11YearOlds from Across the World Became Pen Pals in the '70s. 51 Years Later, They Meet for the First Time (Exclusive) Tereza ShkurtajSeptember 28, 2025 at 5:30 AM 0 Courtesy Kimberly Johnson Debbie Houschild meets her pen pal of 51 years, Jane Bean. Debbie Houschild from Oceanport, N.J.
- - 11-Year-Olds from Across the World Became Pen Pals in the '70s. 51 Years Later, They Meet for the First Time (Exclusive)
Tereza ShkurtajSeptember 28, 2025 at 5:30 AM
0
Courtesy Kimberly Johnson
Debbie Houschild meets her pen pal of 51 years, Jane Bean. -
Debbie Houschild from Oceanport, N.J., and Jane Bean from Sittingbourne, Kent, England, have been pen pals for over five decades
Their friendship formed after they were paired up by a children's television show in the '70s
In August 2025, the pair met in person for the very first time
When Debbie Houschild was 11 years old, she loved watching a children's television show called Big Blue Marble.
The half-hour '70s program often highlighted stories of kids from around the world and encouraged viewers to connect across cultures.
At the end of each episode, the show offered an opportunity to write in and request a pen pal.
Curious and eager to make a new friend, Houschild sent in a letter — not knowing that the person she'd be paired with would become a lifelong companion.
Houschild was matched with Jane Bean, a girl her age living in England, while she herself was growing up in New Jersey.
Despite having nearly 3,500 miles between them, the two quickly bonded through their letters — regularly sharing glimpses into their lives as they grew up in different parts of the world.
Courtesy Kimberly Johnson
Young Debbie Houschild (left); young Jane Bean (right).
"We would tell each other about what was going on in our lives at the time," Houschild tells PEOPLE exclusively. "Over all the years, that changed from teenage types of things to getting married, jobs, having children and how our lives went from there."
As the years went on and they grew busier, Houschild and Bean's communication naturally became less frequent — but they always found ways to stay in touch.
Houschild vividly remembers the moment she first heard Bean's voice over the phone — a surprising shift after years of exchanging only letters. Their conversations later transitioned to Facebook Messenger and eventually to WhatsApp.
Courtesy Kimberly Johnson
Letters sent to Debbie Houschild over the years from Jane Bean.
When they were younger, the idea of meeting in person seemed out of reach and financial limitations made it difficult.
But last year, in one of their exchanges, Bean pointed out that the pair had reached their "golden anniversary" — a milestone neither of them could ignore.
"I replied that I need to take a trip to England, and she said, 'Yes, you do,'" Houschild recalls. "I quickly thought this could be a great trip if my daughters can go too, and it all came together."
Courtesy Kimberly Johnson
Inside of one of the letters Jane Bean sent to Debbie Houschild.
Before long, the plans were set, turning a long-held dream into reality. Houschild and her two daughters traveled to London on Aug. 26, 2025, to meet Bean in person for the first time.
Houschild's daughter, Kimberly Johnson, made sure to capture and document the long-awaited moment between the two pen pals.
"To think they've been friends for over five decades but have never actually met... It's crazy!" Johnson, 29, tells PEOPLE.
Courtesy Kimberly Johnson
Debbie Houschild (left) and Jane Bean (right); their first hug.
Following their first hug, Bean gave Houschild and her two adult daughters a tour of notable London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace.
Along the way, they paused at a pub to share a drink, where Houschild brought out old photos and cards she had saved from Bean over the years — wrapping up their nostalgic conversations with lunch at a Hard Rock Café.
"It was a great day," Houschild admits. "I did wonder how we would get along in person, but it truly was like being with an old friend."
Courtesy Kimberly Johnson
Jane Bean, Debbie Houschild, and her two daughters.
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
What began as a simple connection sparked by a children's TV show had grown into a rare and lasting friendship, built on decades of shared memories, mailed across the world.
"Without realizing it, over time, I created a true friendship with someone without meeting them," Houschild says. "It's been a fun, happy thing."
on People
Source: "AOL AOL Entertainment"
Source: GL MAG
Full Article on Source: GL MAG
#LALifestyle #USCelebrities