On Nov. 11, 1918, Albany’s theaters and schools reopened, signifying a return to normalcy after epidemic orders were removed. All classrooms were disinfected, and school nurses inspected each student for illness before admitting them.

Overall, only a few students were found ill with influenza. With the last of the epidemic orders now removed, life in Albany slowly returned to normal.

For some residents, however, the aftermath of the epidemic would be felt for some time to come. Over 450 Albany citizens died during the epidemic. Hundreds of children had lost at least one parent to influenza, and at least fifty had been completely orphaned.

The city’s orphanages still under protective sequestration, however, so these cases could not be placed. The Catholic diocese offered the use of its School of Mothers and the Cathedral settlement house for these children, some of who had influenza themselves.

The St. Elizabeth’s Guild opened its doors to orphans as well when even more were discovered amongst Albany’s children. The Associated Charities of Albany also pitched in, inspecting homes of those still convalescing in hospitals before they were discharged and distributing food to the sick.8 Together, these organization, public officials, and private citizens slowly pieced together life in Albany.