Feb 10, 2008

The Arcade’s hidden gemBy Faye B. ZuckermanProJo.com

Sometimes, Don Beohner feels like he has to wave his hands over his head to get out the message, “I’m still here!” Beohner owns Copacetic, a lively jewelry and gift store on the second floor of The Arcade, a downtown Providence building, circa 1828, that is said to be America’s oldest enclosed shopping mall.

As The Arcade goes through a drawn-out change, Beohner is the last remaining store on the second floor. The first floor has restaurants. And, as Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s an excellent spot to pick up a gift for both male and female sweethearts.

Copacetic, which opened in 1985, has on display an eclectic mix of unique and trendy jewelry, gadgets, laser pointers (about $25), flashlights ($22), puzzle rings (starting at $48) and wall clocks ($20-$150).If you enter Beohner’s shop on the hour, you’ll be treated to the sounds of the many clocks that cover the walls above the jewelry cases, ranging from the Three Stooges and Homer Simpson to the noises of chimes and cuckoos. There are plenty of 1950s- and art-deco-style clocks as well. Beohner’s collection of watches includes wooden ones from Canada made from walnut and ash and colorful, ultramodern metallic ones.

Among his most popular gadgets is a water-heat tester called a faucet light ($28). It fits on a faucet, and when the water is hot, a light inside the gadget gives the water a red glow; when cold, the water appears blue.

Read complete article.