I use the phrase turn of the (X) century regularly. Unfortunately we have few dating tools that are absolute- pearlware, and wire nails for instance, can best be considered turn of the 19th and 20th c artifacts or, to mix it up, late 18th/early 19th or late 19th/early 20th. 
 

 

Carl Steen
 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Melissa Diamanti <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Fri, Aug 19, 2011 4:58 pm
Subject: Phrase Turn of the Century


I have a question about terminology or usage.The period around 1900 Ad used to 
be referred to simply as "the turn of the century."  Now that we have turned 
another century, it is necessary to specify which one.So, would the time around 
1900 Ad be the turn of the 19th century or the turn of the twentieth century?
This question is apparently unclear to many.  For example, the wikipedia entry 
on this topic is still being hashed out.  So what do the historians/historical 
archaeologists on this list recommend?
Meli Diamanti