On Oct. 21, 1918, Boston schools reopened to students. The District Nursing Association warned Bostonians that, despite the decrease in cases, there would likely be an even greater demand for nurses now that several hundred teachers and teaching nuns would be returning to their classrooms.

Health authorities cautioned the public not to relax their guard against influenza lest the epidemic return to its former strength, however. The warnings went unheeded. After being closed for three weeks, theaters and movie houses opened to huge crowds.

Lines formed hours in advance. Shows sold out quickly. Many theaters broke their attendance records as patrons filled the seats and then began standing in the aisles.