OBJECT FILE
Robert the Doll
FOLLOWFort East Martello Museum, Key West, FL, United States
THE OBJECT
A hand-made cloth doll, about 40 inches tall, in a sailor suit, made in the image of the boy Robert Eugene 'Gene' Otto (1900–1974). Family tradition dates it to 1904 and attributes it to Steiff; the Society says only 'around the turn of the 20th century'. Otto kept it all his life at 534 Eaton Street (now the Artist House). Myrtle Reuter bought the house in 1974, kept the doll when she moved to Von Phister Street six years later, and gave it to the museum in 1994.
REPORTED ACTIVITY
Gene's refrain as a child was 'I didn't do it — Robert did it'. Reuter said the doll moved about her house on its own. The museum receives letters from visitors apologising to Robert for disrespect, which it displays beside him.
WHERE IT IS NOW
On public display — kept by Key West Art & Historical Society. Fort East Martello Museum, Key West, FL, United States.
THE SITE IT SITS IN →PROVENANCE · 3 ENTRIES
TRACE ON THE MAP →1904 – 1974
Robert Eugene Otto (and, from 1930, Annette Parker Otto)
The Otto house, 534 Eaton Street (now the Artist House), Key West, FL, United States
1904 is the Otto family date; the Society says 'around the turn of the 20th century'.
Source: Key West Art & Historical Society, 'Robert the Doll'; Artist House Key West, 'History'
1974 – 1994
Myrtle Reuter
534 Eaton Street, then her home on Von Phister Street (from c. 1980), Key West, FL, United States
Source: Key West Art & Historical Society, 'Robert the Doll' (house bought 1974; moved six years later)
1994 — CURRENT LOCATION
Key West Art & Historical Society
Fort East Martello Museum, Key West, FL, United States
Source: Key West Art & Historical Society, 'Robert the Doll' ('In 1994 she donated Robert to the Fort East Martello Museum')
PERSONAL ACCOUNTS · 0
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