Ward Orsinger

Ward Stearns Orsinger was born in Des Moines, Iowa and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1914 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. After college, Ward worked as a farm superintendent. Ward enlisted in the U.S. Army at the start of World War I, where he was promoted to Sergeant and then Lieutenant. After serving for 18 months in the Army Engineering Corps in France, he moved to San Antonio with his brother Gunther. Together in 1919 they founded the Orsinger Motor Company and were the first to put cars like the Haines, the Star, the Durant and the Hudson on the streets of San Antonio.

Ward was one of the founders of the Texas Cavaliers, which at that time had an equestrian focus. He served as King Antonio XVI in 1934. He helped design the King's royal blue uniform including the cap and red feathered plume after the French military uniforms of the time. He was also instrumental in starting the Fiesta River Parade. His love of horses and riding kept him active in the early years of the San Antonio Rodeo and Livestock show. Ward loved people, traveling abroad, cooking and helping others. Ward was an Honorary Consul to the country of Peru from 1967 to 1969. 

For many years Ward resided at the then-rural property his parents built in 1928 on Orsinger Lane in northwest San Antonio, where he took an extended walk every day. He and his wife Genevieve later donated a portion of the property to Bexar County and it is now the popular Orsinger Park. Ward's early involvement in San Antonio helped set traditions that are prominent today and enjoyed during Fiesta Week. He will be remembered for his community awareness and entrepreneurial spirit in the development of San Antonio, and the lasting legacy of providing a popular place for the children of San Antonio to enjoy nature and see the land as it was in former days.