Risking it all at Sea

Cubans have crossed treacherous waters to make the journey to the U.S. since 1959 when Fidel Castro came into power. The limited number of visas does not fulfill the demand for those Cubans wanting to leave their country, so they have resorted to other means.

They have risked their lives on boats of different sizes or homemade vessels called CHUGS that are not always sea-worthy. Cubans are motivated by the “wet-foot, dry foot” policy that allows those who reach dry land in the U.S. to remain in the country. If they are intercepted at sea, the Cubans get deported. However, if they manage to reach American soil they are allowed to stay in the U.S. and are granted Green Cards.

The waters of Florida are constantly patrolled by the Border Patrol and by the U.S. Coast Guard, yet it is estimated that more than 16,000 Cubans make it to the U.S. successfully every year.

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/wetfoot-dryfoot.html

Photo by Benjamin Curry Bruce

First Day of Fall 2012: The Autumnal Equinox

First Day of Fall 2012: The Autumnal Equinox

According to the Almanac the first day of fall for 2012 begins in the Northern Hemisphere on September 22, 10:49 A.M. EDT The word equinox comes from the Latin words for "equal night." The fall and spring equinoxes are the only days of the year in which the Sun crosses the celestial equator.

Fall in Key West is a bit different. It’s all about the subtle changes, in the weather and on the island. A seasoned visitor or residents can recognize a drop in the humidity, a stronger breeze, and notice a calmer Key West atmosphere as the island locals take their final vacations and start their preparations for Fantasy Fest.

The Perky Bat Tower

The Perky Bat Tower was built in 1929 by Richter Clyde Perky, a fish lodge owner, to control the mosquito problem in the Lower Keys. The tower was built from plans purchased from a Charles Campbell of Texas, an early pioneer of bat studies. The Hygiostatic Bat Roost, as Campbell called it, was intended to be a roost for bats that would eat the mosquitoes which spread illness and disease. A great idea except for one small problem… the bats would not live in their man-made home.

Today the pesky insects are controlled by the Mosquito Patrol board while the Perky Bat Tower stands as another monument to the Florida keys strange and quirky history.

The Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower is an historic site in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is located a mile northwest of U.S. 1 on Lower Sugarloaf Key at mile marker 17. On May 13, 1982, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

REMEMBERING THE GREAT LABOR DAY HURRICANE

The Florida Keys Memorial, known locally as the "Hurricane Monument," was built to honor hundreds of American veterans and local citizens who perished in the "Great Hurricane" on Labor Day, September 2, 1935. Islamorada sustained winds of 200 miles per hour (322 kph) and a barometer reading of 26.36 inches (66.95 cm) for many hours on that fateful holiday; most local buildings and the Florida East Coast Railway were destroyed by what remains the most savage hurricane on record. Hundreds of World War I veterans who had been camped in the Matecumbe area while working on the construction of U.S. Highway One for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were killed. In 1937 the cremated remains of approximately 300 people were placed within the tiled crypt in front of the monument. The monument is composed of native keystone, and its striking frieze depicts coconut palm trees bending before the force of hurricane winds while the waters from an angry sea lap at the bottom of their trunks. Monument construction was funded by the WPA and regional veterans' associations. Over the years the Hurricane Monument has been cared for by local veterans, hurricane survivors, and descendants of the victims.

Protection from Hurricanes

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

 Sister Gabriel designed this artistic structure made of natural rock gathered from these Church grounds and throughout the island. Contributions that came from her many friends in the community made the construction possible. Sister Gabriel had survived three major hurricanes since her arrival in Key West on August 25, 1897. Because of the devastation and heartache she had witnessed as a result of these terrible storms, her deep desire to keep Key West and its residents safe from future storms generated her passion to build the Grotto to seek protection from Our Blessed Mother Mary. Tradition tells us that Sister Gabriel is said to have remarked on that dedication day that as long as the Grotto stood, “Key West would never experience the full brunt of a hurricane.” And as all residents can attest, there has not been a severe storm on the island since the erection of the Grotto in 1922. This Grotto is featured in guided tours of Key West and television news crews broadcast from in front of the Grotto when a hurricane threatens.

More importantly, it has become the center of prayer in advance of hurricanes and tropical storms. Masses are celebrated. Candles are lit. People also come to pray before the grotto night and day throughout the year. In front of the Grotto, inlaid stones indicate a rosary. The Mysteries of the Rosary are named in bronze plaques at the beginning of the prayer decades.

