I think you're right - I've never seen it used for another century either.
suzanne

On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 10:40 AM, Lockhart, Bill <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Sorry to pop in so late.  I am on sabbatical this semester and only in the
> office periodically.
>
> I propose a paradigm shift in the way we are approaching this subject.
>  Historically, at least within my lifetime, the term "turn of the century"
> was ONLY tied to the shift from the 19th to the 20th century.
>
> Admittedly, my primary research focus is on the period between 1870 and ca.
> 1950, so there is some bias in my paradigm.  However, I do not recall seeing
> the term used historically for any other period -- including today.
>
> Thus, to me, the term would always indicate the shift between the 19th and
> 20th centuries and would not need any qualifiers.
>
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
> Bill Lockhart
> Professor of Sociology
> New Mexico State University
> Alamogordo, NM
> (575) 439-3732
>
>
> >>> Melissa Diamanti <[log in to unmask]> 8/19/2011 8:45 PM >>>
> 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
>