the Doll
Pat explores the history of the doll as well as artist Gene Otto, who was given Robert as a child. Most of the doll’s history is murky, but it has some great paranormal folklore.
The Debate
Rebecca and Pat debate if the doll is haunted before looking at stories told about Robert by his second owner, Myrtle Reuter, and those that worked and lived with her. They also look at just a few of the many, many stories from visitors who claim Robert destroyed their images of him and/or caused them bad luck.
Poll Results
Did listeners think the Queen Mary is haunted? Still need to listen to our previous episodes? Check them out here.
Ghostly Book Club
Interested in joining our Ghostly Book Club? If you want to read spooky books and talk about them with fellow Ghostly listeners, sign up at ghostlypodcast.com/book-club. Our next meeting will be in July.
Ghostly Gear
New merchandise store is right on our website at ghostlypodcast.com/store for all your Ghostly Gear! T-shirts, Hoodies, and Masks and more.
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Sources for this Week’s Episode
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_(doll)
Ghosts and Gravestones: https://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/key-west/robert-the-doll
Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-worlds-most-haunted-doll
Robert the Doll: http://robertthedoll.org/
Burials and Beyond: https://burialsandbeyond.com/2019/09/27/the-curse-of-robert-the-doll/
YouTube – South Florida PBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XFWJBiHc7Y
All that is Interesting: https://allthatsinteresting.com/robert-the-doll
Haunted Rooms: https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/robert-doll-story-eugene-otto-enchanted-doll
Southern Most Ghosts: https://southernmostghosts.com/robert-the-doll-and-the-uncanny-valley/
Yesterday America: https://yesterdaysamerica.com/is-the-rms-queen-mary-haunted/
Creepypasta Fandom: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/Robert_the_Doll
Keys Weekly: https://keysweekly.com/42/key-wests-haunted-doll/
Ghost Fort: https://ghostfort.com/about
Facebook (Robert the Doll): https://www.facebook.com/robert.thedoll.5/
Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34345-d130356-r33015781-Fort_East_Martello_Museum-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html
Horror Obsessive: https://horrorobsessive.com/2021/04/13/caution-mind-your-manners-when-visiting-robert-the-doll/
Film Daily: https://filmdaily.co/news/robert-the-doll/
Key West Robert: http://keywestrobert.blogspot.com/p/letters-to-robert.html
Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers
Intro: “III. Allegro moderato from Gargoyles” by Lowell Liebermann
Outro: “Dream Images (Love-Death Music)” by George Crumb
Bumper: “Ghost Waltz” by Lowell Liebermann
“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo
“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com