To read more please visit...

http://www.keywestcatholicparish.org/Grotto.html

 

Our Eccentric Key West Cemetery

Built in 1847 in the Dead center of Old town to replace the one washed away by a hurricane that same year, the Historic Key West cemetery is full of history and eccentricities. Surrounded by Angela, Margaret, Passover Lane, Frances and Olivia streets, they embrace a serene courtyard containing above ground tombs, weathered gravestones and peaceful statues. The Historic Key West cemetery is now the final resting place to a unique cast of individuals that only Key West can compose.
For a detail guide to the Historic Key West Cemetery please visit our Pages.

Angel Memorial by Anthony Mingo In the center of Key West's Cemetery, an Angel watches over the resting place of a loved one. http://www.everywheremag.com/places/1838

Rest in Peace

Want to stay in a “Haunted Guesthouse” on your next trip to Key West?
Visit our Haunted Places page to see a list of Historic Bed and Breakfasts’ here on the island, and maybe you can have a paranormal experience of your own!
Rest in Peace.

Ghosts & Gravestones listed as part of Americas best Ghost Tours by Frommers

Walk This Way
By Hillary McNamara
From coast to coast, America has no shortage of ghost stories. Who better to explain the things that go bump in the night than a local tour guide? Whether you're an aspiring paranormal investigator or just a haunted history buff, these ghost tours are sure to thrill.


Photo Caption: The Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, Key West.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=710&p=1#ixzz1bGJQAc6n

Key West, Florida
Background: Explore Key West's eccentric past on the Ghost and Gravestones Tour. This actor-led trolley tour revisits several historical sites of death, despair, and disaster. Be on the lookout for one of Key West's most infamous (and creepy) residents, Robert the Doll. This doll was a voodoo-laced gift to Gene Otto, the son of an affluent Key West family who resided in The Artist House. This infamous doll brought misfortune wherever it went and it's still lurking in Key West.

Dates: Tours run year-round

Cost: Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for children

More Info: Ghosts and Gravestones Key West www.ghostsandgravestones.com/key-west

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=710&p=8#ixzz1bGJnIYBE

Ghosts of East Martello

The Fort East Martello museum is home to artifacts, antiques, and art collections from the past 150 years. Exhibits share the stories of the people who struggled to build this island city, before they slowly disappear from our collective memory. But it’s not only the exhibits that speak of the ghosts of our past. A number of people over the years have reported unexplained sightings in the Fort. Come see for yourself.

*Visit our Pages to find out more on the Ghosts of East Martello.

Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Admission is $7 for adults
$4 for children and students with ID
$6 for Seniors (62+), AAA Travelers, and Locals with ID,
Members and children under 6 - Free.

True accounts of Carl Von Cosel

Her name was Elena Hoyos, and she was a beautiful woman in her twenty’s dying from tuberculosis. While trying to save her life, the much older Count Carl Von Cosel fell in love with her. So divested by her death, one dark night in 1933, Count Carl Von Cosel stole Elena’s body from the crypt, and for 7 years attempted to resurrect her in his laboratory.

*Visit our Pages to find out the True accounts of Carl Von Cosel.

How to make an Apology when you need it to Count.

Concerning your Remorse and Regrets...

Robert will listen to your appeals in several different forms these days.

Traditionally people write good old fashion letters to Robert. This shows him you have put the time and effort into what you are saying and really does grab his attention. Please send your mail to....

Robert the Doll
C/O Fort East Martello Museum,
3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.,
Key West, Florida 33040

He also understands that we live in the age of modern technology, so your emails wont go over looked either. Send your Emails to... Robert@RobertTheDoll.org

*Remember it’s bad manners to not include your full name and return address.

Come visit Robert at Night!

Just one week until Fantasy Fest!
We will be running 8pm and 9pm tours every night until Thursday, October 27. The Trolley of the Doomed will be taking a brief break on Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29 (even Ghosts and haunted dolls need to celebrate Fantasy Fest). On Sunday, October 30 and Monday, Hallowe'en night, we will run at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. Make your plans now before the Trolley passes you by ...
Reservations are required - 305-294-4678.

