The Fourth of July holiday includes several American favorites such as fireworks, picnics and ice cream treats straight from the soda fountain. While post offices around the nation will be closed for the Independence Day holiday, the new Soda Fountain Stamps – issued on Thursday – have arrived just in time for the start of summer fun.
This First-Class Mail Forever booklet of 20 stamps features five illustrations: a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg cream, a banana split, a root beer float and a hot fudge sundae.
Customers may purchase the Soda Fountain Favorites stamp booklet at usps.com/stamps, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also is available at ebay.com/stamps.
HISTORY OF THE SODA FOUNTAIN: The ice cream soda’s precise origin is not clear, but by the turn of the 20th century, it had become a fountain staple. The rise of refrigeration helped establishments produce, serve and store frozen confections, whose popularity surged. After all, it was difficult to resist thick milkshakes, malts, and sundaes topped with syrups, sauces, whipped cream and cherries.
In cities and towns across the United States, the soda fountain was an important gathering place. When Prohibition banned alcohol sales, people flocked to soda fountains. During World War II, soda fountains popped up at military bases in the United States and abroad, because drinking a soda or indulging in a sundae reminded soldiers of simple pleasures at home.
After World War II, the country’s collective attitude toward dining out began to change. Speed and convenience were prized over service, and by the 1960s, the number of soda fountains had dramatically decreased. Soda fountain culture, however, still lives on in homes, restaurants and ice cream parlors. The joy of sharing a soda or a sundae is an indelible American tradition.
And about that the iconic New York City beverage, the egg cream: Actually, there is no egg or cream involved. It is a fountain favorite that combines milk, carbonated water or seltzer and chocolate syrup. It is distinguished by its frothy foam top.
All of the Soda Fountain Stamps are Forever stamps served with no calories, so double scoops and extra servings are always welcome.
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