On the floor at Pine Tree Trading Inc. on Lisbon Street in Lewiston about a dozen men gather regularly to swap stories, not buy or sell guns or jewelry.

Many are members of the Freemasons of Maine who come to socialize.

“I am . . . a professional bum,” said retiree Charles Casey as he sipped coffee while leaning on one of the display cases filled with guns. 

When a customer comes in, the story or heated discussion is put on hold. 

“When women come in we really try to keep our manners,” said Richard Grondin, another retiree and a regular at the gatherings.

Quiet anticipation replaces the banter when a new customer walks through the door. All eyes turn to the merchandise they’re trying to sell.

Keeping their distance and allowing owners Marcel Morin and his son Mike do their job, the group scrutinizes the transaction. On more than one occasion, the item just pawned is bought by one of them.

Don Chouinard recalls a time when he recognized the gun a customer brought in.

“I sold it a year before and here the guy was back selling my gun. He had it in his closet and never fired it. I got it back for a hundred bucks less than I sold it.  You gotta love that.” 

In addition to being Masons, several of them are members of a local gun club.  With guns being a staple of the shop, there is no shortage of knowledge or opinion when somebody brings up the subject. 

“These guys are a wealth of knowledge,” said a delivery man who did not want to be identified.  “They know their history and I love to talk with them.” 

On most Fridays, they bring in their favorite food or a new recipe to get feedback. They love to share, especially during holidays.

 They may not be related, but they’re like family here, one said.