As though charmed, the Nickersons weather the Wall Street crash of 1929 with no financial pain. Duncan prevails because he has no stock, only investments in real estate that are solvent and without debt. For that reason, Duncan is able to be generous to his clients and tenants who suffer losses and help them through tough times.
Rose, too, retains her wealth due to real estate holdings bequeathed to her by Percy. Just as she did for the displaced victims of the 1906 earthquake, Rose shares her good fortune with the less fortunate of Port Avalon, making sure no family is homeless and no child goes hungry.
The crystal does its job in keeping Rose youthful and vibrant through unprecedented ups and downs in life, and she fervently believes that her longevity has a greater purpose than just v
