A lot of the old timers were more aloof thats all. A little bit they couldn't speak the language. Also, if they didn't know you, thats when many wouldn't give you the time of day. But if you were a neighborhood guy most were decent.
And then of course there were the guys who didn't exactly have what we'd call 'stellar' personalities to begin with. Then there were the hard-ons of course, lol. But there were others who were very friendly.
Its not all that different than regular type folks. everyone has their own way.