The Postal Service is releasing a series of stamps this summer that represent cultural icons, nature, and the four-legged family members we all love. Though the stamps are not related to one another, I thought it would be fun to show how each has a connection to summer.
Who Wants Ice Cream?
Nothing symbolizes summer more than cooling off with a cold, sweet treat. On June 30, we released the Soda Fountain Favorites stamps to honor classic soda fountain favorites.
The stamps celebrate the ice cream delicacies that became staples of soda fountains amid the rise of refrigeration at the turn of the 20th century. Although the number of soda fountains had dramatically decreased by the 1960s, soda fountain culture lives on in many restaurants and ice cream parlors.
The Soda Fountain Favorites stamps showcase a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg cream, a banana split, a root beer float, and a hot fudge sundae. Yummy!
School’s Out for Summer
On July 13, we released the Jaime Escalante stamp celebrating the calculus educator who was the subject of the 2010 film “Stand and Deliver.”
Escalante made his mark on education by using unconventional methods to inspire his inner-city students not only to learn calculus, but also to pass Advanced Placement tests in the subject, proving that ‘unteachable’ students could master even the most difficult subject. Escalante was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 1999.
The stamp art features Escalante in a digital illustration that resembles an oil painting.
While summer is typically a study-free time for students, this stamp serves as a reminder that dedicated teachers work year-round to improve the lives of their students.
Take the Scenic Route
For many, summer means packing a bag and heading to the beach. For others, summer means long road trips to visit family. No matter how you travel, you will probably see a pickup truck along the way.
On July 15, we released four Pickup Trucks stamps to celebrate the rugged and reliable work vehicles that Americans have driven for nearly a century. Pickup trucks have significant contributions in shaping this country’s landscape and revolutionizing how we transport ourselves and our goods.
The stamps highlight four iconic truck models: the 1938 International Harvester D-2; the 1948 Ford F-1; the 1953 Chevrolet; and the 1965 Ford F-100. Time to hit the road!
Celebrate Man’s Best Friends
For many, the summer means spending time with family, including our beloved pets who love to bask in the sun right by our sides.
On August 2, we released the Pets stamps to honor our best friends in all their fur, feather, and scale-covered glory.
This booklet of 20 Forever stamps represents these groups: puppies, betta fish, iguanas, hamsters, goldfish, parrots, guinea pigs, tortoises, rabbits, kittens, corn snakes, mice, hermit crabs, chinchillas, gerbils, dogs, parakeets, horses, cats, and geckos.
Kinda puts a new meaning to the saying, “Dogs Days of Summer.”
Let it Snow? Yes Snow!
Finally on August 4, we released the Songbirds in Snow stamps, which depict beautiful birds perched on snow-covered tree branches.
The stamps will feature these four colorful bird species: the golden crowned kinglet, the cedar waxwing, the northern cardinal, and the red-breasted nuthatch.
What do scenic snow scenes have to do with summer? After sweating it out during the summer months, many can hardly wait to feel the cold breeze that means that winter is approaching.
But until then, we are going to enjoy the summer. Beat the heat. Stay safe. And don’t forget to buy your favorite stamps from your local Post Office and on www.usps.com.