Karhu Family Scrapbook

Victor John Karhu (1922-1990) and Carolyn Holman Glenn (1927-2001) were married in 1950 in Cadiz, Kentucky. After they were married, the couple lived in Gainesville, Florida while Victor attended the University of Florida. While there the couple had two children, Mary Victoria “Vicky” Karhu (b. 1951) and Ann Elizabeth Karhu (b. 1953). Victor graduated with his master’s degree in 1953, and the family moved to Clarksville, Tennessee in 1955 when he took the position as the director of the Clarksville High School band program. Two years later the couple welcomed their third daughter, Jane Glenn Karhu.

Victor served as the director of the Clarksville High School band from 1955 to 1969 when he resigned due to health issues. Carolyn was also active in the program, helping to develop and lead the Clarksville High School Majorette Squad. Victor and Carolyn Karhu were well loved by their students, with members affectionately referring to them as “Papa and Mama Karhu.” Carolyn also worked as an educator, teaching English first at Clarksville High School and then Austin Peay State University. In the 1980s she taught GED prep courses for the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

The couple divorced in 1974. Victor continued to have health issues following his resignation and died in 1990. Carolyn continued to teach and was very active in the local theater community, participating in numerous productions. She died in 2001 at the age of 74.

The scrapbook focuses on the activities of the Karhu family, particularly the children Vicky, Ann, and Jane. The Karhu children were very active in academics and sports. Both Vicky and Ann were decorated baton twirlers. Vicky also participated in the American Field Service and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs. Ann and Jane had successful swimming careers, winning multiple awards with the Clarksville Swim Association. Jane had hopes of qualifying for the Olympics before a knee injury and car accident eliminated her chances.