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Daniel Cooper
By Stephen Hankins, staff writer
Malden City Council Candidate – Ward 2
Daniel Cooper
Daniel Cooper has officially filed for Malden City Council, Ward 2.
A lifelong resident of the Malden area, Daniel grew up just outside city limits and graduated from Malden High School in 2004.
After graduation, he began working in the construction industry, a field he has remained in ever since.
While he spent a few short periods working in Texas and South Dakota when he was younger, Malden has always been home.
Daniel and his wife, Brittany Cooper, were married in 2010. Brittany is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they are raising three children: Noah (10), Paisley (8), and Polly (2).
Although Daniel had not previously planned to seek public office, he decided to file after seeing a need for more local involvement and fresh perspectives on the City Council.
With his background in construction and long-term connection to the community, he hopes to contribute where he can.
Daniel says his primary interest is seeing Malden grow rather than decline, particularly by addressing the increasing number of empty lots and the loss of residents.
He believes growth benefits both the city’s revenue and the strength of the community itself.
“I just want to help where I can,” Cooper said. “I’m not trying to control anything—just be part of the effort to move Malden in a positive direction.”
Historic Malden School Bell Vandalized, Malden Historical Museum Seeks Help to Restore Beloved Landmark
by David Black - Staff Writer
The Malden Historical Museum is deeply saddened to report the recent vandalism and damage of the historic Malden Beckwith Elementary School bell, a treasured artifact that has stood as a symbol of the community’s educational heritage since the early 1800s.
For generations, the bell marked the rhythm of daily life in Malden—calling students to class, signaling milestones, and serving as a reminder of the town’s long-standing commitment to education. After Beckwith Elementary School closed, the bell was carefully preserved and protected by the Malden Historical Museum to ensure that future generations could continue to connect with this important piece of local history.
Sadly, that legacy was recently threatened when the bell was vandalized, resulting in damage to its wheel mechanism. While the bell itself remains intact, the wheel—an essential component that allows the bell to function—has been significantly damaged. As a result, the bell can no longer be rung.
“This bell is more than metal and wood,” said representatives of the Malden Historical Museum. “It carries the voices, memories, and shared experiences of our town. To see it harmed is heartbreaking, not just for the museum, but for the entire Malden community.”
The museum is now reaching out to the public for assistance. Specifically, officials are seeking individuals with experience in historic bell restoration, metalwork, or mechanical repair who may know whether the bell wheel can be repaired or faithfully reconstructed. Because of the bell’s age and historical significance, any restoration efforts must be approached with care and respect for its original design.
Community members with expertise, resources, or recommendations are encouraged to come forward. Even guidance on reputable restoration specialists or organizations experienced in preserving historic bells would be greatly appreciated.
The vandalism has also sparked renewed conversation about the importance of protecting local historical artifacts. These items serve as tangible links to Malden’s past, telling stories that cannot be replaced once lost or destroyed.
Despite the damage, the Malden Historical Museum remains hopeful. With community support and the right expertise, there is optimism that the bell can be restored and preserved once again as a proud symbol of Malden’s history.
Anyone with information or assistance regarding the repair of the bell wheel is encouraged to contact the Malden Historical Museum directly. Together, the community can help ensure that this beloved piece of Malden’s heritage is not silenced forever.