Frozen Treats Forever Stamp 2018
Rediscovering the Sweet Journey of Popsicle: Scratch-and-Sniff Stamps
Popsicle, an iconic frozen treat brand cherished across the United States, traces its origins back to a serendipitous moment in 1905, when 11-year-old Frank Epperson stumbled upon the concept of frozen delights on a stick. Young Epperson's accidental creation, initially dubbed the "Epsicle ice pop," paved the way for a revolution in frozen treats.
By 1923, Epperson's invention had garnered attention at local amusement parks, leading to the granting of a patent in 1924. Subsequently, Epperson's children coined the term "Popsicle," immortalizing the brand that would captivate generations to come.
Despite facing financial challenges in the 1920s, Epperson's creation persevered through various ownership transitions, remaining steadfast in its mission to delight palates with frozen indulgence. Today, Popsicle stands as a household name, delighting millions with its array of frozen treats year after year.
In 2018, the United States Postal Service (USPS) paid homage to Popsicle's legacy with the issuance of the Frozen Treats series, marking America's inaugural venture into scratch-and-sniff stamps. Leveraging microencapsulation technology developed in the 1960s, these stamps offered a sensory journey, evoking the essence of summer through delightful scents.
While scratch-and-sniff stamps had been previously introduced by other countries, the 2018 Frozen Treats series marked a groundbreaking moment for the USPS. Crafted with watercolor illustrations by Margaret Berg, these stamps promised to infuse letters with the sweet aroma of summer, adding a touch of nostalgia to correspondence.
However, the introduction of scratch-and-sniff stamps was not without controversy. The American Lung Association (ALA) expressed concerns about the potential health risks associated with the fragrances used in the stamps. Despite opposition, the USPS assured compliance with safety standards, ensuring that the stamps met all necessary requirements.
On June 20, 2018, amidst anticipation and excitement, the Frozen Treats stamps made their debut at the Thinkery children's museum in Austin, Texas, marking a milestone in postal history. As recipients scratched the surface of these innovative stamps, they were transported on a fragrant journey, reminiscent of the simple joys of summer.
In commemorating the timeless allure of Popsicle and the innovation of scratch-and-sniff technology, the 2018 Frozen Treats series captured the essence of summer, one scent at a time.
