A Caretaker at the Helm

Sidney T. Moreland was no stranger to McDonogh when he took the helm as principal in 1898. Shortly after the school’s founding, he was tapped by Principal William Allan to develop a course in physiology at McDonogh. From 1876 to 1880, he helped the young school establish a strong tradition of scientific interest and observation. As the School’s fourth principal, he made few changes to the operation of the institution. A report by the Russell Sage Foundation in 1911 suggested that he had not kept in touch with things on the outside. Moreland’s daughter, Elizabeth, had a greater influence on the students serving at times as matron and librarian. She advised her father on school matters and encouraged much of the boys’ social activity. When Sidney Moreland resigned in 1914, the most dominant spirit to leave was Elizabeth.