Press release
from the
KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
281 FRONT STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040
295-6616 Fax: 295-6649
Attention:
News editors, news directors, features editors and programming directors. Please use the following item as a news story, public service announcement or community event. Pix available. For immediate release Sept. 20, 2004.
'Haunted' doll casts his spell Oct. 24
'Blame It On Robert' party kicks off Fantasy Fest 2004
An eerie, straw-stuffed doll that has mystified Key Westers for almost 100 years will preside over the first official event of Fantasy fest 2004.
Open to all those fascinated by the alleged powers of Robert, the Haunted Doll-particularly residents who have lived here under his aura-Blame It On Robert, "A Night of Voodoo Vibes and Caribbean Karma" will help kick off the island's annual autumn carnival from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 24 in the gardens of Robert's home at Fort East Martello.
"Robert's ghostly renown has earned a new exhibition at Fort East Martello," explained John C. Giuliano, director of development for the Key West Art & Historical Society, which operates the fort as well as the Key West Lighthouse Museum and the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House.
"What time would be more fitting for s Robert the Doll exhibition than during Fantasy Fest? And what better way to open the exhibit than with a party?' he said.
Sponsored by Century 21 Keysearch Realty with additional support thus far from Fat Tuesday's, the Key West Fire Department, Reddyice Distributed by The Ice Kid, and The Dance Factory, Blame It On Robert will benefit Easter Seals Florida/Key region and the Key West Art & Historical Society.
"We've planned some frenzied island dancing, frozen drinks, a pig roast prepared by the firefighters, and Fantasy Fest costume contest. Plus, magicians, fortunetellers, and other surprises," Giuliano said.
"Since Sunday may be early for the regular crowd of tourists here for Fantasy Fest events later in the week, we hope to draw a lot of local residents to come party with Robert and us that night," he said. "It will be a great time to test drive your Fantasy Fest Costume and to celebrate with good friends before our guests from the mainland arrive."
For the last decade Robert The Haunted Doll, has been a central figure in the spectral lore of Key West and the number one attraction at Fort East Martello Museum. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come especially to see him in his glass enclosure in the casemates of the old Civil War fort on the island's south side.
"Associating Robert with the atmosphere of Fantasy Fest is terribly appropriate this year," said Norman Aberle, curator for the Society, which has been entrusted with Robert's care. "He certainly has been credited with some 'Delirious Dreams and Hilarious Screams,' the theme of this year's 10-day autumn bacchanalia that runs from Oct. 22 through Oct. 31.
For those unfamiliar with history of Robert The Haunted Doll, Aberle explains it this way:
"Robert is a cloth-covered doll about three feet tall, which was made in 1903 by a Haitian girl as a representation of young Robert "Gene" Otto according to a local custom at the turn of the century. Whether the doll possessed any island Voodoo is a question, but during that era in Key West some residents practiced a peculiar hybrid religion that partook of both Catholicism and Voodoo.
"Gene Otto, the scion of a well-to-do Key West family, loved the doll but blamed it for all his misdeeds and any ill luck that befell him.
"By the time Gene Otto achieved success as an artist, Robert's reputation was well known and he had taken the blame for a lifetime of sin and folly, including Otto's martial difficulties.
"There are literally hundreds of unexplainable events over the years, with which Robert has assumed a mysterious and powerful presence.
"For instance, what happened to the camera being used by the film crew who came to the East Martello last spring to shoot footage for a ghost documentary? And, did Robert really persuade Hurricane Ivan to take his menace elsewhere?
Many of the details of the strange goings-on associated with the doll will be part of the exhibit along with some other Robert memorabilia and a portion of the mail he has received over the years," Aberle concluded
"This is a first-ever event for Fantasy Fest, so we have tried to keep the price reasonable," explained Giuliano. "But since the proceeds benefit two of Key West's beloved non-profits, we hope some people might wish to include an additional tax-deductible donation with their ticket price."
General admission tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and include one free drink and the Caribbean buffet. VIP tickets are $75 each in advance ($80 at the door) and include reserved parking, an open bar, a free commemorative Blame It On Robert glass, special table seating and private buffet service.
Tickets and information for Blame It On Robert are available on line at KWAHS.com or by contacting Century 21 Keysearch Realty at 305-294-6637 or Jake_Stanton@earthlink.net
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Robert the Dollat the Fort East Martello Museum & Gardensphoto by Rob O'Neal |