David Sloan talks mysterious portals and shares insights on serving as Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Marshal with one of the world’s most celebrated haunted dolls

Author and paranormal specialist David L. Sloan, left, and Robert, the world famous haunted doll, are to serve as Grand Marshals of the 2024 Key West Fantasy Fest Parade, set for Saturday, Oct. 26 in Key West. (Photo: Carol Tedesco)

Paranormal aficionados surround Robert, the world famous haunted doll, during an after-museum-hours experience at Fort East Martello Museum in Key West. (Photo: David Sloan)

​A recent announcement by organizers of Key West’s Fantasy Fest that author and paranormal specialist David Sloan, and Robert, one of the world’s most famous haunted dolls, are to be this year’s Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Marshals has resulted in a flurry of public reaction, from celebratory huzzahs to “oh hell no!” to “I’m wrapping my house in foil right now!”

The wariness expressed by many concerning Robert is on account of the doll’s long and eerie history: Just after the turn of the 20th century, Robert was gifted to a young child named Gene Otto, son of a prominent Key West physician. Created by the Germany-based Steiff Company and standing 41-inches tall—about the same size as an average 4-year-old American boy—the sailor-suited toy soon established a reputation for creating supernatural mischief and mayhem in his families elegant Victorian mansion, and provoking strange behavior in young Gene. The child’s excuse for the bizarre household occurrences and his own naughty behavior: “Robert did it.”

David Sloan is an American publisher, artist, producer, and paranormal specialist recognized as the foremost authority on Robert, and is author of the book, “Robert the Doll,” published in 2014. We caught up with Sloan to learn more about his relationship with Robert and the lore concerning reports of misfortunes said to follow when a visitor takes a photo of Robert without first asking his permission.

Why were you and Robert the Doll selected as 2024 Key West Fantasy Fest parade Grand Marshals?
Robert is a powerful doll. He summoned Vince Neil from Mötley Crüe and Butch Patrick of The Munsters to his haunted living quarters in Key West, so I’m guessing he made this happen too. 
 
You and Robert have a unique bond. Why do you think that is?
I don't think I can take credit for it. Maybe Robert chose me. Maybe that's just how it was meant to be. My great-great-great-grandfather's Union Civil War Regiment helped build the fort where Robert lives but I never knew the connection until a few years ago. What are the chances of that? Perhaps there is a cosmic connection and this isn't our first time around together.
 
You reportedly launched an investigation during the 1990s into a mysterious portal believed to be contained within Robert, and in the course of that investigation “unleashed a curse into the island’s cosmic realm.” Is it true that you are seeking to reverse this curse during the Key West Fantasy Fest Parade?
If everyone along the parade route gets creative with their costumes and turns the celebration “up to 11,” we believe we can open the cosmic portal, transport Key West back to the 90s, and reverse the curse. Such magic is not uncommon in the Florida Keys.
 
Popular lore has it that if a person takes a photo of Robert without first asking his permission, misfortune may follow. How do you think this could impact all the people snapping photos during this year’s Fantasy Fest Parade? Are there any safeguards you’d recommend?
People who report that Robert has cursed them are often those who have been disrespectful to him. I’m talking about sticking out their tongues or giving him the finger. If people are respectful, they have nothing to worry about. If they want to play it extra safe for their own peace of mind, they can certainly ask permission by emailing him via a link at HauntedKeyWest.com. I’ll read those emails to him myself. Those who prefer snail mailing can send letters (and gifts!) to him c/o Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040.
 
Isn’t it unusual for a non-human to serve as a parade Grand Marshal?
Very unusual but not unprecedented. Kermit the Frog was Grand Marshal in the 1996 Rose Bowl Parade, but he was never reported to have cursed anybody. This is certainly the first time a haunted doll has been the Grand Marshal of a parade.
 
Where does Robert currently reside and can people visit him?
The Key West Art & Historical Society took Robert and his stuffed pet “Leo” into their care in 1994 and ensconced them comfortably in a protective glass case at Fort East Martello Museum, where he is visited by many hundreds of devoted fans each year. For those desiring an after-museum-hours experience, my company Ghost Key West operates nighttime ghost tours and The Robert the Doll Experience there.
 
Do you think Key West will ever be the same after this year’s Fantasy Fest Parade?
It never has been “the same.” It’s always been different. They say “2000-zero zero, party over, oops, out of time.” So this year I’m going to party like it’s 1999.
​
The 2024 Key West Fantasy Fest Parade is set to launch in downtown Key West at 7:00pm, Saturday, Oct. 26, beating to the theme, “It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!” Fantasy Fest 2024 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, and a downloadable mobile APP visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.