On Nov. 4, 1918, after a decline in the explosive influenza case numbers, Pennsylvania health officials lifted closure orders.

The previous Wednesday, theaters, movie houses, saloons, and other places of public amusement had once again opened their doors for business. School Superintendent Dr. John Garber announced that all city public schools would re-open as well. Most private schools followed suit.

Clergy could once again hold services for their congregants. After a month of social and economic dislocation, Philadelphia was slowly returning to life as it was before the epidemic. And it was none too soon for many business owners.