Historians use Turn of the 20th Century for the period encompassing
1880-1920. It is used both for the whole period and when a date is not
certain. It would be entirely appropriate for your photo. It is shorter and
more elegant than the awkward description: The end of the 19th century and
the beginning of the 20th century.
suzanne

On Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 7:45 PM, Melissa Diamanti <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> I know my original question about the use of the phrase "Turn of the 19th
> century" or "turn of the 20th century" to mean c.1900 would generate lively
> discussion and a few chuckles. But I'm not concerned in this case with
> whether the century in question began in January 1900 or January 1901. On
> the contrary, I'm looking for an easy way to refer something that is shown
> in a historic photograph.  the best I can pin it down is that the photo was
> taken some time between the 1880s and the 1910s. So I would like to use a
> vague term for the feature shown in the photo, like dating it to the "turn
> of the 20th century."  But it's the qualifier that has me stuck and looking
> for a consensus on how to use the term.Looking for a consensus among
> archaeologists?!?! I must be nuts.I'd still like to know what term others
> might use in a similar context. So, have at it.Meli
>