'The Price is Right' at Unusual Junction: Game show backdrop is part of shop's decor

WEST LAFAYETTE — With the recent death of game show icon Bob Barker, some might be surprised to find a link to the longtime "Price is Right" host in Coshocton County.

The original "Price is Right" sign, autographed by Barker, along with some pictures and newspaper clippings can be found at Universal Bridal and Prom at Unusual Junction, 55716 U.S. 36, West Lafayette.

For 35 years, the symbol of the popular television game show was not only Barker, but the huge, lighted "Price Is Right" sign that graced the background of the stage.

The final episode hosted by Barker was recorded in June 2007. When new host Drew Carey took over, an all-new look was designed for the show and that meant the sign from the Barker years was replaced.

Bob McKenna of Unusual Junction said he purchased the television symbol from a charity auction for the Paley Center for Media in New York City. He and his family felt it really fit the theme and feel of the family-run business at Unusual Junction.

"'The Price Is Right' sign is something visitors would expect to find here," said McKenna. "We have that kind of reputation for the unusual."

He continued, "After the auction in 2008, the sign was shipped directly from the studio in Hollywood. It came in a semi-truck and had three stops across the country in its 2,000-mile journey to its new home here in Ohio."

The sign was featured for several years at their Lava Rock Grill diner at Unusual Junction. It was moved next door to the dress store just a few weeks ago.

"We were sad to hear of Bob Barker's death," added McKenna. "But we are so honored we have his actual 'Price is Right' sign, that he even signed, right here in our store. We, therefore, think of Bob Barker every day and his memory will continue to live on here."

Barker died Aug. 26 at the age of 99. Along with hosting "The Price is Right" from 1972 to 2007, he also hosted "Truth or Consequences" from 1956 to 1975. Barker emceed the Tournament of Roses Parade for several years and made other television appearances, mostly as a celebrity panelist on other game shows or as a talk show guest. He appeared as himself in the 1996 golf comedy "Happy Gilmore" with Adam Sandler.

For more information, contact Unusual Junction at 740-545-5005 or go to UniverseBridalandProm.com.

Information and photos submitted by Jan Myers of Junction Enterprises.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Remembering Bob Barker: Iconic sign displayed in Coshocton County shop