EXHIBIT 23.2    CONSENT OF PACKER, THOMAS & CO.

 
                                                                    Exhibit 23.2

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


    
We have issued our report dated September 9, 1997, accompanying the financial 
statements of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Warren as of and for
the years ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, included in Pre-Effective Amendment 
No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Place Financial Corp.
to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Form AC to be
filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision on or about November 10, 1998. We
consent to the use of our report and our name as it appears in the Prospectus
under the caption "Experts".     

                                                        /s/ Packer, Thomas & Co.
    
Warren, Ohio                                            Packer, Thomas & Co.
November 10, 1998