Underneath the colors of the Tent of Tomorrow was the world's largest roadmap. Sponsored by Texaco, this giant facsimile of the Rand McNally map of New York state was composed of large squares of polished Terrazzo. The Map was one of the most popular features of the World's Fair, especially among residents of New York, who"walked the map" looking for their home town.  For the 1965 season, many more towns were added to the map at the request of fairgoers who noticed their town missing during the 1964 season.

Blueprint of the Terrazzo Map, showing tile grid. Each tile weighed 300 pounds, and was positioned into place with giant suction cups.

Fairgoers enjoy an evening concert under the roof of the Tent of Tomorrow.

Visitors to the Tent of Tomorrow "Walking the Map" looking for their home towns. 

To the right of this image is a cafeteria, situated among giant potted trees. To the left,

seated fairgoers await a live concert.                                                                                                                             Photo Courtesy of Randy Treadway

More map walkers, and one map napper, seated at right.                                   Photo Courtesy of  Bill Cotter/Randy Treadway

 In 1977, sections of the colorful roof began blowing off, due to lack of maintenence. The city

Parks Department decided to remove the roof, and workers smashed the panels loose causing them to crash

down onto the Terrazzo. This caused much chipping and cracking in the surface, and effectively removed all

protection from the elements.

By 1985, the rain and snow had already worn off the surface of the floor. In addition, the plywood sheets below the

Terrazzo began to warp, causing the giant tiles to crack.                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Photo courtesy of Anonymous

By 2007, weeds had grown through the cracks, and the lack of support from the long rotted plywood caused the slabs

 of Terrazzo to crumble.                                                                                                                                   Photo Cortesy of Anonymous