Haunted Dolls

Written by Jenna Cears

Famous paranormal investigator Zak Bagans gets creeped out by them, and he is not easy to scare! So why do so many people find dolls creepy and scary? Some believe they are haunted and some spirits are attached to them, and others say dark beings channel energy through the dolls.
          
Stories of haunted dolls circle the globe everyday. Some are innocent and just claim to be “ghost children” trying to reach out. Unfortunately there have been claims of dolls being possessed or having an angry vengeful spirit attached to them.
          
An example of one of these “doll hauntings” is that of Robert Eugene (Gene) from the Florida Keys. As a little boy Gene became attached to his doll which was said to be versed in the ways of voodoo. One of the Otto’s family servants gave young Gene the doll. The doll was said to be at least three feet tall, and was stuffed with straw. The servant gave the doll life like features, which at first were very appealing to the boy. Gene decided to name the mysterious doll Robert. The doll became a constant companion to the little boy and would rarely leave his side. Otto’s family often heard Gene upstairs talking to the doll. Well then what’s bad about that? The child is simply using his imagination like any other young boy would. What disturbed and bewildered the Otto's was hearing their son answering himself in a completely different voice than his own. Strange things went on in the household and neighbors claimed to see the doll, Robert move from window to window on its own. Gene also started blaming the Robert for his frequent nightmares and screaming in the night.

            Finally, Robert was stored away in the attic for many years. When Gene’s father died, he moved in his old childhood home with his family. It wasn’t long before Gene rediscovered his childhood doll in the attic. Soon after Gene discovered Robert in the attic things began to change. Gene began doing evil deeds around the town and wasn’t acting himself. Could this have something to do with his discovering and reconnecting with his old childhood friend? Finally Gene himself had enough of Robert's behavior, and located him back in the attic. Guests to the Otto's residence would frequently comment on hearing something walking back and forth in the attic, along with strange giggling sounds. When Gene died his wife sold the home immediately and left the daunting Robert in the attic. A new family moved into the home, and the stories of Robert died down for a while.

Robert waited unwearyingly up in the attic to be discovered once again. The Ten year old daughter of the new owners was swift to unearth Robert in the attic, and added him to her other toy's. It wasn’t long before Robert unleashed his disapproval on the child. The young girl began screaming out in the night, claiming that the Robert moved around in the room, and would climb on her bed and assault her as she tried to slumber. Even after more than thirty years later, she persistently claims that “the doll was alive and wanted to kill her." Robert, still dressed in his pasty sailor suit and clutching his puffy lion lives happily, though well guarded in Key West at the Martello Museum. Workers at the museum continue to give claims of Robert being up to his old tricks still to this very day.

Roberts’s story may scare you, but the accounts of evil spirits attaching to dolls and tormenting children are somewhat rare. More of the “doll hauntings” are relevant to ghost children trying to “play” with other children using these dolls to channel their energy to communicate. Most children don’t mind these playful spirits taking part in their activities at home. But, most parents become worried.
Parents, if you child claims there is another little girl or boy and they are “living inside” one of their dolls or toys don’t be afraid. Unless your child seems frightened or upset by the spirit activity, it is most likely a harmless ghost child looking for a friend. If you are experiencing a haunting of a doll somewhat like Robert’s story the best thing to do is either get a paranormal investigation team to sweep the house or get rid of the doll altogether.

Dolls, we all had them, as a child or maybe you’re a collector. Some are cute, but to others they just give you the heebie-jeebies as some might say. Think of it as another friend or child just trying to reach out and play. If that doesn’t help, most people just stay away from dolls at all costs. That seems to be working for them! Doll hauntings or frequent, the innocent ones more than the evil ones but all in all they seem to be gradually making their way into the spotlight of the paranormal world. I don’t think this will be the last time we hear of a doll wanting to come out and play. Watch out Zak! J