Photo Caption: The Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tour, Key West. Photo courtesy of Historic Tours of America

A Brief History of Robert The Doll

Robert the Doll was made in 1904 as the life size effigy of the 4 year old son of the Otto family here on the island of Key West. Stuffed with straw and meticulously hand sewn by one of the family servants of Caribbean origin, the doll was given to Robert Gene Otto as a birthday present. Upon receiving the doll, the boy gave the doll his first name “Robert” and from that day forward he would only answer to the name “Gene” Otto. Often they were seen playing together and even overheard having conversations with one another, with Robert the Doll answering him back. When strange events started to happen Gene would swiftly respond by saying ”Robert Did It!”
As Gene grew older he kept Robert the Doll by his side, even building Robert his own room. Gene would commonly place him in the third floor turret room window to keep him company while he painted. Peering out, Robert the Doll rapidly became the topic of stories of the neighborhood children who would play on the streets below. With Gene dedicating so much of his time to his doll, Robert was repeatedly the focus of many a quarrels within Genes marriage.
Over the years Robert quickly became Key Wests original blame doll. Whenever anything bad would come about, you could hear Gene and others say Robert Did It!
In 1974 Gene died and his wife Anne moved back north leaving behind the doll in the attic. When the house was sold Robert the Doll came to live at the Fort East Martello Museum, where he resides now.
Visitors can see him daily throughout the year at the Fort East Martello Museum, 9:30am - 4:30pm. Many guests pay homage to Robert the Doll, bringing him tokens of their affection while others write him fan mail and apology letters. Famous in his own right, Robert the Doll is known around the world. His legend continues to grow and live on today with claims of mischief and perhaps misfortune if you dare disrespect Robert him. No matter what your belief you too will find yourself saying Robert Did It!!!

ROBERT WANTS TO KNOW

Would you like your “Robert” experience to be featured on an television show about Robert the Doll?

E-mail me your personal story and your contact information to,
robert@robertthedoll.org

Robert - No Disrespect Was Meant

I would also like to apologize for not asking permission, I did say thank you though! No disrespect was meant & I do apologize. Take care Robert!!

Laura

Questions for Robert

Dear Robert,
My name is Andrew. I am a 17 year old boy. I’d like to ask you a few questions.
Have you met a Poltergeist?
Have you done any good deeds before or has anyone done good deeds in front of you?
How does it feel knowing that some people are scared of you?
How do you communicate with people in person?
Has anyone ever called you a “Secret Weapon” before?
Don’t worry, I’m not trying to compete with you or anything!

Robert is now on Twitter

Robert is on Twitter so follow him if you dare!
Britney Spears is following him now. I wonder if she knows who Robert is? I wonder if she would want to meet Robert?

Hello Robert

Dear Robert,
we read a lot of the stories about you and saw some of the pictures too. We were deeply fascinated by your story, you seem like such a mischevious person. We are troublemakers ourselves! We wish we could meet you, but you live so far away. Maybe some time we will take a vacation and visit you, you seem like you would be an interesting person to meet. We wish you luck on your adventures, and hope you can keep the museum under control, we know you are their favorite.
Hope to meet you soon,
Shelby & Madison
Sacramento, CA

Forgive me, Robert

Dear Robert,

I met you while you were on tour with TAPSCON in Clearwater FL last
year. After asking permission, I took a few photos with you; they all
came out clear and looked nice. However, things have not been nice
since then. I had been living in Florida with my boyfriend of five
years, and we had just signed a contract in November 2008 to buy a
house; he lost his job the very next day! So we decided to move to
Arizona for a fresh start, but on our last night of the drive there, my
boyfriend broke up with me. This was during the first week of December,
since the lease on our apartment had run out Nov. 31! Since then I have
had to move again, and still do not have a job or my own place to live.
Everything started happening only four months after I had taken photos
with you in July.

At first, reading other's stories that were on display with you in FL, I
had doubts...and thought for sure at least it would not happen to me.
Where is the harm in taking a picture? But now I do believe that I must
have somehow disturbed you, and caused you to be unhappy with me.
Please forgive me for any intrusion, I apologize tenfold if taking your
photo has upset you. I hope that no more ill will continues, so that
things can work out for me now. Hopefully others will leave you in
peace, as well.

Sincerely,

Anita

Wierd Things Since Seeing Robert

Hi Robert

I saw you when you made your debut performance in Clearwater at the TAPS convention. I think that you are fascinating but I am suffering a problem. When I saw you I was with a friend and there was a large group of people there. I asked to take your photo and you let me, all my pictures came out nice and clear, I actually got a couple really nice pictures of you. However the woman next to me and my friend did not ask to take your picture, theres did not come out as good. I think that you may have gotten confused because now when I get out of the shower the outline of your face is appearing in my mirror. I am getting a little scared and the other day I asked you to please leave me alone and I woke up with bruises on my arm.

Robert I am pleading with you please leave me alone.

Thank you
Cassandra