PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Despite 50 years of friendship, pen pals Carolyn Evans and Connie McNiel had never met in person. That is, until now.<\/p>\n
It started in 1975 when Evans, from Whitehall, Pennsylvania, responded to a television commercial. It encouraged kids like her to send in their information and be matched up with a pen pal.<\/p>\n
McNiel’s 5th-grade class in California was on the other end of the deal. She remembers her teacher handing out cards with names and addresses on them.<\/p>\n
She sent out two letters, but she only received a response from Evans.<\/p>\n
First by mail, then by phone, then by social media, the two pen pals have spent the last half-century side-by-side, but never in person.<\/p>\n
They decided they would finally meet in time for their 50th anniversary of friendship.<\/p>\n
McNiel flew to Pennsylvania with her husband to meet Evans and her husband at the Hotel Bethlehem. Then, they took a trip to Philadelphia to visit the Art Museum, Independence Hall, and Pat’s King of Steaks.<\/p>\n
They continued to enjoy time together in Gettysburg and Hershey Park.<\/p>\n
And white this was their first trip together, they say it will not be the last.<\/p>\n
Following their childhood aspirations, Evans became a hair stylist and McNiel became a photographer. McNiel is also dedicating her time to creating an ‘All Ages and Abilities Accessible Park’<\/a> in her hometown of Carrollton, Georgia.<\/p>\n They hope their story inspires people to connect with one another more often.<\/p>\n Watch the video above to see moments from their special meeting together.<\/p>\n