EXHIBIT 23


                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS









               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of First Financial Corporation of our report dated January 14, 1997, included in
the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of First Financial Corporation.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
No.  2-90005 on Form S-8 dated March 16,  1984,  No.  33-17304 on Form S-8 dated
September  17, 1987,  and No.  33-36295 on Form S-8 dated August 9, 1990, in the
Post-Effective  amendment  No.  5 to  Form  S-1 on  Form  S-8  (Registration  No
33-16948)  dated May 12, 1988,  No.  33-69856 on Form S-8 dated October 1, 1993,
Registration  Statement  No. 33- 51487 filed with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission on January 13, 1994 and  Registration  Statement No.  33-55823  filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 1995, with respect to
the   consolidated   financial   statements  of  First   Financial   Corporation
incorporated  by reference  in the Annual  Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 25, 1997