On Nov. 22, 1918, following an increase in influenza cases after the Armistice celebration on November 11, Denver officials issued a second closure order.

Business owners, especially theater and move house operators, protested vigorously, complaining that the closure order was discriminatory, as it singled out theaters and movie houses while still allowing people to congregate in downtown department stores.

In the face of such opposition–representing an estimated $2.5 million in capital–Mills, former Denver mayor Dr. William H. Sharpley, and the advisory board rescinded the second closure order (public schools excepted) only a few hours after it had gone into effect.