"bob haller" wrote in message
...
a larger issue is WHY did it come down after so long?

Roof leak? structural;issue?

Sewer or other line above leaking?

Better to take it down and find out why, while your at it insulation
is always a good idea

EXACTLY!! My house is nearly twice as old as the OP's, and it's been my
experience that plaster only "comes down" if there's water involved. Find
the leak, fix it, and replace the ceiling with drywall. Trying to patch
plaster is a waste of time because it will never look like new. If it's a
fancy molded ceiling in the livingroom it might be worth a try, but
certainly not worth the hassle for a bathroom.