Tragedy won't define Malden community
May 30—MALDEN — What may be a short time rebuilding after tragedy struck almost five years ago has seemed like forever to the people of Malden.
This was expressed by Bob Law, lifelong Malden resident and town of Malden councilor, who's eyes watered when he put into words how much the new Malden Community Building meant.
"It's quite the achievement," he said. "We've been dealing with everything, the small things people don't even realize. It makes you appreciate the things you've got."
The small town located in northern Whitman County celebrated an enormous milestone in its ongoing revitalization efforts. People and officials from across the region came Thursday to get a sneak peek of the facility, which replaces original buildings lost during the Babb Road Fire in 2020.
Malden Mayor Dan Harwood said the accomplishment has been years in the making. Town of Malden Clerk Chandelle Frick said it's the result of neighbors and family working tirelessly to bring pride back to their town.
"Disaster happens," Harwood said. "We want to remember and honor the past, but we're moving forward."
Much of Malden was destroyed by a fire storm that engulfed the town on Labor Day in 2020. Its post office, city hall, library, fire station, old gas station and 67 homes were lost to the blaze.
Law said the town hasn't felt the same since. What used to be a population of 250 before the fire now sits at 155 residents because people couldn't afford to rebuild.
Malden's turning point was in February 2024 when it opened the municipality building, which houses the fire station, town hall and post office. The facility was the first community gathering space in Malden in nearly four years.
Its newly unveiled community building is an equally monumental moment.
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