Timeline of Savannah Foods and Industries, Inc.Early HistoryJuly 1917: Savannah Sugar Refining Corporation begins operations. They produce 'Dixie Crystals' sugar.August 16, 1924: Benjamin Oxnard, Savannah Sugar's first president, dies. William S. Pardonner is named the second president.December 16, 1929: Pardonner resigns the presidency. Benjamin Oxnard Sprague is selected as the third president.January 31, 1944: Benjamin O.