The U.S. Postal Service has announced a new set of ice cream-themed Forever postage stamps for 2016. A date of issue has not yet been determined. Forever stamps are equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.
The Soda Fountain Favorites set features five illustrations by artist Nancy Stahl of New York City: a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg cream, a banana split, a root beer float and a hot fudge sundae. A booklet of 20 stamps includes four of each design. Art director Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Md., designed the stamps.
According to the USPS, the soda fountain was an important gathering place in U.S. cities and towns, especially when Prohibition banned alcohol sales. After World War II, attitudes toward dining out began to change. Speed and convenience were prized over service. By the 1960s, the number of soda fountains had dramatically decreased.