Early in its history the Company began organizing teams to participate in sporting events. Even though Shure was located in downtown Chicago, nearby parks and sports fields provided facilities for recreation and games during lunch hours and after work.
During the 1940s, softball was a popular activity for Shure employees. Each floor of the factory formed teams, and the competition was fierce.
“We were all young, energetic, and competitive; so we took those games very seriously, but we also had great fun,” recalled one employee who played on softball teams in the 1940s. “Even those employees who didn’t play in the games came to the field to cheer us on.”
The Company also participated in leagues that pitted Shure teams against those of other Chicago companies. In 1943, there were eight Shure softball teams, including the Pickups, Rockets, Broadcasters, and Shure V’s. Reports on the games and league standings were a regular feature in employee publications and on bulletin boards.
In the 1950s, bowling was the most popular employee sport. It continues to be a Company activity enjoyed by employees, their families, and friends.
Cathy Morgan, who joined Shure in 1953 and served as the secretary of the bowling league for more than 30 years, recalled: “People from throughout the Company participated, and it was a wonderful way to enjoy the people you worked with outside the office. It also was a way to meet their family and friends.”
The bowling season always concluded with a large banquet that featured the presentation of trophies and prizes.
In addition to displaying their skills in games and sports, employees have demonstrated their diverse musical talents in a variety of ways since the 1940s. In 1942, Shure organized a Choral Society, and the Company had a piano where employees would often gather to sing at lunchtime, during breaks, and after work.
Beginning in the 1970s, bands and combos composed of Shure employees began performing at the annual holiday party. It started with one combo playing a short set, and each year the number of employees involved has grown. In 1999, the holiday party lineup featured several groups that provided hours of entertainment. They performed rock and roll, country, bluegrass, and swing music. This tradition is always received by Associates with great enthusiasm. As a result of the affinity between musicians and microphones, Shure has a wealth of talented Associates.
