EXHIBIT 5.1

                           OPINION OF PEABODY & BROWN
               REGARDING LEGALITY OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED


                          [PEABODY & BR0WN LETTERHEAD]


                                October 31, 1997



Board of Directors
Delaware First Financial Corporation
400 Delaware Avenue
Wilmington, DE  19801

         Re:  Registration Statement on Form SB-2


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     You have  requested  our  opinion as  special  counsel  to  Delaware  First
Financial  Corporation  (the  "Company")  in  connection  with the  Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission  under
the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended (the  "Registration  Statement").  The
Registration  Statement  relates to shares of common  stock of the Company  (the
"Common Stock") to be issued in connection  with Ninth Ward Savings Bank,  FSB's
simultaneous  conversion from mutual to stock form and  reorganization  into the
holding company form of ownership as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

     In rendering  this  opinion,  we  understand  that the Common Stock will be
offered and sold in the manner  described in the  Prospectus  which is a part of
the Registration Statement. We have examined such records and documents and made
such examination as we have deemed relevant in connection with this opinion.

     Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the shares of Common Stock
will,  when issued and sold as contemplated by the  Registration  Statement,  be
legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     We hereby  consent  to the  filing of this  opinion  as an  exhibit  to the
Registration  Statement and to the reference to us in the  Prospectus  under the
heading "Legal Opinion."



                                                  Very truly yours,


                                                  /s/ Peabody & Brown